Mons Jovis Mountain Festival
The mountain festival of Campo di Giove, blending culture, environment, and trails in the heart of the Maiella.
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Mons Jovis Festival
A festival dedicated to mountain culture
The Mons Jovis Mountain Festival is the premier summer cultural event in Campo di Giove, a small town in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, resting at the foot of the Maiella massif within the National Park of the same name. The name recalls the ancient Latin toponym of the place, linked to the cult of Jupiter. Established in 2023, the festival has grown with each edition to become a landmark for those who love the Apennine mountains and for discussions on the future of high-altitude villages.
Themes and identity
The festival focuses on the relationship between mountain communities and their territory, addressing pressing issues such as the depopulation of inland areas, the climate crisis, and new forms of sustainable mountain tourism. Each edition features round tables and debates bringing together administrators, writers, alpine guides, meteorologists, and representatives of the Maiella National Park in an open dialogue on the destiny of the Apennines and its small communities.
A program of words and trails
Alongside the meetings, Mons Jovis offers an experiential dimension featuring guided hikes along the trails of the Maiella, including sections of the historic Freedom Trail (Sentiero della Libertà) which commemorates the clandestine crossings of 1944. There are also climbing demonstrations on artificial walls organized by local CAI sections, musical moments with mountain choirs like the Gran Sasso Choir of L'Aquila, and the Mons Jovis Literary Prize, dedicated to narrative works that capture the mountains, the landscape, and the slow pace of life at high altitudes.
Campo di Giove and the Maiella
Campo di Giove is one of the snowiest villages in the central Apennines and a historic destination for mountain tourism, serving as a hub for community life in the Peligna Valley. The village's setting, between the peaks and plateaus of the Maiella, provides a natural backdrop for a festival that aims to be both a celebration of the landscape and an opportunity for cultural reflection. The event is promoted by the Municipality of Campo di Giove together with the Pro Loco and local associations.
Why attend
- Meetings and debates with writers, experts, and administrators on the future of the mountains
- Guided hikes in the Maiella National Park
- The Mons Jovis Literary Prize dedicated to mountain literature
- Music, climbing, and activities for the whole family in Piazza Duval
Mons Jovis Festival — edition 2026
The dates and program for the 2026 edition of the Mons Jovis Mountain Festival have not yet been officially announced. The event, now in its early years, usually takes place in summer in Campo di Giove, in the province of L'Aquila, in the heart of the Maiella National Park.
The Mons Jovis Literary Prize, dedicated to mountain fiction, is confirmed for 2026: the call for entries closed on July 6, 2026, and the award ceremony is scheduled for August in Campo di Giove. The full festival program, including meetings, hikes, and activities, will be communicated by the organizers on the official channels of the Municipality and the Pro Loco.
Practical information — Mons Jovis Festival
How to get there
Campo di Giove can be reached by car from the A25 motorway (Sulmona exit), continuing towards the Peligna Valley and the Maiella. The village is also served by the Sulmona-Isernia railway line, featuring the picturesque station of Campo di Giove.
Where it takes place
Events are held primarily in Piazza Duval and other locations in the town center, with excursions along the trails of the Maiella.
Admission
Meetings and debates generally have free admission. For guided hikes, booking with the organizers is recommended.
Information
For the updated program, please consult the Municipality's website and the official channels of the Campo di Giove Pro Loco.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Mons Jovis Festival
Piazza Duval