Pilgrim Days
Two days of encounters between science and faith around the figure of Saint Peregrine Laziosi
About Pilgrim Days
The Pilgrim Days in Forlì
The Pilgrim Days are a review of meetings, performances, and in-depth moments that take place every spring in Forlì, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, dedicated to the figure of Saint Peregrine Laziosi, a friar of the Order of the Servants of Mary, co-patron of the city and revered as a protector against tumors and serious illnesses. For two days, the event offers a journey that intertwines science and faith, popular devotion, and culture, transforming the historic center into a crossroads of reflection and encounter.
Event Venues
The heart of the events is the Basilica of Saint Peregrine Laziosi, popularly known as the church of Santa Maria dei Servi, which overlooks Piazza Morgagni and houses the body of the saint in a chapel dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The events also unfold between the Sala Campostrino, the Aurelio Saffi Library, and the university campus on Viale Corridoni, in a distributed itinerary that enhances Forlì's historical and artistic heritage.
A Dialogue Between Science and Faith
The common thread of the review is the comparison between scientific knowledge and the spiritual dimension: doctors, art historians, religious figures, and scholars lead conferences and round tables on topics ranging from personal care to the origins of the universe, from the history of medicine in Forlì to the interpretation of the artworks preserved in the Basilica. There are also theatrical performances and guided walks to discover the city and its treasures.
Saint Peregrine Laziosi and Forlì Tradition
The figure of Saint Peregrine Laziosi is deeply rooted in Forlì's identity: his feast day, celebrated in early May, attracts numerous faithful every year and is accompanied by the tradition of blessed citrons. The Pilgrim Days were created to explore the relevance of his figure, connecting it to contemporary questions about science, suffering, and hope.
An Event for the City
Promoted by the Municipality of Forlì with the involvement of the religious community of the Servants of Mary and numerous local cultural organizations, the review offers free admission. The Pilgrim Days confirm themselves as an anticipated event in the spring calendar of the province of Forlì-Cesena, capable of uniting a devoted audience, art history enthusiasts, and those curious about scientific dissemination.
Pilgrim Days — edition 2026
2026 Edition: Three Hundred Years Since Canonization
The fourth edition of the Pilgrim Days, scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, and Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, in Forlì, celebrated the 300th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Peregrine Laziosi, co-patron of the city, with a packed schedule of events combining faith, science, and culture.
Saturday, May 2nd
- 3:30 PM, Basilica of Saint Peregrine Laziosi (Piazza Morgagni): "Saint Peregrine Laziosi and Father David Maria Turoldo", a dialogue of faith between two Servants of Mary.
- 6:00 PM, Campostrino: "Stories Wash the Feet of the World...", tales of rebirth with Don Enzo Zannoni, chaplain of Forlì prison, and educator Franco Nembrini.
- 8:45 PM, Basilica: the performance "The Saint and the Poet", by the Compagnia Bella, written by Giampiero Pizzol, starring Giampiero Bartolini and Angelo Generali.
Sunday, May 3rd
- 10:00 AM, starting from the Campus on Viale Corridoni: "A Walk to Discover Medical Forlì", with Daniela Goldoni and Chiara Longhi.
- 4:00 PM, Saffi Library: "The Origins of the Universe", with Giancarlo Cortini, Monsignor Enrico Casadei Garofani, and teacher Umberto Pasqui.
- 8:45 PM, Basilica: "Treasures in the Basilica. Santa Maria dei Servi from the Middle Ages to the Baroque", a lecture by art historian Marco Vallicelli.
Admission and Information
All events were held with free admission. The event, promoted by the Municipality of Forlì in collaboration with the community of the Servants of Mary, saw a large public turnout.
Programme Pilgrim Days 2026
Saturday, May 2nd
- 3:30 PM - Basilica of Saint Peregrine Laziosi: "Saint Peregrine Laziosi and Father David Maria Turoldo"
- 6:00 PM - Campostrino: "Stories Wash the Feet of the World..." with Don Enzo Zannoni and Franco Nembrini
- 8:45 PM - Basilica: performance "The Saint and the Poet" (Compagnia Bella, text by Giampiero Pizzol)
Sunday, May 3rd
- 10:00 AM - Campus Viale Corridoni: "A Walk to Discover Medical Forlì"
- 4:00 PM - Saffi Library: "The Origins of the Universe"
- 8:45 PM - Basilica: "Treasures in the Basilica. Santa Maria dei Servi from the Middle Ages to the Baroque"
Highlights Pilgrim Days 2026
- 4th edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of Saint Peregrine Laziosi's canonization
- Theatrical performance "The Saint and the Poet" by Compagnia Bella
- Walk to discover Medical Forlì
- Conference "The Origins of the Universe" between science and faith
- Art history lecture on the Basilica's treasures
Prices Pilgrim Days 2026
Practical information — Pilgrim Days
How to Get Here
The Basilica of Saint Peregrine Laziosi is located in Piazza Morgagni, in the historic center of Forlì, a short walk from the train station. By car, Forlì is served by the A14 motorway (Forlì exit); the nearest airport is Forlì, while Bologna is about an hour away.
Admission
All events are free and open to the public. Reservations may be recommended for some guided tours.
Information
IAT Tourist Information Office of Forlì: tel. +39 0543 712362, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Pilgrim Days
Basilica di San Pellegrino Laziosi (Santa Maria dei Servi)
Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, 47121 Forlì