In the Time of the Gods: Archaeology, Theatre, and Dance
The event season at the Libarna Archaeological Area, featuring guided walks, classical theatre, music, and dance
About In the Time of the Gods - Libarna
Libarna comes back to life
At the foot of the Apennines, in the municipality of Serravalle Scrivia in the Province of Alessandria, lie the hidden ruins of Libarna, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Piedmont. Along the Via Postumia, which connected Genoa to Aquileia, once stood a theatre, an amphitheatre, a forum, and entire residential districts. Every year, from April to September, the "In the Time of the Gods: Archaeology, Theatre, and Dance" festival breathes new life into this extraordinary heritage with a calendar of events that blends scientific research with live performance.
A multidisciplinary programme
The strength of the festival lies in its variety. The archaeological walks, led by archaeologists and university professors, guide visitors through the daily life of ancient Libarna, with thematic stops dedicated to water, roses, and the gladiators of the amphitheatre. Workshops for families and schools, such as "Archeogiochiamo a Libarna", turn history into an engaging game for children.
The heart of the season is "Classici in Scaena", the classical theatre festival that brings local high school students to the stage with productions of Euripides, Aristophanes, Ovid, and other ancient authors. These are complemented by concerts, conferences, and, a recent addition, contemporary dance with "MicroDanze" during the European Heritage Days.
Between archaeology and performance
The late summer event is particularly evocative, when the archaeological site serves as the backdrop for the "Sunset Concert", as the warm evening light envelops the ancient stones. The initiative is born from the collaboration between the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Piedmont, the Municipality of Serravalle Scrivia, and the Libarna Arteventi Association, with the aim of promoting a site often less known than Italy's major archaeological destinations.
An experience for everyone
- Guided walks with archaeology experts
- Classical theatre in the Roman amphitheatre
- Sunset concerts and live music
- Educational workshops for children and families
- Contemporary dance performances
Many events offer free admission; reservations are required for educational workshops and some performances. A cultural proposal that makes Libarna, and Eastern Piedmont, a destination to discover between spring and autumn.
In the Time of the Gods - Libarna โ edition 2026
The 2026 season at the Libarna Archaeological Area in Serravalle Scrivia (AL) offers a rich and varied calendar from April to September, organized by the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Piedmont with the Municipality and the Libarna Arteventi Association. The programme alternates between guided walks led by archaeologists and university professors, classical theatre performances in the amphitheatre, concerts, conferences, and workshops for schools and families. Many events are free, with mandatory reservations for educational workshops and some performances.
Programme In the Time of the Gods - Libarna 2026
Saturday, April 11 - "Stories of Water"
- 3:00 pm - Archaeological walk exploring the forms of water in ancient Libarna, with archaeologists and university professors
Saturday, May 16 - "Rosa, Rosae - Archaeology of the Rose"
- 3:00 pm - Guided tour with the participation of students from the G. Peano High School
Saturday, May 23 - "Archeogiochiamo a Libarna"
- 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm - Family workshops dedicated to weaving and wool processing in the Roman world, with mascots Ambrosina and Atilius and historical re-enactors
June 3-4 - "An Ancient Present - Classici in Scaena VI"
Classical theatre festival featuring local high school students:
- Amaldi High School (Novi Ligure) - The Clouds by Aristophanes
- Peano High School (Tortona) - Satyricon by Petronius
- IIS Umberto Eco (Alessandria) - The Bacchae by Euripides
- IIS C. Balbo (Casale Monferrato) - Lysistrata by Aristophanes
- IIS Parodi (Acqui Terme) - Heroides by Ovid
- IIS Duchessa di Galliera (Genoa) - The Assemblywomen by Aristophanes
Saturday, June 13 - European Archaeology Days
- Guided walks and educational activities in the archaeological area
Saturday, August 29 - "History of a Theatre" and "Sunset Concert"
- 4:30 pm - "History of a Theatre" conference
- 6:30 pm - "Sunset Concert" with the Classical Orchestra of Alessandria
Saturday, September 26 - European Heritage Days and "MicroDanze"
- Contemporary dance performance "MicroDanze" by the Radic'Arte Association in collaboration with the National Dance Foundation / Aterballetto
The calendar may be enriched with further events during the season: updates on scoprilibarna.it.
Highlights In the Time of the Gods - Libarna 2026
Prices In the Time of the Gods - Libarna 2026
Practical information — In the Time of the Gods - Libarna
How to get there
The Libarna Archaeological Area is located at Via Arquata 63 in Serravalle Scrivia (AL), just south of Novi Ligure. By car: Serravalle Scrivia motorway exit (A7 Milan-Genoa). By train: Serravalle Scrivia or Arquata Scrivia station on the Genoa-Milan/Turin line.
Site opening hours
From April to September (excluding August): weekdays 8:15 am - 5:15 pm (last entry 4:30 pm), holidays 9:45 am - 6:45 pm (last entry 6:00 pm).
Tickets and reservations
Many events in the festival are free. Reservations are mandatory for educational workshops and some performances. Information: tel. +39 329 6484707, website scoprilibarna.it.
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Where does it take place โ In the Time of the Gods - Libarna
Area Archeologica di Libarna
Via Arquata 63, 15069 Serravalle Scrivia