Sentieri Tolkieniani
The Middle-earth festival at the Castle of Macello
About Sentieri Tolkieniani
Sentieri Tolkieniani, the Middle-earth festival
Sentieri Tolkieniani is the most important Italian event entirely dedicated to John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and the vast world of Middle-earth. Established in 2008, the festival takes place annually at the Castle of Macello, a small town in the Province of Turin located in the Pinerolo plains of Piedmont. For a few days, the village and its castle become a crossroads of culture, music, and fantasy, welcoming enthusiasts from all over Italy and abroad.
A balance between culture and celebration
What sets Sentieri Tolkieniani apart from many other fantasy fairs is its dual nature. On one hand, there is academic depth: lectures, conferences, and round-table discussions with Italian scholars and international guests allow for an in-depth exploration of Tolkien's thought, works, and legacy. On the other, there is the festive and popular dimension, with concerts, shows, and activities for all ages. The festival is organized by the Associazione Culturale Sentieri Tolkieniani ETS and is supported by major institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, the Piedmont Region, the Municipality of Macello, and international Tolkien networks such as the Oxford Tolkien Network.
What to expect
The program is rich and suitable for both curious newcomers and seasoned experts of the Tolkien universe:
- Lectures and conferences with academics and experts, both Italian and international;
- Live concerts featuring folk, Celtic, and fantasy-themed metal music;
- Historical re-enactments, medieval fencing, archery, and falconry;
- Gaming area with role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and The One Ring;
- Artist Alley with live illustrators and designers, exhibitions, and workshops;
- Themed markets, fantasy crafts, street food, and craft beer;
- Children's area with games, workshops, and entertainment.
A landmark for the Italian fandom
Over the years, Sentieri Tolkieniani has become a highly anticipated event for Italian Tolkien and fantasy fans, as well as an opportunity to discover the Pinerolo area and a lesser-known corner of Piedmont. The setting of the Castle of Macello, with its open spaces and courtyards, provides an evocative atmosphere where culture meets conviviality. Whether you arrive as a scholar, a cosplayer, or simply a curious visitor, the experience is that of a weekend immersed in Middle-earth.
Sentieri Tolkieniani — edition 2026
Sentieri Tolkieniani 2026 — XIV edizione
La XIV edizione di Sentieri Tolkieniani si è tenuta da venerdì 12 a domenica 14 giugno 2026 al Castello di Macello, in Provincia di Torino. Per la prima volta nella sua storia il festival si è ampliato su tre giornate, inaugurando il venerdì sera (dalle 18:00 alle 24:00) con un'anteprima dedicata alla musica dal vivo.
Il tema portante è stato l'accoglienza e l'ospitalità nell'universo di Tolkien, sviluppato nel convegno di domenica pomeriggio "Homely Houses and Queer Lodgings: forme di accoglienza nelle opere di Tolkien". Tra gli ospiti, figure di rilievo internazionale come Shaun Gunner (già presidente della Tolkien Society) e Giuseppe Pezzini dell'Università di Oxford, accanto a studiosi italiani come Oronzo Cilli, Roberto Arduini, Paolo Gulisano, Chiara Nejrotti e Francesco Nepitello.
Accanto alle conferenze, il fine settimana ha offerto concerti folk e metal, area giochi di ruolo, Artist Alley, rievocazioni storiche, scherma medievale, falconeria, mercatini a tema, street food e una vasta area dedicata ai bambini.
Programme Sentieri Tolkieniani 2026
Programma 2026
- Venerdì 12 giugno (18:00-24:00): anteprima musicale con concerti dal vivo (Barad-Dûr, Corte di Lunas, Los), artigianato fantasy e area ristoro;
- Sabato 13 giugno: conferenze, concerti (tra cui Drakkar ed Eregion), Area Games con giochi di ruolo, Artist Alley, rievocazioni, scherma medievale, falconeria, cosplay, workshop e area bambini;
- Domenica 14 giugno: conferenze e convegno "Homely Houses and Queer Lodgings: forme di accoglienza nelle opere di Tolkien" (14:00-17:00), concerto "Canto della Terra di Mezzo", attività, mercatini e spettacoli.
Highlights Sentieri Tolkieniani 2026
- Prima edizione su tre giorni, con anteprima del venerdì sera;
- Ospiti internazionali: Shaun Gunner (Tolkien Society) e Giuseppe Pezzini (Università di Oxford);
- Convegno sul tema dell'ospitalità nell'opera di Tolkien;
- Concerti folk e metal, giochi di ruolo, rievocazioni e falconeria.
Prices Sentieri Tolkieniani 2026
Practical information — Sentieri Tolkieniani
How to get there
The Castle of Macello is located at Via del Castello 9, in Macello (TO), in the Pinerolo area. By car: from Turin, take the SP589 towards Pinerolo; the journey takes about 45 minutes. By train: the nearest station is Pinerolo, on the Turin–Pinerolo line, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Tickets
Full-day ticket €15 (+ booking fees), reduced €7 for children aged 6 to 11 and seniors over 65. 2-day (€25) and 3-day (€40) passes are available. Free admission for children aged 0 to 5 and for people with a disability card and their companion. Tickets include one or more drinks. Available for purchase online via Mailticket and at the entrance.
Tips
The event takes place primarily outdoors: comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are recommended. Street food and craft beer areas are available on-site.
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 — Sentieri Tolkieniani
Castello di Macello
Via del Castello 9, 10060 Macello