The travelling storytelling festival through the villages of the Comino Valley
The Festival of Stories is one of the most original cultural events in southern Lazio: a widespread, travelling festival dedicated to the art of storytelling. Every year, during the final days of August, it brings seven villages in the Comino Valley, in the province of Frosinone, to life. The town of Alvito serves as its beating heart and historical base: it is home to the organizing association and hosts some of the most anticipated appointments within the evocative setting of the Alvito Castle, the ancient Cantelmo fortress that overlooks the village.
Each day of the festival takes place in a different town in the valley, allowing the public to follow the stories while moving between San Donato, Gallinaro, Settefrati, Casalvieri, Picinisco, Alvito, and Atina. The format is that of live storytelling: writers, journalists, historians, athletes, people of faith, and artists take turns on stage to share their stories in a continuous dialogue with the audience. These are not academic lectures, but living words born from the connection between the narrator and the listener.
In Alvito, the event finds its most scenic setting. The Alvito Castle and the most characteristic corners of the village, such as the Old Washhouse (Vecchio Lavatoio), become open-air theaters for a full day of meetings, from morning until late at night. The major evening events are accompanied by FestivaLab workshops, featuring botanical walks, read-aloud sessions, and experiences dedicated to the spoken and heard word.
The 17th edition, scheduled for the last week of August 2026, is dedicated to the Canticle of the Creatures by Saint Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of the famous text. A theme that invites reflection on the relationship between man, creation, and nature, in perfect harmony with the pristine landscapes of the Comino Valley, nestled between the Frosinone area and the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park.
Experiencing the Festival of Stories also means discovering a still-authentic corner of Lazio, made of medieval villages, genuine gastronomy, and lush nature. The Comino Valley is a land of typical products, from the famous Prosciutto di Guarcino to mountain cheeses, and the event becomes the ideal opportunity to combine culture and slow tourism, between a story and a walk through the alleys of Alvito. Admission to all events is free.
In 2026, the Festival of Stories celebrates its 17th edition, dedicated to the Canticle of the Creatures by Saint Francis of Assisi, 800 years after its composition. The travelling festival crosses the villages of the Comino Valley in the last week of August, with its highlight day in Alvito.
On August 27, a first FestivaLab appointment is scheduled at the Old Washhouse in Alvito, while on August 28, the Alvito Castle hosts an intense day of meetings with writers, journalists, and witnesses, from morning until evening. All events have free admission.
By car: from Rome or Naples, take the A1 motorway, exit at Pontecorvo or Cassino, then continue towards the Comino Valley and Alvito. The village is about 40 minutes from Cassino.
All festival events have free admission.
The events are held outdoors, between the castle and the village squares: comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through the uphill alleys. During the festival days, it is advisable to book accommodation in the farmhouses and B&Bs of the Comino Valley well in advance.
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Castello di Alvito
Via Marcori 10, 03041 Alvito