Pontecorvo National Ornithological Exhibition

A national event in Southern Lazio

The Pontecorvo National Ornithological Exhibition was established in 2022 by the Associazione Ornitologica Pontecorvese "Bruno Favoccia" and has rapidly asserted itself as one of the most important industry events at a national level. It takes place in the town of Pontecorvo, in the province of Frosinone, in southern Lazio: a land of hills and waters overlooking the Liri Valley, where the amateur breeding of songbirds and companion birds has deep roots passed down through generations.

What to see at the exhibition

The heart of the event is the competitive exhibition. Over the four days, hundreds of cages are lined up with select specimens, all evaluated by qualified judges according to nationally recognized standards. The main sections include:

• Color canaries, judged on plumage shades and pigment intensity;
• Posture canaries, evaluated on structure, posture, and size;
• Exotic birds, featuring a wide variety of small species;
• Parrots and psittacines, among the public's favorites for their vibrant colors;
• Ornamental species and hybrids presented by the most experienced breeders.

For the non-specialist visitor, the effect is that of a grand indoor lesson in biodiversity: colors, songs, and shapes that tell the story of the patient work of those who breed year-round to be ready for the autumn exhibition season.

The "Specialized" and the Ernesto Sarro Memorial

Alongside the national exhibition, Pontecorvo also hosts a "Città di Pontecorvo" Specialized Show, a competition dedicated to a specific category that raises the technical level of the event and attracts specialized breeders from distant regions. The 2026 edition also hosts the 2nd Ernesto Sarro Memorial, dedicated to the memory of a key figure in local amateur ornithology: a way to remember that, behind the rankings and scores, there is above all a community of people.

The venue: the Pallone Tensostatico on Via Aldo Moro

The exhibition is held in the Pallone Tensostatico on Via Aldo Moro, Pontecorvo's indoor sports facility, which is completely redesigned for the occasion. It is a practical yet excellent choice: the spacious, heated area allows for a comfortable visit even on the coldest days of late November, and its location, just outside the historic center, makes it easily accessible by car.

An event for enthusiasts and families

The event is not just for professionals. Throughout the days, the exhibition space welcomes school groups, families, and curious visitors. Alongside the competition cages, there are stands from industry operators offering feed, accessories, cages, and breeding equipment. For children, it is often their first close encounter with species usually seen only in photographs, and for adults, it is an opportunity to talk with breeders willing to share techniques, selection processes, and daily care.

Pontecorvo around the exhibition

Visitors from outside the region can easily combine the visit with discovering the town. Pontecorvo preserves a hilltop historic center, the Co-Cathedral of San Bartolomeo Apostolo, and views of the Liri river that are worth a walk, while the surrounding countryside is known for the Pontecorvo PDO Pepper, one of the symbolic products of the Frosinone province's gastronomy. In late November, the season is perfect for new olive oil and mountain dishes: a great reason to stop for lunch after your visit.

The relationship with the city

The exhibition is consistently supported by the Municipal Administration of Pontecorvo, which has accompanied its growth since the first edition. The association's president, Giovanni Castaldo, has publicly highlighted this collaboration several times, which has allowed an event born as a local gathering to become a national reference point for the world of aviculture in just a few years.