Lo Spirito del Luogo
Music, theatre, and cinema in the historic sites of Tuscania, the soul of a widespread museum
About Lo Spirito del Luogo
A widespread museum in the heart of Tuscia
Lo Spirito del Luogo is a cultural festival promoted by the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Lazio of the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Municipality of Tuscania. From May to October, it brings the city's historic sites in the province of Viterbo, northern Lazio, to life. It is not merely a series of events, but a site-specific project: every performance is designed to engage with its host venue, turning Tuscania into a grand shared narrative of material heritage and intangible memory.
The venues: San Pietro, Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Archaeological Museum
The festival's heart beats within three of the most evocative art treasures in Tuscia: the National Archaeological Museum of Tuscania, housed in the former Franciscan convent of Santa Maria del Riposo with its famous Etruscan sarcophagi; the Basilica of San Pietro, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture on the hill of the same name; and the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Concerts, theatrical performances, screenings, art talks, and guided tours restore these monuments to their vibrant role as community spaces.
The program: from medieval music to Pasolini
The lineup spans centuries and artistic languages. It opens with the 13th-15th century Franciscan lauds performed by the Micrologus ensemble, among the most authoritative European interpreters of medieval music. It continues with the songs of Upper Provence by Renat Sette and Gianluca Dessì, the Mediterranean soundscapes of Banda Ikona, and the mystical poetry of Rumi meeting that of Saint Francis with the Pejman Tadayon Ensemble. Theatre takes center stage with Massimo Popolizio and his performance of Virgil's «The Fall of Troy», while the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina, conducted by Giuseppe Lanzetta, brings iconic film scores—from «Cinema Paradiso» to «The Godfather»—to the Basilica of San Pietro. Autumn is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi and Pier Paolo Pasolini, who filmed some of his most famous cinematic sequences right here in Tuscania and at San Pietro.
Artistic direction
The project was conceived by Sonia Martone, with artistic direction by maestros Stefano Saletti and Giuseppe Lanzetta. The performances are produced by the Associazione Ikona, with the support of the General Directorate for Performing Arts of the Ministry of Culture.
Tuscania, an Etruscan and medieval jewel
The festival is also an invitation to discover Tuscania, one of the most fascinating art cities in Lazio: its Etruscan necropolises, medieval walls, and stone village overlooking the Marta valley. The Municipality of Tuscania supports the project as an opportunity to intertwine cultural tourism with the life of the local community.
Free admission
All events are free of charge subject to availability, with booking recommended via email. It is a precious opportunity to experience art where it was born: in the very places that safeguard its spirit.
Lo Spirito del Luogo — edition 2026
The first edition of the «Lo Spirito del Luogo» festival takes place in Tuscania from May 3 to October 4, 2026, promoted by the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Lazio in collaboration with the Municipality of Tuscania. The program, curated by maestros Stefano Saletti and Giuseppe Lanzetta with the Associazione Ikona, offers concerts, theatre, cinema, and art talks in the city's iconic venues: the National Archaeological Museum, the Romanesque Basilica of San Pietro, and the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
It begins on May 3 with the Franciscan lauds of the Micrologus ensemble and concludes on October 4, the feast of Saint Francis, with «Franciscu, quando i cieli parlano». In between, enjoy the songs of Provence by Renat Sette, the Mediterranean sounds of Banda Ikona, the poetry of Rumi with Pejman Tadayon, the Virgil of Massimo Popolizio, the film scores of the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina, and the tribute to Pier Paolo Pasolini, who filmed memorable scenes of his cinema at San Pietro. All events are free with booking recommended.
Programme Lo Spirito del Luogo 2026
2026 Program — ten events in the historic sites of Tuscania
- Sunday, May 3, 5:00 PM — Ensemble Micrologus, «Venite a laudare. Franciscan lauds of the 13th-15th century».
- Sunday, May 10, 5:00 PM — Renat Sette and Gianluca Dessì, «Chants de Haute Provence».
- Sunday, May 10, 6:00 PM — Banda Ikona & Baobab, «Spring Songs».
- Saturday, May 30, 5:00 PM — Massimo Popolizio and ensemble, «The Fall of Troy» from Virgil.
- Sunday, June 7, 5:00 PM — Pejman Tadayon Ensemble, «Rumi meets Saint Francis».
- Wednesday, July 8, 7:30 PM — Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina conducted by Giuseppe Lanzetta, «Music from the Big Screen»: soundtracks from «Cinema Paradiso», «Romeo and Juliet», «The Godfather», «Mission».
- Sunday, September 20, 5:00 PM — Francesco Grossi and ensemble, «The Hidden Utopia of Francis».
- Sunday, September 27, 5:00 PM — Raffaella Misiti and Stefano Scatozza, «Pasolini: the word, the music, the cinema».
- Sunday, October 4, 5:00 PM — Soloists of the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina, «Franciscu, quando i cieli parlano».
The festival is complemented by guided tours, art talks, and special openings of the museum sites.
Highlights Lo Spirito del Luogo 2026
- Ensemble Micrologus with medieval Franciscan lauds for the opening on May 3
- Massimo Popolizio in «The Fall of Troy» from Virgil
- Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina with great film scores at San Pietro
- Tribute to Pier Paolo Pasolini in the locations where he filmed his cinema
- Grand Franciscan finale on October 4, blending music and spirituality
Prices Lo Spirito del Luogo 2026
Practical information — Lo Spirito del Luogo
How to get there
Tuscania is located in the province of Viterbo, Lazio. By car, it can be reached via the SS1 Aurelia (take the Tarquinia exit, then the SP Vetrallese) or from Viterbo along the SP Tuscanese (about 25 km). The nearest train station is Viterbo, with Cotral bus connections to Tuscania. From Rome, allow approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.
Tickets
Admission is free for all events subject to availability; booking is recommended by writing to [email protected].
Tips
Performances take place at the National Archaeological Museum (Largo Mario Moretti 1), the Basilica of San Pietro, and Santa Maria Maggiore. We recommend arriving early to secure a seat and taking the opportunity to visit the city's churches and Etruscan necropolises.
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Where does it take place — Lo Spirito del Luogo
Museo archeologico nazionale di Tuscania, Chiesa di San Pietro e Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore
Largo Mario Moretti 1, 01017 Tuscania