Francesco – Sulle vie del cuore

Saint Francis as a paradigm of fraternity

From July 12 to 17, 2026, San Fele — a picturesque village in the Vulture-Melfese area, province of Potenza, famous for its waterfalls and ranked fourth in the Borgo dei Borghi 2026 competition — becomes the stage for 'Francesco – Sulle vie del cuore'. This is a special project, presented at the Chamber of Deputies, which reinterprets the figure of Saint Francis of Assisi as a paradigm of fraternity, dialogue with the marginalized, and environmental, cultural, social, and community sustainability.

Theatre, training, and walking

The festival blends various languages: theatrical performance, inclusive workshops, and poetic walks in nature. The heart of the event is the play 'Francesco', directed by and starring Francesco Branchetti, with the participation of Lorenzo Flaherty and Barbara De Rossi, performed at the Chiesa Madre Madonna della Quercia. The artistic direction is by Mario Esposito.

A widespread programme

• Theatrical performance 'Francesco' with national-level actors;
• Inclusive theatre workshops 'Atleti di Dio – il viaggio degli eroi' (Athletes of God – the journey of heroes), also aimed at immigrant residents to foster inclusion and community cohesion;
• The poetic walk 'Sorella Acqua' (Sister Water), which connects theatre, poetry, and landscape starting from Pierno.

Culture and community in Vulture

As part of the initiatives for the eighth centenary of Saint Francis's death and supported by the Ministry of Culture, 'Francesco – Sulle vie del cuore' brings a nationally significant cultural proposal to San Fele, capable of uniting great theatre, social commitment, and the enhancement of the Lucanian territory. An opportunity to discover an authentic and charming village, steeped in faith, art, and nature.