L'Estate di Isabella

The village that becomes a theatre

L'Estate di Isabella is the summer festival that has been enlivening Valsinni for over thirty years, a village in the Province of Matera made famous by the figure of the Renaissance poetess Isabella Morra. Organised by the Pro Loco of Valsinni as part of the Isabella Morra Literary Park, the event transforms the village's alleys and castle into a large open-air stage.

Travelling performances among the stones

The programme alternates travelling theatre performances and storytelling that bring the poetess's story and the village's history back to life. Among the most popular events are: "Il Borgo Racconta", a narrative journey through jesters and storytellers; "Isabella: le voci del borgo", in which popular characters recount Isabella's tragic story; and "Benedetto Croce a Valsinni", which recalls the philosopher's visit in 1928. To top it off, the videomapping "Io Isabella" projected on the castle walls.

Supper clubs under the stars

Not just theatre: L'Estate di Isabella also offers supper clubs under the stars, evening dinners featuring traditional Lucanian cuisine, in an atmosphere suspended between history and poetry. Over the years, the festival has established itself as an unmissable event for residents and visitors alike, capable of uniting generations through concerts, performances, literary encounters, and conviviality.

Isabella Morra, immortal voice

Living in the 16th century and murdered at just twenty-five, Isabella Morra is one of the most intense voices in Italian poetry. The Literary Park and L'Estate di Isabella preserve her memory, restoring the village of Valsinni to its romantic and literary charm.