Roma Unplugged Festival
Music, history, and nature along the Regina Viarum
About Roma Unplugged
A festival where the Appia Antica becomes music
The Roma Unplugged Festival is one of the most original cultural offerings of the Roman summer: a journey that combines great live music with the discovery of the Appia Antica Archaeological Park, the green and monumental heart of the Capital. Born from the idea of creating a dialogue between archaeological heritage and the universal language of music, the festival offers acoustic concerts, lecture-concerts, and guided walks in some of the most evocative places in Rome, in the Lazio region.
The formula: walk, listen, understand
The hallmark of the event is the meeting of three dimensions that are rarely found together. Each appointment weaves:
- Guided walks along the Regina Viarum, among catacombs, mausoleums, imperial villas, and tombs;
- Lecture-concerts where a historian or expert introduces the audience to the site before the music takes the stage;
- High-level live concerts, ranging from jazz to baroque and sacred music to contemporary sounds, always in an acoustic and intimate version.
Places that tell the story of Rome
The festival moves through some of the most famous monuments of the Appia Antica: the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, the Villa of Maxentius, the Catacombs of San Callisto, and, above all, the semi-hypogean Basilica of SS. Nereo and Achilleo inside the Catacomb of Domitilla, an underground space with extraordinary acoustics that hosts the most intimate moments of the festival. Crossing these places at sunset, guided by a narrator and accompanied by music, is an experience that combines emotion and knowledge.
A widespread and accessible event
Organized by Etica Arte with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Rome, the Appia Antica Archaeological Park, and in collaboration with the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, the Roma Unplugged Festival is designed for a wide audience: events are free of charge subject to availability, with booking recommended. It is an invitation to experience the Appia Antica not as a postcard, but as a living place, where the millenary history of Rome continues to resonate.
Roma Unplugged — edition 2026
The fifth edition of the Roma Unplugged Festival traces a new path in the Appia Antica Archaeological Park, in Rome, between guided walks, lecture-concerts, and live music. The program kicks off with the 'Note in Catacomba' preview on June 5 and 6, 2026, in the evocative semi-hypogean Basilica of SS. Nereo and Achilleo, to then continue in September with the usual calendar of events along the Regina Viarum. For 2026 as well, events are free of charge subject to availability.
Programme Roma Unplugged 2026
'Note in Catacomba' Preview — Catacomb of Domitilla, Basilica of SS. Nereo and Achilleo (Via delle Sette Chiese 282)
Friday, June 5, 6:30 PM
- Lectio Magistralis — Rev. Mons. Pasquale Iacobone, «Christian memories from the underground»
- Concert — Ensemble Mare Nostrum, Stradella Y-Project: «È sì bella la luce del dì. A sonic journey through the Rome of Alessandro Stradella». With Roberto Mattioni (tenor), Claudio Martin Poblete (archlute), Jonathan Ramirez Jimenez (theorbo and baroque guitar), Amleto Matteucci (violone), Andrea De Carlo (viola da gamba and direction)
Saturday, June 6, 6:30 PM
- Lectio Magistralis — Rev. Mons. Pasquale Iacobone, «Christian memories from the underground»
- Concert — Gabriele Coen Trio, «Sopranissimo». With Gabriele Coen (soprano sax), Alessandro Gwis (piano), Andrea Avena (double bass)
On both days, guided tours of the catacomb are also scheduled (5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, groups of about 15 people).
The detailed program for the continuation in September 2026, with walks and concerts in the Appia Antica Park, will be announced by the organization in the weeks preceding the event on the official website.
Highlights Roma Unplugged 2026
Prices Roma Unplugged 2026
Practical information — Roma Unplugged
How to get there
The Appia Antica Archaeological Park can be reached by bus via the lines serving the Porta San Sebastiano and Via Appia Antica area. On public holidays, the Appia Antica is partially closed to traffic: the use of public transport, bicycles, or arriving on foot is recommended. The Catacomb of Domitilla is located at Via delle Sette Chiese 282, in the Garbatella-Ardeatino district.
Admission and bookings
Most events are free of charge subject to availability; for lecture-concerts, booking is required (available online via Eventbrite from the official website). Guided tours of the catacomb may require a dedicated contribution.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on unpaved paths and bring water on hot days. Some underground areas are not accessible to people with motor disabilities for structural reasons. Arrive early: seats are limited.
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Where does it take place — Roma Unplugged
Parco Archeologico dell'Appia Antica / Catacomba di Domitilla
Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, 00179 Roma