International History Festival
The Castellan edition of the great history festival promoted by the University of Bologna
About History Festival
A widespread festival dedicated to history
The International History Festival is one of the most important European events for historical dissemination, conceived and directed by Professor Rolando Dondarini and promoted by the University of Bologna together with the Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Historical Research. Founded in Bologna in 2003, the Festival involves schools, associations, and public and private bodies every year in a grand collective narrative of the past, without sacrificing scientific rigor. Alongside the Bolognese heart, the event radiates into numerous Municipalities in the area: among these is Castel San Pietro Terme, a spa town in Emilia-Romagna on the Via Emilia, which hosts its own edition every year.
The Castel San Pietro Terme edition
The Castellan edition is organized by the Municipality of Castel San Pietro Terme in collaboration with the Terra Storia Memoria Cultural Association, the Pro Loco, and numerous local associations. For almost a month, the program enlivens the city's halls and venues with conferences, book presentations, exhibitions, theatrical performances, documentary screenings, and guided tours, all with free admission. The common thread is the link between memory, culture, and local identity: an opportunity to rediscover local history through diverse and accessible languages.
The themes explored
The program intertwines many facets of Castellan and national history:
- Railway history: the story of the Bologna–Imola steam tram, active between 1885 and 1935 along the Via Emilia.
- Peasant civilization: working mechanical models of ancient agricultural machinery.
- Jewish history: the Jewish presence in Castel San Pietro Terme between the 14th and 16th centuries.
- World War II: a series dedicated to the Resistance, the Gothic Line, the Battle of the Gaiana, and the role of women.
- Local history: dialect, traditions, food culture, and religious and architectural heritage.
The venues of the Festival
The events take place in various locations in the city: the Sala Sassi, the Valquaderna Social Center, the Teatro Cassero, the Osteria Grande Library, the Capuchin Friars' Convent, and other community spaces. This widespread presence is one of the distinctive features of the Festival, which brings history out of university classrooms and returns it to the citizens.
An event for the entire territory
With its local edition, Castel San Pietro Terme renews its connection with a cultural project that has made Bologna the "capital of History" and which for over twenty years has brought thousands of people closer to historical heritage, starting from the motto "Roots to fly." The History Festival is now one of the most anticipated cultural events of the Castellan spring.
History Festival — edition 2026
The XXII edition
The International History Festival 2026 in Castel San Pietro Terme, now in its XXII edition, offered for almost a month a program spread across numerous venues in the city, all with free admission.
The program
The opening, on Saturday, April 11 at 8:30 PM at Sala Sassi, was entrusted to the presentation of the book Un binario sulla Via Emilia, dedicated to the Bologna–Imola steam tram active between 1885 and 1935. This was followed by the exhibition of mechanical models Macchine agricole della civiltà contadina by Dino Naldi (April 13) and a conference on the Jewish presence in Castel San Pietro Terme between the 14th and 16th centuries (April 15).
A series of four events at the Centro Sociale Valquaderna (April 17, 24, May 1, and 8) was dedicated to World War II: local Resistance, the Gothic Line, the Battle of the Gaiana, and the role of women. The Festival also included a repeat presentation of the book at the Osteria Grande Library, the theatrical performance La regula dei terzi at the Teatro Cassero (May 2), and the meeting Il cibo fa storia. The closing, on Friday, May 8, featured a guided tour Un ponte tra passato e futuro to the ancient library of the Capuchin Friars' Convent.
Programme History Festival 2026
2026 Program (selection)
- Sat, April 11, 8:30 PM - Sala Sassi: Presentation of the book Un binario sulla Via Emilia (Bologna–Imola steam tram, 1885-1935).
- Mon, April 13 - Sala Sassi: Exhibition Macchine agricole della civiltà contadina, mechanical models by Dino Naldi.
- Wed, April 15 - Sala Sassi: Conference on the Jewish presence in Castel San Pietro Terme (14th-16th centuries).
- April 17, 24, May 1, and 8 - Centro Sociale Valquaderna: Series on World War II (Resistance, Gothic Line, Battle of the Gaiana, role of women).
- Tue, April 21 - Biblioteca di Osteria Grande: Repeat presentation of Un binario sulla Via Emilia.
- Sat, May 2 - Teatro Cassero: Theatrical performance La regula dei terzi (booking required).
- Sun, May 3 - Casa della Comunità: Meeting Il cibo fa storia, with the Accademia della Cucina.
- Fri, May 8 - Convento dei Frati Cappuccini: Guided tour Un ponte tra passato e futuro to the ancient library (booking required).
Highlights History Festival 2026
- XXII edition, all events free admission
- Series dedicated to World War II and the local Resistance
- The history of the Bologna–Imola steam tram along the Via Emilia
- Guided tour of the ancient library of the Capuchin Friars' Convent
Prices History Festival 2026
Practical information — History Festival
When
The Festival takes place in spring (generally between March/April and May). Events are spread over several weeks, in the evenings and afternoons.
Where
Castel San Pietro Terme (BO), Emilia-Romagna. Main venues: Sala Sassi, Centro Sociale Valquaderna, Teatro Cassero, Biblioteca di Osteria Grande, Convento dei Frati Cappuccini.
Admission
All events are free admission. Some events (theatrical performances, guided tours) require booking.
How to get here
Castel San Pietro Terme is easily accessible along the Via Emilia (SS9) and from the A14 motorway (Castel San Pietro Terme exit). The train station is served by the Bologna–Rimini line.
Information and bookings
Culture and Tourism Service of the Municipality: tel. 051 6954112 / 159 / 150 - [email protected]. For bookings: Pro Loco Castel San Pietro Terme, tel. 051 6951379.
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Where does it take place — History Festival
Sala Sassi e sedi varie del territorio