STORIÆ Festival - Archaeology and Narratives
Archaeology, history, and storytelling on the island of Ischia
About STORIÆ Festival
A festival that tells the story of the island and the world
Every year, between late May and early June, Ischia hosts STORIÆ - Archaeology and Narratives, a festival that focuses on the craft of those who study the past and the ability to tell its story. Promoted by the CEIC - Institute of Historical and Anthropological Studies, a non-governmental organization accredited by UNESCO, and conceived and directed by archaeologist Alessandra Vuoso, the event brings together Italian and international scholars, artists, musicians, and local communities in a continuous dialogue between high-level popularization and traditional storytelling.
The Torre del Molino, the heart of the festival
The headquarters is the Torre del Molino in Ischia Ponte, the former district prison overlooking the Aragonese Castle: a space returned to the city that, for five days, becomes a conference hall, exhibition space, and laboratory. However, the festival does not remain confined within four walls. It expands to other symbolic places on the island—museums, archaeological sites, beaches, and inland trails—involving the various municipalities of the island of Ischia, in the province of Naples, in Campania.
Ancient traces, terrestrial future: the 2026 edition
The 8th edition, held from May 30 to June 3, 2026, chose the theme Ancient Traces, Terrestrial Future: a broad look at the relationship between human societies and the environment, a dialogue that spans centuries and is now fundamental to imagining sustainable futures, particularly in fragile territories like islands and coastal areas. Climate change and environmental emergencies are interpreted through the tools of history, archaeology, and natural sciences, without ever losing sight of the human and daily dimension of the narrative.
A multidisciplinary program
The formula is recognizable and has remained unchanged over the years: mixing different languages so that the past does not remain a subject for specialists only.
- Meetings and conferences with Italian and foreign archaeologists, historians, and researchers;
- Exhibitions, such as The Great Removal, featuring plates from the graphic novel of the same name by artist Roberto Grossi, dedicated to climate change denial;
- Workshops for children, families, and adults, creative workshops, and oral history projects;
- Nature excursions, eco-sailing, and archaeological snorkeling along the island's coasts;
- Concerts, screenings, and performances by artists and musicians;
- Taste experiences inspired by historical cuisine and the zero-waste philosophy.
Schools, communities, and citizen science
One of the most successful traits of STORIÆ is the direct involvement of schools and associations on the island. Alongside academic meetings, there is space for citizen science initiatives, oral testimony collections, volunteer activities, and projects that ask residents to recognize themselves in the heritage surrounding them. The result is a festival that does not just bring speakers to the island for a few days, but leaves a sediment: archives, materials, and networks of people who continue to work even after the event concludes.
Ischia, an island to traverse
The context does much of the work. The island of Ischia holds one of the densest historical stratifications in the Mediterranean: the Greek colony of Pithekoussai, considered the oldest Greek settlement in the West; the necropolises excavated by Giorgio Buchner; the Aragonese Castle; the coastal towers; the thermal baths used since ancient times; and the terraced vineyards with their dry-stone walls. Walking from one appointment to the next—between Ischia Ponte, the paths of Monte Epomeo, and the bays reachable only by sea—is already part of the festival experience.
Why it's worth the trip
STORIÆ is a cultural and scientific festival with a sober tone and a curated program, suitable for those looking for something different from the classic summer fair. Almost all events have free admission, and the season—the last week of May and the first days of June—coincides with one of the best times to visit Ischia: the sea is already swimmable, temperatures are pleasant, and the island is not yet as crowded as in the height of summer.
STORIÆ Festival — edition 2026
The eighth edition of the festival, promoted by the CEIC - Institute of Historical and Anthropological Studies, a UNESCO NGO, and directed by archaeologist Alessandra Vuoso, focused on the long-term relationship between human societies and the environment. The chosen title, Ancient Traces, Terrestrial Future, summarizes the approach well: using the past—excavations, sources, memories—as a tool to understand the present of fragile territories like islands and coastal areas.
The Torre del Molino in Ischia Ponte served as the nerve center, joined by other places on the island transformed into spaces for meeting and participation. The program alternated between academic conferences, popular narratives, activities for schools and families, musical moments, and outdoor proposals: nature excursions, eco-sailing, archaeological snorkeling, and taste experiences inspired by historical cuisine and the zero-waste philosophy.
As per the festival's tradition, the events were mostly free of charge, with reservations required for limited-capacity activities.
Programme STORIÆ Festival 2026
8th edition — "Ancient Traces, Terrestrial Future", May 30 - June 3, 2026, Ischia.
Opening, Saturday, May 30
- Inauguration of the exhibition The Great Removal, featuring plates from the graphic novel of the same name by artist Roberto Grossi on climate change denial.
- Round table "Migration, Environment, and Climate Change", with representatives from the UN, UNHCR, Regno di Nettuno Marine Protected Area, and Anton Dohrn Zoological Station.
Announced meetings and speakers
- Michele Campopiano — environmental history in the Middle Ages.
- Chiara Mercuri — historian, on the figure and legacy of Francis of Assisi.
- Ilan Kelman (University College London) — islands and climate change, remote intervention.
- Giorgio Franchetti — archaeology of the relationship between humans and bees, from the Neolithic onwards.
- Simona Minozzi (University of Pisa) — care practices in past societies.
- Agata Lunardini (University of Pisa) — body conservation, mummies, and relics.
Activities spread across the island
- Photo exhibitions and narratives by experts and authors at the Torre del Molino.
- Interactive workshops for children and families, creative workshops, and oral history projects.
- Nature excursions, eco-sailing, and archaeological snorkeling.
- Citizen science initiatives involving schools and local communities.
- Concerts, screenings, and performances by artists and musicians.
- Tastings and taste experiences inspired by historical cuisine and zero-waste.
Full program and updates on the official website www.festival-storiae.it and the festival's social media channels.
Highlights STORIÆ Festival 2026
- Theme of the edition: "Ancient Traces, Terrestrial Future", the relationship between human societies and the environment read over the long term.
- Exhibition The Great Removal by Roberto Grossi on climate change denial.
- Round table with the UN, UNHCR, Regno di Nettuno Marine Protected Area, and Anton Dohrn Zoological Station.
- International speakers, including Ilan Kelman (UCL) on islands and climate.
- Archaeological snorkeling, eco-sailing, and nature excursions along the island's coasts.
- Main venue in the evocative Torre del Molino, former district prison of Ischia Ponte.
Prices STORIÆ Festival 2026
Practical information — STORIÆ Festival
How to get there
Ischia can only be reached by sea. Ferries and hydrofoils depart from Naples (Molo Beverello for hydrofoils, Calata Porta di Massa for ferries) and from Pozzuoli, arriving in Ischia Porto, Casamicciola Terme, or Forio; seasonal connections are also available from Sorrento, Capri, and Procida. The nearest airport is Naples-Capodichino, connected to the port by Alibus buses.
Where it takes place
Main venue: Torre del Molino, former district prison of Ischia Ponte, a few steps from the Aragonese Castle. From the port of Ischia, it is about a twenty-minute walk along the Riva Destra or accessible via EAV buses. Other events take place in museums, archaeological sites, and outdoor locations in the other municipalities of the island.
Admission and reservations
Meetings, exhibitions, and workshops have free admission. Excursions, guided tours, and boat activities require reservation and may involve a contribution: it is advisable to write in advance to [email protected] or check the official website, as places are limited.
Where to stay
The island's accommodation offer is wide (thermal hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes) and is distributed between Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana, and Barano. At the end of May, availability is good, but the June 2nd long weekend fills facilities quickly: it is better to book a few weeks in advance.
Useful tips
- Bring comfortable shoes: many activities are excursions or walks on trails.
- For travel between municipalities, EAV buses are the most practical solution; having a car in high season is often more of a problem than an advantage.
- Check the updated program on the website and the festival's Facebook page: the times of outdoor appointments may vary due to weather conditions.
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Where does it take place — STORIÆ Festival
Torre del Molino (ex Carcere Mandamentale), Ischia Ponte
Via Luigi Mazzella, Ischia Ponte, 80077 Ischia