Liberation Day Festival at Forte Bravetta
Two days of remembrance, music, and guided tours in the park that symbolizes the Roman Resistance
About Liberation Day at Forte Bravetta
A park that serves as a place of memory
The Parco dei Martiri di Forte Bravetta is no ordinary park. Built between 1877 and 1883 as part of the defensive system of Rome's entrenched camp, the fort was converted into an execution site during the Fascist era. Between October 11, 1943, and June 3, 1944, by order of the German Military Tribunal, 77 partisans—including journalists, soldiers, and very young anti-fascists—were executed here. For several years now, the Municipio XII has chosen this very space in the Bravetta district as the venue for its Liberation Day Festival: not a closed commemoration, but a celebration open to all citizens.
Two days, not just one
The now-established format spans two consecutive days, April 25th and 26th. The first day opens with an institutional tone, featuring the laying of wreaths in the presence of the Mayor of Rome and the President of Municipio XII, followed seamlessly by choral performances, cultural meetings, theater, and live music until evening. The second day has a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere: morning guided tours, theater workshops for children, performances by local music schools, and afternoon concerts.
Choirs, theater, and music
The artistic thread is choral singing, featuring the Resistente Choir of ANPI Municipio XII and children's choirs from local schools, joined by amateur groups from the area. These are complemented by civic-themed theatrical performances and, in the evening, concerts by Roman bands ranging from singer-songwriter music to folk and rock. It is a deliberately local program: the protagonists are the schools, associations, and musicians of the district.
Guided tours of the fort
One of the most sought-after elements are the guided tours of the fort's areas, which are normally inaccessible. Groups are limited (about twenty people at a time) and reservations are mandatory via email to the Municipio presidency. The route passes through the walkways, the casemates, and the spot where the executions took place, now marked by a commemorative stone. The complex has undergone a major 1.5 million euro restoration, conducted in collaboration with the Superintendency and the State Property Agency, aimed at permanently returning the fort to the city as a cultural hub.
The context: Rome and Lazio on April 25th
The Liberation anniversary is experienced with particular intensity in the Municipality of Rome and throughout the Lazio region, territories scarred by nine months of Nazi occupation. Alongside the major city celebrations and the Resistance Festival promoted by Rome Capital, the initiatives of the individual districts have taken on an increasing role: they are more deeply rooted, more frequented by families, and tied to specific local sites. In this sense, Forte Bravetta is the most successful example in the western quadrant, alongside the memorial sites of Portuense and Monteverde.
Atmosphere and audience
The atmosphere is that of a neighborhood festival with a strong civic conscience: lawns, trees, families with children, ANPI flags, food and wine stands, and an audience ranging from students to elderly people who still remember firsthand accounts of the war. All activities are free and outdoors, making the event particularly suitable for those arriving from other districts or from outside Rome.
- Where: Parco dei Martiri di Forte Bravetta, via di Bravetta, Municipio XII, Rome
- When: April 25th and 26th
- Admission: Free for all activities
- Guided tours: Mandatory reservation, limited spots
Liberation Day at Forte Bravetta — edition 2026
2026 Edition: the fifth consecutive one
On April 25th and 26th, 2026, the Parco dei Martiri di Forte Bravetta hosted the fifth consecutive edition of the Municipio XII Liberation Day Festival, confirming the event as one of the most attended civic gatherings in Rome's western quadrant. Two entirely free days, with a program alternating between institutional moments, historical memory, and popular celebration.
April 25th
The morning concluded with the laying of wreaths in the presence of the Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri and the President of Municipio XII Elio Tomassetti. This was followed by choirs, a cultural meeting dedicated to the eightieth anniversary of the first women's vote in Italy, the play Fischia il vento, and, from late afternoon, live concerts.
April 26th
Sunday had a more family-oriented tone: morning guided tours of the fort, a theater workshop for children aged 5 to 9, a music school performance in the early afternoon, and live bands until evening.
Restoration of the fort
The 2026 edition was also an opportunity to take stock of the 1.5 million euro restoration project of the complex, conducted with the Superintendency and the State Property Agency.
Programme Liberation Day at Forte Bravetta 2026
Saturday, April 25th, 2026
- 12:15 PM — Wreath-laying in the presence of Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, Municipio XII President Elio Tomassetti, and institutional representatives
- 12:30 PM — Performance by the Resistente Choir of ANPI Municipio XII
- 1:00 PM — Children's choir from the Mario Lodi and Nino Rota schools, directed by Brenda Petrorius
- 1:00 PM — Guided tour of Forte Bravetta (mandatory reservation, max 20 participants)
- 2:00 PM — Performance by the SeRoN Choir, directed by Brenda Petrorius
- 3:00 PM — Meeting «80 years since the first women's vote in Italy», with presentation of the book «Le leggi delle donne che hanno cambiato l'Italia»
- 4:30 PM — Second guided tour of Forte Bravetta (mandatory reservation)
- 5:00 PM — Play «Fischia il vento»
- 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM — Live band concerts
Sunday, April 26th, 2026
- 10:00 AM — Guided tour of Forte Bravetta (mandatory reservation)
- 11:00 AM — Theater workshop for children aged 5 to 9
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM — Music school concert
- 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM — Live band concerts
Food and wine stands were active inside the park on both days. Guided tours were booked by writing to [email protected].
Highlights Liberation Day at Forte Bravetta 2026
- The wreath-laying on April 25th with Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and President Elio Tomassetti
- The Resistente Choir of ANPI Municipio XII and the children's choirs from the Mario Lodi and Nino Rota schools
- The play «Fischia il vento»
- Guided tours of the interior spaces of Forte Bravetta, normally closed to the public
- The meeting on 80 years since the first women's vote in Italy
- The Sunday morning theater workshop for children
Prices Liberation Day at Forte Bravetta 2026
Practical information — Liberation Day at Forte Bravetta
How to get there
The Parco dei Martiri di Forte Bravetta is located on via di Bravetta, in Rome's Municipio XII. By bus: lines 791, 98, 881, 889, and 88, stop at via di Bravetta. By car, it is easily accessible from via Aurelia or via Portuense; during the festival days, parking in the area can be difficult, so public transport is recommended.
Prices
All initiatives are free: ceremonies, choirs, theater, children's workshops, concerts, and guided tours. Food and wine stands offer affordable prices.
Guided tours
Participation in the fort's guided tours requires mandatory reservation by writing to [email protected]. Groups are limited to about twenty people: it is advisable to write a few days in advance.
Tips
This is an entirely outdoor event on grassy terrain: comfortable shoes are recommended, and in case of sun, a hat and water. For the morning institutional ceremony, it is advised to arrive at least fifteen minutes early. The area is stroller-friendly on the main paths.
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Where does it take place — Liberation Day at Forte Bravetta
Parco dei Martiri di Forte Bravetta
Via di Bravetta, 00164 Roma