International Templar Festival
History, mysteries, and legends of the Order of the Temple in the heart of Alessandria
About Templar Festival
A journey into the myth of the Knights Templar
The International Templar Festival is a cultural highlight that transforms Alessandria, in the heart of Piedmont, into Italy's capital of Templar history every summer. Created to provide a serious yet accessible voice to one of the most fascinating and controversial chivalric orders of the Middle Ages, the festival is defined by its unique format: the lecture-performance, which fuses historical discourse with live music, theatre, and historical re-enactment.
Scientific and artistic direction
The event is directed by medievalist and essayist Simonetta Cerrini, one of the leading specialists on the Order of the Temple, alongside playwright and singer-songwriter Gian Piero Alloisio. Each year, they craft a programme that balances the rigour of academic research with the pleasure of storytelling, involving historians, philosophers, actors, and musicians. Past editions have featured prominent figures in international medieval studies, from Franco Cardini to Barbara Frale, and Antonio Musarra to Julien Théry.
The setting: the San Francesco Complex
The main venue is the San Francesco Convent Complex, a jewel of Alessandria’s historical and artistic heritage, whose halls and cloisters offer the perfect atmosphere for immersing oneself in the medieval era. Over the years, the festival has also animated other iconic city landmarks, such as Piazza Santa Maria di Castello, Palazzo Cuttica, and the Palatium Vetus, weaving together culture and urban revitalisation.
Between history and legend
The festival explores the Templar adventure from every angle: from the founding of the Order in 1120 to the dramatic trial orchestrated by Philip the Fair in 1307, and the countless legends surrounding the Temple's treasure and their legacy in contemporary pop culture—from Hollywood cinema to the novels of Umberto Eco, a distinguished citizen of Alessandria. It strikes a rare balance between scientific outreach and the fascination of mystery.
An event for everyone
Admission to the lecture-performances is free until capacity is reached, reflecting the festival's educational mission, supported by the City of Alessandria and local institutions. Alongside the main events, the programme often includes guided tours of the city's heritage, book presentations, and deep-dive sessions dedicated to Italian and European Templar sites.
Templar Festival — edition 2026
The 6th edition of the International Templar Festival takes place on July 3-4, 2026, at the San Francesco Convent Complex in Alessandria. The chosen theme, "Saint Francis, the Templars, the sacred, and power", brings the Order of the Temple and the 'Poverello' of Assisi into dialogue, investigating the conflicts between the sacred and power that led to the accusations of 1307. The edition coincides with the Jubilee Year for the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis.
The programme features four lecture-performances that alternate between historical reports, theatrical moments, and live music. Topics include: the meaning of Solomon's Temple, the persecution orchestrated by Philip the Fair, representations of the Antichrist, and the nature of the sacred and power.
Programme Templar Festival 2026
Friday, July 3
- 16:30-18:30 - Lecture-performance "Saint Francis and the Templars", featuring Franco Cardini (Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa), Simonetta Cerrini, Julien Théry (University of Lyon II), Antonio Musarra (Sapienza University of Rome), and other scholars.
- 21:00-23:00 - Lecture-performance "The Templars, the Antichrist, the sacred, and power".
Saturday, July 4
- 16:30-18:30 - Historical-artistic roundtable on the books Il mondo secondo Francesco d'Assisi by Antonio Musarra (il Mulino, 2026) and La Passione dei Templari by Simonetta Cerrini (Mondadori, 2025).
- 21:00-23:00 - Lecture-performance "The Templars, the Enemy, the sacred, and power", with theatre companies.
Guided tours
Organised by ASM Costruire Insieme, guided tours of the San Francesco Convent Complex are available on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, from 15:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 20:00 (full price 6 euros, reduced 3.50 euros). On Saturday, July 4, there will be an extraordinary opening of the art galleries from 10:00 to 12:30.
Highlights Templar Festival 2026
Prices Templar Festival 2026
Practical information — Templar Festival
Location
San Francesco Convent Complex, Alessandria (Province of Alessandria, Piedmont). Some events may take place at other locations in the historic centre.
Getting there
By train: Alessandria station is a major railway hub with excellent connections to Turin, Milan, and Genoa. By car: A21 and A26 motorway exits. The historic centre is within walking distance of the station.
Admission
Lecture-performances are free to attend until capacity is reached. Guided tours of the Complex require a ticket (full price 6 euros, reduced 3.50 euros).
Tip
Arrive early: seating for the lectures is limited and the event attracts a large audience.
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Where does it take place — Templar Festival
Complesso conventuale di San Francesco
Via San Francesco d'Assisi, 15121 Alessandria