Hidden Gardens
The distributed festival that opens the secret courtyards of Civitanova Alta
About Hidden Gardens
A village that opens its secrets
Hidden Gardens is the distributed festival that every spring transforms the historic center of Civitanova Alta, the medieval and hilly part of the Municipality of Civitanova Marche, in the province of Macerata. For a few days in May, private gardens, internal courtyards, historic buildings, and normally inaccessible corners are opened to the public and become settings for artistic performances, installations, concerts, dance shows, book presentations, and moments of shared reflection.
A different theme every year
What makes the festival recognizable is the choice of a common thread that runs through all the initiatives. After the editions dedicated to care (2024) and the gift of kindness (2025), the 2026 edition focused on the word, with the subtitle 'Sewing words' inspired by the verse from Ecclesiastes 'there is a time to be silent and a time to speak'. Each year the theme shapes workshops, exhibitions, readings, and performances, built together with schools, associations, and the inhabitants of the village.
From courtyards to historic palaces
The map of Hidden Gardens grows from edition to edition: it went from a handful of locations to dozens of gardens and open spaces in recent editions, up to the 35 courtyards of the 2026 edition. Among the symbolic places are the Capuchin Friars' Garden, the San Francesco Multimedia Space, the Annibal Caro Theater, and the squares of the historic center, where photographic exhibitions, installations, and tributes to local artists are held.
A community celebration
Promoted by the association APS Sentinelle del Mattino with the patronage of the Municipality of Civitanova Marche and the collaboration of cultural entities such as the Pinacoteca Civica Moretti, the Azienda dei Teatri, the FAI, and numerous schools and associations, Hidden Gardens is much more than a tourist event: it is an opportunity to put relationships, listening, and care for places back at the center. Admission is free and the atmosphere is that of a large village festival of art and encounters.
Why it's worth it
- Visit private gardens and courtyards otherwise closed to the public.
- Discover Civitanova Alta, one of the most charming villages on the Marche coast.
- Attend shows, concerts, and installations in unusual places.
- Participate for free in an event designed for families and curious people of all ages.
Hidden Gardens — edition 2026
The 2026 edition confirmed the festival's growth, reaching 35 gardens and open spaces in the historic center of Civitanova Alta. For the first time, the event was spread over several days, with three pre-festival days (May 21-23) leading up to the theme, and the main day on Sunday, May 24.
The common thread 'the word' ran through workshops, editorial presentations, photographic exhibitions, and performances. Among the events were the extraordinary opening of the Capuchin Friars' Garden (in the year of the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis' death) and tributes to local artists like Magdalo Mussio, at the San Francesco Multimedia Space.
Programme Hidden Gardens 2026
Thursday, May 21 (pre-festival)
- 9:00 PM — Capuchin Friars' Garden: 'Pictorial Canticle', performance with Primigenia Folk Lab and artist Paola Tassetti.
Friday, May 22 (pre-festival)
- 9:00 PM — Via Aurora: 'Libera Idea', artistic residency with 'Femministe Selvagge' and Lucia Tancredi.
Saturday, May 23 (pre-festival)
- 10:00 AM — Capuchin Friars' Garden: meeting with friar Pietro Maranesi on Saint Francis.
- 4:00 PM — Via Porta Zoppa: meeting on medieval Civitas Nova.
- 6:00 PM — San Francesco Multimedia Space: tribute to Magdalo Mussio twenty years after his death.
Sunday, May 24 (main day)
- Opening of the 35 gardens, courtyards, and spaces in the village with exhibitions, installations, musical and dance performances, book presentations, and workshops.
- New itinerary dedicated to the Borgo Casette and installations in Piazza della Libertà.
- Exhibition dedicated to Magdalo Mussio and projects created with local schools.
Highlights Hidden Gardens 2026
Prices Hidden Gardens 2026
Practical information — Hidden Gardens
Where
Historic center of Civitanova Alta, the upper and medieval part of the Municipality of Civitanova Marche (MC), in the Marche region. The gardens and courtyards involved are indicated from time to time on a map distributed in the village.
How to get there
By car: exit Civitanova Marche-Macerata from the A14, then drive up towards the upper town (parking near the historic center). By train: Civitanova Marche-Montegranaro station on the Adriatic line, then a connection to Civitanova Alta. A shuttle service from the lower town may be provided during the event.
Admission
Free. For some indoor events (such as theater performances), booking may be recommended.
Information
The program and map of the gardens are distributed via the festival's official Instagram profile and materials distributed in the village.
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Where does it take place — Hidden Gardens
Centro storico di Civitanova Alta