Rocca in Arte
Edition 2026 Visual arts Contemporary art Sculpture

Rocca in Arte

Open-air painting competition in the village of Roccacasale

Roccacasale — L'Aquila (066) Since 2025
Dates 18 Jul โ€” 18 Jul 2026
Location Roccacasale (066)
Prices โ€”
Status โ€”

Edition 2026 not confirmed to date

This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.

About Rocca in Arte

Rocca in Arte is an open-air painting competition that brings the streets and alleys of Roccacasale, in the province of L'Aquila, to life. Launched in 2025, the event gathers artists from across Central Italy who spend an entire day painting en plein air, freely choosing their favorite views and corners of this Abruzzo village. A jury of experts awards cash prizes to the best works in a welcoming atmosphere filled with art, music, and conviviality.

An Abruzzo village that breathes art

Rocca in Arte is an open-air painting event that transforms Roccacasale, a small village perched in the province of L'Aquila, into a living canvas. For one full day, artists set up along the streets, alleys, and scenic viewpoints of the village to create their works live, capturing the light, colors, and atmosphere of this corner of inland Abruzzo, nestled at the foot of the Morrone massif and overlooking the Peligna Valley.

The open-air painting competition

The format follows the classic open-air tradition: artists register, have their canvases stamped, and spend several hours painting on a free theme, interpreting the village's vistas through their own sensitivity and creativity. At the end of the day, the works are exhibited and evaluated by a jury of experts and enthusiasts, who award cash prizes to the best entries. Participation is open to painters of all backgrounds and skill levels, and the event serves as a wonderful opportunity to showcase and celebrate the beauty of the village.

Art, music, and conviviality

Beyond the competition, Rocca in Arte is above all a social gathering. The day includes a convivial lunch, designed as a moment for artists and art lovers to share experiences, accompanied by music and the relaxed atmosphere typical of local village festivals. The initiative is promoted by the municipal administration of Roccacasale with the goal of enlivening the historic center and ensuring art breathes in every corner of the village.

Roccacasale and the Peligna Valley

Located between the Sulmona plain and the Monte Genzana Alto Gizio Nature Reserve, Roccacasale is dominated by the ruins of its medieval castle, which offers a privileged panoramic view of the valley. The natural and historical setting of the village provides the ideal backdrop for an event dedicated to landscape painting: participating in Rocca in Arte means discovering an authentic village in the L'Aquila area of Abruzzo, far from the most beaten tourist paths.

Information and registration

Information regarding dates, registration fees, and participation procedures is communicated by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event. To register or receive details, you can contact the organizers using the contact information provided.

Rocca in Arte โ€” edition 2026

Following the success of the first edition in 2025, Rocca in Arte is expected to return to Roccacasale in the summer of 2026 with a new day of open-air painting. The dates and program for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced by the organizers.

The 2026 edition of Rocca in Arte has not yet been confirmed: at the moment, the organizers have not communicated official dates or details regarding the program. The first edition, held in July 2025, concluded with great participation and the promise to repeat the event in the following years. As soon as information about the 2026 edition is released, this page will be updated.

Practical information — Rocca in Arte

How to get there

Roccacasale can be reached by car via the A25 motorway (Pratola Pelignaโ€“Sulmona exit), just a few kilometers from the toll booth. The nearest train station is in Sulmona, on the Romeโ€“Pescara line. The village is approximately 8 km from Sulmona.

Registration

For information on registration, participation fees, and the program, please contact the organizers via the phone numbers provided closer to the event date.

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 โ€” Rocca in Arte

Centro storico di Roccacasale

Contact Rocca in Arte

Tel
+39 389 1960922

Rocca in Arte in brief

Visual arts Contemporary art Sculpture Heritage Folk traditions Outdoor Participatory Emerging L'Aquila

History of Rocca in Arte