Paesaggi dell'Arte

Music and heritage in the Etruscan city

Paesaggi dell'Arte is a festival that weaves live music into the fabric of Tarquinia's archaeological and medieval heritage in the province of Viterbo. Launched in 2020 under the artistic direction of producer and archaeomusicologist Emiliano Li Castro, the project is promoted by the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Tarquinia and funded by the Lazio Region—Department of Culture and Youth Policies, in collaboration with the Archaeological Park of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria, and the Carivit Foundation.

The lineup ranges from jazz and world music to tradition and experimentation, featuring both Italian and international artists. Concerts are held in some of the city's most evocative locations: the Romanesque church of Santa Maria in Castello, the Parco delle Mura, the Town Hall, the National Archaeological Museum, the UNESCO-listed Etruscan Necropolis of Monterozzi, and Porto Clementino on the Tyrrhenian coast.

The seventh edition: May 29 to July 26, 2026

Following the April 18 preview at the Teatro Comunale Rossella Falk with the Sweetfire Jazz Band, the festival officially opens on May 29 at Santa Maria in Castello with "Il Respiro dei Mantici," a trio featuring Antonello Salis, Daniele Di Bonaventura, and Alessandro D'Alessandro. Highlights include the Irish folk of Willos' with "One for the Road," Alessandro Santacaterina's solo project "Kaleicordo 2.0," the electronic set "Banditori" by Alessandro D'Alessandro with Ghiaccioli and Branzini at the Parco delle Mura, and "Etruscan Sunset" by guitarist Claus Boesser-Ferrari. On June 5, the Siwan Ensemble led by Norwegian pianist Jon Balke takes the stage, while the closing event on Sunday, July 26, at Porto Clementino features Tunisian guitarist Farah Fersi.

Reshaping the Tradition

From June 3 to 5, the festival hosts "Reshaping the Tradition": three days of intensive seminars with international masters, organized by Labyrinth Italia in collaboration with the Accademia Chigiana. The program includes Arab-Andalusian singing with Mona Boutchebak (Algeria), tombak with Pedram Khavarzamini (Iran), and the music of Istanbul with Derya Türkan (Turkey).

Archaeomusic: the Euterpe School

A distinctive feature of Paesaggi dell'Arte is its focus on archaeomusic. From June 25 to 27, the eighth edition of the Euterpe School offers a theoretical and practical workshop dedicated to the sounds and instruments of Prehistory, the auloi—including reed construction and performance practice—and the trumpets and horns of the 1st millennium BC from Celtic, Etruscan, and Roman traditions. On Sunday, June 28, the National Archaeological Museum opens to the public with thematic stations and demonstrations by teachers and students.

Sunset concerts in the necropolis

Among the festival's signature moments are the sunset concerts at Fondo Scataglini, next to the Tomb of the Anina in the heart of the Monterozzi Necropolis. In 2026, the stage will host "Rob A Due," a dialogue between saxophonist Roberto Ottaviano and British guitarist Rob Luft, as well as Ian Melrose with "From Celtic Roots to New Acoustic Guitar."

Tarquinia, gateway to Tuscia

A Lazio town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tarquinia is one of the capitals of Etruscan civilization. The painted tombs of Monterozzi, the National Archaeological Museum of Palazzo Vitelleschi, and the medieval village of towers provide a natural backdrop for the festival. All concerts and public events are free of charge, serving as an invitation to discover the city through music.