Stelle Cadenti - Contemporary Art Exhibition

Stelle Cadenti: contemporary art in the heart of Tuscia

For over thirty years, Stelle Cadenti has illuminated the summer in Bassano in Teverina, a small medieval village in the province of Viterbo, in the heart of the Lazio region's Tuscia area. The festival was born on the night of San Lorenzo—the night of the falling stars from which it takes its name—conceived by the artist and intellectual Mario Palmieri, who was deeply connected to this town, its Etruscan roots, and the tuff caves that define its landscape.

An open-air museum

For several days in August, the entire historic center transforms into a sprawling exhibition route. Works by dozens of artists from Italy and abroad fill the alleys, the village caves, the old washhouse, the Chiesa dei Lumi, the Municipal Hall, and the spaces of the AAMaCa association. Walking through Bassano in Teverina during the festival means encountering painting, sculpture, photography, installations, and street art at every turn, in a continuous dialogue between contemporary creation and ancient stone.

More than just exhibitions

Stelle Cadenti is much more than an exhibition: alongside the artworks, there are concerts, live performances, book presentations, and debates. Since its inception, the event has combined art, culture, and civic engagement, with a particular focus on social issues, peace, and human rights, in line with the founder's vision. Events are concentrated in the evening hours, when the cool breeze of the village and the lighting transform every square into a small stage.

In the spirit of Mario Palmieri

Having passed away in August 2024, Mario Palmieri remains the soul of the festival. Recent editions have paid tribute to his work as a painter, sculptor, photographer, and performer, with retrospectives and exhibitions dedicated to his symbolic gaze and his idea of art as a tool for reflection and community. The festival continues today thanks to the AAMaCa Association and the support of the Municipality of Bassano in Teverina, preserving the memory of its creator while continuing to involve artists from all over the world.

An experience between art and landscape

Visiting Stelle Cadenti is also an opportunity to discover one of the most evocative villages in Lazio: the tuff hill, the panoramic views over the Tiber Valley, and the intimate atmosphere of the historic center provide a natural backdrop for an event that, edition after edition, bridges the great artistic tradition of Tuscia with the most current research.