Horses Under the Tower

An equestrian gala in the heart of the village

Horses Under the Tower is the equestrian event that brings Fiano Romano to life every summer. Located in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region, just outside the Tiber Valley, the event takes place in Piazza Caduti di Nassirya, right at the foot of the great Castello Orsini tower. For a few evenings, the square is transformed into an arena with grandstands, lighting, and sound systems, becoming a landmark event that has built a loyal following well beyond the municipal borders.

The event is organized by the A.S.D. Cavalli sotto la Torre association with the patronage of the Municipality of Fiano Romano, and is part of the Estate Fianese program, which brings theater, music, readings, and festivities to the historic center from June to September.

What to expect in the arena

The common thread of the evenings is the profound relationship between people, the territory, and the horse. The program alternates technical demonstrations, spectacular performances, and historical re-enactments, with horses of numerous breeds engaged in diverse disciplines:

• High School and in-hand work, featuring classic figures of academic equitation
• Liberty performances, without reins or saddles, based on a bond of trust with the human
• Vaulting and acrobatic numbers, often featuring young performers
• Historical carriages and driving: in the past, the event has also hosted a delegation of Lipizzaners from the State Stud managed by CREA
• Quadrilles, carousels, and choral moments of great scenic impact

The narrative is guided by the voice of speaker Nico Belloni, who oversees the artistic direction of the evenings and explains the action in the arena to the audience—a choice that makes the event accessible even to those with no prior experience in the equestrian world.

Italian and international artists

Over the years, the festival has hosted prominent companies and riders from the European equestrian scene, with a significant presence of Spanish artists and participation from teams linked to major touring equestrian shows. Alongside professionals, there is space for local groups, regional riding schools, and acts specifically designed for children, such as pony and mini-horse performances, which are always among the most applauded moments of the evening.

A free event for families

One of the most appreciated features of Horses Under the Tower is that it is free of charge: the public has free access to the grandstands set up in the square, subject to availability. The evenings take place at night, when the summer temperatures in inland Lazio become more pleasant, making it a perfect family outing, with nearby dining options and the chance to get close to the horses and artists at the end of the show, in accordance with the organizers' guidelines.

Focus on animal welfare

The organizers have always insisted on one point: no performance should come at the expense of the horse. The shows are designed to highlight the collaborative relationship between rider and animal, with limited working times, suitable surfaces, and sustainable climatic conditions. It is also for this reason that, in some editions, the date has been moved in the calendar to avoid the hottest evenings.

Fiano Romano, a village to discover

Visitors arriving for the gala will find a village well worth exploring: Castello Orsini, the monumental heart of the town and a hub for cultural initiatives throughout the summer; the historic center with its alleys and squares; and a strategic location just a few kilometers from the Tiber and less than an hour from Rome. The northern Roman province, between the Sabina and Tiber valleys, also offers oil, cheeses, and traditional peasant cuisine that pair perfectly with an evening of open-air entertainment.