Le Lande Incantate
The village and castle of Vicalvi transformed into a realm of history and fantasy
About Le Lande Incantate
A village turned into an enchanted realm
For one weekend in June, Vicalvi, a small hilltop village in the Comino Valley (Frosinone province), transforms into a world caught between reality and legend. Le Lande Incantate is a historical-fantasy re-enactment launched in 2024 by the Vicalvi Pro Loco in collaboration with the L'Ordine degli Elementi cultural association and under the patronage of the Municipality of Vicalvi. In just three editions, it has become one of the most recognizable events in the Ciociaria region, drawing visitors from across the province, the Lazio region, and neighboring areas.
The Castle of Vicalvi, the heart of the festival
The absolute star is the medieval castle that dominates the village and the entire valley, standing as one of the most evocative symbols of the Comino Valley. During the festival, the fortress opens to the public with guided tours—including daytime, evening, and ghost-themed options—and serves as a backdrop for storytelling, performances, and games. The festival also carries a cultural and civic dimension: in 2026, the conference "The Medieval Castle of Vicalvi and its village: History, development, and future prospects" brought together local and regional officials in Piazza Belvedere to discuss the restoration of the fortress as a driver for local development.
Between historical re-enactment and fantasy
Over sixty costumed performers—knights, ladies, commoners, warriors, and mythological creatures—animate the alleys, squares, and paths. The inaugural historical pageant winds through the village up to the castle; along the way, visitors encounter medieval encampments, duels, falconry displays, archery and crossbow demonstrations, historical weapon exhibits, ancient games, and workshops on medieval calligraphy and period hairstyling. The fantasy element comes alive in the 'Vicolo dei Mostri' (Alley of Monsters), mythological trails, fortune tellers, and an augmented reality escape room set within the castle walls, a signature creation of L'Ordine degli Elementi.
Performances, music, and flavors
The program alternates between theatrical performances, animated readings for children by the Librìza association, minstrels, fire-eaters, and street artists. The soundtrack is provided by Celtic and Nordic-inspired concerts: in 2026, the stage featured the bands 50 Celt and Runark, while in 2025, the festival hosted the folk band EMIAN. Gastronomy is also a highlight, with artisan stalls, typical products from the Comino Valley, and tastings of traditional recipes like the 'zuppa di pane' (bread soup), served in collaboration with the Pro Loco of Fontechiari.
A community festival in the Comino Valley
Le Lande Incantate is, above all, a grassroots project for regional promotion: the Pro Loco, led by Nicoletta Pesce, the Municipality, and a network of associations—Post Fata Resurgo, I Corvi di Giano, and the Pro Locos of Settefrati and Fontechiari—work together to showcase the village. A symbol of this is the permanent 'Vicoli Parlanti' (Talking Alleys) installation, inaugurated in 2026, which displays the banners of the historic Cantelmo, D'Aquino, Navarro, and De Cardona families. In the heart of southern Lazio, the festival is also an invitation to discover one of the most authentic territories of the Ciociaria.
Le Lande Incantate — edition 2026
The third edition: the village becomes an enchanted land
On June 20 and 21, 2026, Vicalvi hosted the third edition of Le Lande Incantate, organized by the Pro Loco led by Nicoletta Pesce in collaboration with the L'Ordine degli Elementi association, the Municipality, and partners including Post Fata Resurgo, I Corvi di Giano, and the Pro Locos of Settefrati and Fontechiari. The village and castle transformed into a world suspended between history and legend, attracting visitors from the province of Frosinone, Lazio, and neighboring regions.
Re-enactment, performances, and institutions
The historical pageant featuring nobles, commoners, and mythological creatures opened the event, followed by medieval encampments, falconry displays, historical games, guided tours of the fortress, and theatrical performances directed by Simone Ignagni. On Saturday, June 20, in Piazza Belvedere, the conference 'The Medieval Castle of Vicalvi and its village: History, development, and future prospects' brought together mayors and administrators, the president of the Frosinone-Latina Chamber of Commerce Giovanni Acampora, and the regional budget councillor Giancarlo Righini. The 'Vicoli Parlanti' installation was also inaugurated, featuring the banners of the historic Cantelmo, D'Aquino, Navarro, and De Cardona families. The event concluded with a choral performance of 'O Fortuna' from Carmina Burana, directed by Nicole Riggi.
Programme Le Lande Incantate 2026
Saturday, June 20
- From 4:30 PM — Opening of the Lande: medieval encampments, artisan workshops, and entertainment in the village
- Inaugural historical pageant with nobles, commoners, costumed performers, and mythological creatures
- 6:00 PM, Piazza Belvedere — Conference 'The Medieval Castle of Vicalvi and its village: History, development, and future prospects', with local administrators, Frosinone-Latina Chamber of Commerce President Giovanni Acampora, and Regional Budget Councillor Giancarlo Righini
- Inauguration of the 'Vicoli Parlanti' with the banners of the historic Cantelmo, D'Aquino, Navarro, and De Cardona families
Throughout the two days
- Guided tours of the castle (historical and ghost-themed, daytime and evening)
- Augmented reality escape room and medieval games: archery, crossbow shooting, duels
- Falconry displays, historical weapon exhibits, ancient apothecary, medieval calligraphy workshops, and period hairstyling
- 'Vicolo dei Mostri', fortune teller, and mythological trails
- Theatrical performances directed by Simone Ignagni and animated readings by the Librìza association
- Concerts by 50 Celt and Runark; minstrels, fire-eaters, and street artists
- Re-enactment dedicated to the brigand Tartaglia
- Tasting of 'zuppa di pane' with the Pro Loco of Fontechiari and presentation of the 'Lo Spirito di Alejandra' liqueur
Closing
- Choral performance of 'O Fortuna' from Carmina Burana, directed by Nicole Riggi
Highlights Le Lande Incantate 2026
- Over 60 costumed performers including knights, ladies, commoners, and mythological creatures
- Conference on the medieval castle with Regional Councillor Giancarlo Righini and the Frosinone-Latina Chamber of Commerce
- Inauguration of the 'Vicoli Parlanti' dedicated to the village's historic families
- Celtic-Nordic concerts by 50 Celt and Runark
- Augmented reality escape room within the castle walls
- Grand choral finale with 'O Fortuna' from Carmina Burana
Prices Le Lande Incantate 2026
Practical information — Le Lande Incantate
Where and when
Village and Castle of Vicalvi (Frosinone province, ZIP 03030), in the Comino Valley. The festival takes place over a weekend in June; in 2026, activities began at 4:30 PM.
How to get there
By car: Vicalvi is about 8 km from Sora and about 35 km from Cassino, the most convenient exit on the A1 Rome-Naples motorway. The village is best explored on foot.
Admission
Free entry. For certain activities, such as guided tours of the castle and the escape room, booking with the Vicalvi Pro Loco may be required.
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Where does it take place — Le Lande Incantate
Castello e borgo di Vicalvi