festivalfilosofia
Three days of philosophy spread through the squares and Baroque palaces of Sassuolo
About festivalfilosofia
A festival that makes an entire city think
festivalfilosofia is much more than a series of conferences: it is an event that, every year in mid-September, transforms the historic centers of Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo into one large open-air classroom. Founded in 2001 on the initiative of Michelina Borsari, it is now among the most attended philosophy events in Europe, with over one hundred thousand participants at each edition. Everything is free, accessible, and spread throughout the city's spaces.
Sassuolo, one of the festival's three cities
In Sassuolo, in the province of Modena, in Emilia-Romagna, the festival focuses around the scenic Piazzale della Rosa, the square that opens onto the Ducal Palace, one of the most important Baroque residences in northern Italy, commissioned by Francesco I d'Este and now managed by the Este Galleries. During the three days, masterclasses are held here, while the Ducal Palace and the nearby Church of San Francesco in Rocca exceptionally open their halls for free exhibitions and installations. The Municipality of Sassuolo is one of the historic co-organizers of the event.
How the festival works
The heart of the event is the masterclasses: about fifty lectures entrusted to major figures in Italian and international philosophy and culture, each dedicated to a facet of the year's theme. Around these, a rich creative program unfolds:
- Exhibitions and installations in the historic palaces and museums of the three cities
- Live performances and concerts in the squares
- Games and workshops for children, teenagers, and families
- Themed films and screenings
- The famous philosophical dinners, special menus served in partner restaurants inspired by the word of the year
A different theme every year
Each edition of festivalfilosofia revolves around a single keyword, chosen to interpret the present through the tools of thought. After "Paideia" in 2025, the 2026 edition will be dedicated to "Chaos", understood not only as disorder but as a generative principle, a force capable of opening new possibilities for thought in the face of the environmental, political, scientific, and technological crises of our time.
Why visit Sassuolo
Participating in festivalfilosofia in Sassuolo means experiencing philosophy in a unique setting: you move from a lecture in the square to a contemporary art exhibition in the frescoed halls of the Ducal Palace, from an installation to a workshop for children. It is an experience that combines high-level dissemination, discovery of the Este Baroque heritage, and conviviality, in one of the most vibrant cities of the Emilia ceramic district.
festivalfilosofia — edition 2026
For 2026, festivalfilosofia chooses the word "Chaos": a theme that spans physics, cosmology, politics, and the psyche, explored not only as disorder but as a generative principle capable of opening new possibilities for thought. The 26th edition will take place on Friday, September 18, Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo, with nearly two hundred free events. A new feature this year is the Lectio Michelina Borsari, dedicated to the festival's founder and entrusted to a young philosopher or author under 35.
Programme festivalfilosofia 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition on the theme "Chaos" is under development and will be published on the official website in the weeks preceding the event.
Usual festival structure in Sassuolo
- Masterclasses in Piazzale della Rosa, entrusted to major figures in Italian and international philosophical thought, each dedicated to a facet of the "Chaos" theme
- Exhibitions and installations in the halls of the Ducal Palace of Sassuolo (Gallerie Estensi) and the Church of San Francesco in Rocca, with extraordinary free openings
- Live performances, films, and workshops for all ages, including the program for children and young people
- Philosophical dinners in partner restaurants, with menus inspired by the word of the year
The names of the speakers, schedules, and exhibitions will be announced with the full program in the weeks before the festival.
Highlights festivalfilosofia 2026
The theme "Chaos" and the first edition of the Lectio Michelina Borsari, dedicated to the festival's founder and entrusted to an author under 35. In Sassuolo, the masterclasses in Piazzale della Rosa and the extraordinary openings of the Ducal Palace.
Prices festivalfilosofia 2026
Practical information — festivalfilosofia
How to get there
Sassuolo is connected to Modena by the Modena-Sassuolo suburban railway line and by intercity buses; by car, it can be reached from the SS467 or the ring road, with the Modena Sud exit on the A1 motorway. The festival venues are concentrated around Piazzale della Rosa, in the historic center, and are reachable on foot.
Admission and tickets
Admission to all festival events (masterclasses, exhibitions, performances, workshops) is completely free and open, subject to availability.
Practical advice
For the most anticipated masterclasses, it is advisable to arrive well in advance: Piazzale della Rosa fills up quickly. It is recommended to consult the full program on the official website to plan travel between Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo. Philosophical dinners require reservations at participating restaurants.
Information
Consortium for festivalfilosofia, tel. +39 059 2033382, [email protected]. URP Municipality of Sassuolo, Via del Pretorio 18, tel. +39 0536 880801.
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Where does it take place — festivalfilosofia
Piazzale della Rosa
Piazzale della Rosa, 41049 Sassuolo