Soldatini all'Ombra del Tempio

An international competition in the shadow of the Temple of Jupiter

"Soldatini all'Ombra del Tempio" is the international miniature figure and scale modeling competition that brings the best of Italian and European artistic modeling to Terracina every May. The name pays homage to the Temple of Jupiter Anxur, the Roman sanctuary that overlooks the city from the top of Monte Sant'Angelo: under its gaze, for one weekend, history on a grand scale is mirrored in miniature history. The event is organized by the Amici dell'Arte OdV Cultural Association with the patronage of the Municipality of Terracina, in the province of Latina, Lazio.

The setting: the former San Domenico Convent

The event takes place in the monumental complex of the former San Domenico Convent, a 13th-century building in the upper historic center now converted into an auditorium. For two days, the convent's halls become a unique exhibition space where art, history, and modeling engage in a highly evocative architectural setting. This is one of the features most appreciated by competitors: few competitions in Italy can boast such an evocative venue.

Competition categories

The competition is open to all facets of modeling, with standard and master divisions to welcome both enthusiasts and internationally recognized masters. Categories include:

• historical figures, from lead soldiers to large-scale models;
• fantasy and sci-fi, featuring imaginary creatures and futuristic universes;
• dioramas and complex settings;
• ordnance: terrestrial military vehicles, aircraft, and ships in scale;
• sculpting and flat pieces;
• scale modeling and Gunpla, for younger generations.

International juries and prestigious guests

The works are evaluated by international juries, with Italian judges joined by Spanish and French colleagues. The most coveted award is the Best of Show: in the 2026 edition, it went to the American Bill Horan, one of the most famous names in world figure modeling, confirming the now international reach of the event, which attracts competitors from various European countries and the United States. Alongside the competition, the public can attend live demonstrations of traditional and 3D sculpting and brush and airbrush painting, as well as historical-themed editorial presentations.

Terracina, between sea and history

The competition is also an opportunity to discover Terracina, a city on the Ulysses Riviera overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, halfway between Rome and Naples. The upper historic center, with the Roman forum, the Cathedral of San Cesareo, and the ancient walls, along with the Temple of Jupiter Anxur and its view of the gulf, provide the perfect backdrop for a weekend that combines modeling passion and cultural tourism in southern Lazio.