Rosminian Symposia

An international conference in the heart of Stresa

The Rosminian Symposia are the benchmark event for those wishing to engage with the thought of Blessed Antonio Rosmini (1797–1855), the great philosopher, theologian, and priest from Rovereto who spent the final years of his life in Stresa, in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province (Piedmont). Every summer, the International Centre for Rosminian Studies, based in the prestigious Villa Ducale on Colle Rosmini, transforms the town overlooking Lake Maggiore into a crossroads of ideas, where philosophy, theology, history, science, and current affairs meet in the Rosminian spirit.

A long-standing cultural tradition

The Symposia were established in 2000 as a continuation of the "Cattedra Rosmini," founded in 1967 by the philosopher Michele Federico Sciacca. Since then, they have established themselves as one of the most important Italian conferences dedicated to the thought of a single author, successfully combining academic rigour with openness to a wider audience: not only scholars and professors, but also free thinkers, students, and simple enthusiasts of culture and knowledge.

The 2026 edition in Stresa

The 2026 edition takes place from July 7th to 10th at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Stresa and is titled "Change. The formation of the individual, balanced between emptiness and Fulfilment." The theme invites reflection, in light of Rosminian philosophy, on the processes of transformation affecting the individual and contemporary society, between the risk of a loss of meaning and the search for authentic wholeness. The conference is directed by Prof. Father Eduino Menestrina, director of the Centre.

How the Symposium works

The Symposium days are structured around lectures and round-table discussions that bring together different disciplines—philosophy, history, theology, science, psychology, and bioethics—around the year's theme. In past years, the proceedings have touched upon pressing current issues, from the impact of the technological society on humanity to the relationship between Rosmini, Italy, and its cultural and religious identity. The sessions, generally starting in the morning, leave room for debate and meetings between participants in an atmosphere that combines depth of thought with the beauty of the Verbano landscape.

Stresa and Lake Maggiore

Attending the Symposia is also an opportunity to discover Stresa, a pearl of Lake Maggiore with its gardens, historic villas, and proximity to the famous Borromean Islands. The town, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, has always been linked to the figure of Rosmini, who lived and died here and to whom the hill and the study centre are dedicated. The detailed programme of individual talks and the list of speakers are announced by the Centre in the weeks leading up to the event.