In the Footsteps of Music and Spirituality
A festival of sacred, operatic, and singer-songwriter music between the Pontifical Church and Piazza della Libertà
About In the Footsteps of Music and Spirituality
Music and spirituality in the hills of the Castelli Romani
"In the Footsteps of Music and Spirituality" is the summer festival that brings Castel Gandolfo to life, an elegant village overlooking Lake Albano in the Metropolitan City of Rome. From June 27 to July 12, 2026, eight free concerts transform the historic center into a widespread stage, spanning from the solemn Pontifical Church of San Tommaso da Villanova to the open Piazza della Libertà. A musical journey that combines spiritual reflection with grand spectacle, promoted by the Municipality of Castel Gandolfo together with the Pontifical Parish and supported by the Lazio Region.
Three weekends, eight events
The festival unfolds over three weekends. The first, on June 27 and 28, takes place within the sacred spaces of the Pontifical Church designed by Bernini: it opens with "Neverending – A journey between the Word and music," featuring works by Caccini, Mozart, Verdi, and Bizet, and continues in the crypt with the "Made in Italy Concert" for solo accordion. The second weekend, from July 3 to 5, brings music outdoors to Piazza della Libertà, while the third, on July 11 and 12, alternates a musical fairy tale for families, a piano recital, and the final Opera Gala.
From sacred music to singer-songwriter classics
The program flows naturally between different genres: sacred and Baroque music, Pergolesi's comic opera "La Serva Padrona," a tribute to Fabrizio De André by the band "I Faberi," the guitar ensemble of the "L. Refice" Conservatory of Frosinone, and arias from the classic Neapolitan tradition. A range that speaks as much to classical music enthusiasts as it does to the public enjoying summer evenings in the square.
A village between popes and the lake
Castel Gandolfo has been the summer residence of the popes for centuries, and this bond with the history of the Church gives the festival a unique character, capable of intertwining the spiritual dimension with the civic and cultural life of the Castelli Romani area. The evenings, all with free admission, are designed as an opportunity to experience the village on summer nights, amidst the panorama of Lake Albano and the alleys of the historic center.
A local event
The event is part of the cultural programming of the Municipality of Castel Gandolfo and benefits from the contribution of the Lazio Region for the enhancement of cultural heritage. The collaboration with the Pontifical Parish of San Tommaso da Villanova allows the public to access places of great artistic and symbolic value, from the Berninian church to its crypt.
In the Footsteps of Music and Spirituality — edition 2026
The 2026 edition
From June 27 to July 12, 2026, "In the Footsteps of Music and Spirituality" offers eight free concerts in Castel Gandolfo, spread over three weekends. The festival alternates between the sacred spaces of the Pontifical Church of San Tommaso da Villanova and its crypt, the outdoor atmosphere of Piazza della Libertà, and the Municipal Council Hall.
The program combines sacred music, comic opera, singer-songwriter classics, a piano recital, and a musical fairy tale for families, leading up to the final Opera Gala on July 12. Promoted by the Municipality of Castel Gandolfo with the Pontifical Parish and the support of the Lazio Region, the edition has seen a large public turnout during the evenings in the square.
Programme In the Footsteps of Music and Spirituality 2026
First weekend – June 27 and 28
- Saturday, June 27, 8:30 PM – Pontifical Church of San Tommaso da Villanova: "Neverending – A journey between the Word and music," with music by Caccini, Mozart, Verdi, and Bizet.
- Sunday, June 28, 8:30 PM – Crypt of the Pontifical Church: "Made in Italy Concert," concert for solo accordion with Marco Lo Russo Rouge.
Second weekend – July 3 to 5, Piazza della Libertà (9:00 PM)
- Friday, July 3 – "E-Cetra" guitar ensemble, students of the "L. Refice" Conservatory of Frosinone directed by Maestro Eugenio Becherucci.
- Saturday, July 4 – Tribute to Fabrizio De André with the band "I Faberi".
- Sunday, July 5 – "La Serva Padrona" by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, orchestra conducted by Maestro Alessandro Cedrone, directed by Luca Mascolo.
Third weekend – July 11 and 12
- Saturday, July 11, 5:30 PM – Piazza della Libertà: "The Legend of the Beautiful Nymph," a musical fairy tale for families and children by the "Il Torrione" Academy of Arts.
- Saturday, July 11, 8:30 PM – Municipal Council Hall: "Sentieri," piano recital by Maestro Gianluigi Daniele.
- Sunday, July 12, 9:00 PM – Piazza della Libertà: Final Opera Gala with opera arias and melodies from the classic Neapolitan tradition.
Highlights In the Footsteps of Music and Spirituality 2026
- Eight free concerts spread over three weekends
- Opening in the Pontifical Church of San Tommaso da Villanova, a Berninian masterpiece
- Comic opera "La Serva Padrona" by Pergolesi
- Tribute to Fabrizio De André and final Opera Gala
Prices In the Footsteps of Music and Spirituality 2026
Practical information — In the Footsteps of Music and Spirituality
Location
The events are held in Castel Gandolfo (ZIP 00073), in the Metropolitan City of Rome, between the Pontifical Church of San Tommaso da Villanova, its crypt, the Municipal Council Hall, and Piazza della Libertà.
How to get there
By car from Rome along the Via Appia or the A1 motorway (Monte Porzio Catone exit), in about 40 minutes. By train via the regional line FL4 Rome Termini–Albano Laziale, Castel Gandolfo stop.
Tickets
All concerts have free admission, subject to availability.
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Where does it take place — In the Footsteps of Music and Spirituality
Chiesa Pontificia di San Tommaso da Villanova