San Basilio Festival

San Basilio, the ancient heart of the Delta

The San Basilio Festival is held in the hamlet of the same name in Ariano nel Polesine, in the province of Rovigo, in one of the most fascinating places in the Po Delta Park. San Basilio was one of the earliest trading centres in the Delta: archaeological excavations have yielded evidence from the Iron Age to the Etruscan period, from the Roman era to the early Christian period.

A Romanesque church above history

The symbol of the hamlet is the Romanesque church of San Basilio, built in the 9th century by the Benedictine monks of Pomposa and restored in the 1990s. Today it is open to visitors and houses ancient sarcophagi; the transparent floor allows observation of the archaeological layers below. During the festival, guided tours of the archaeological area, the museum, and the church are often available.

Popular celebration and gastronomy

Alongside the historical heritage, the festival offers the convivial soul of Polesine's celebrations: food stalls with Delta products, music, and festive moments for the entire community. The event, organized by the Pro Loco Ariano nel Polesine, takes place in mid-June and is a unique opportunity to combine archaeological discovery with the taste of Venetian tradition.