Sunset at Peltuinum

A summer festival among the ruins of Peltuinum

Sunset at Peltuinum is a festival that brings performances and events to the Peltuinum archaeological site in the municipality of Prata d'Ansidonia, in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, throughout July and August. Every Thursday evening, the ancient Vestini city comes alive with theater, live music, storytelling, and aperitifs, with the Roman ruins serving as a natural backdrop suspended between past and present.

The charm of the archaeological site

Peltuinum was a Roman city built along the Via Claudia Nova, occupying a dominant position on the Navelli plateau with views toward the peaks of the Gran Sasso. The ancient center still features its walls, the western gate, the remains of a theater located outside the walls on the southern side, and traces of a Corinthian-style temple. This setting, one of the most evocative in Abruzzo, frames the festival evenings: sunset over the ruins has long been one of the most anticipated moments of the local summer.

The evening program

The festival, which offers free admission, features a varied calendar that blends different genres and styles:

• Theatrical performances, including shows for families and children, featuring actors, puppets, and silhouettes that weave tales of reality and fantasy;
• Concerts and live music, ranging from tribute acts to original projects;
• Storytelling and narratives focused on the local area and its history;
• Sunset aperitifs accompanied by the sounds of resident DJs.

The organizers' goal is to forge a connection between visitors and the land, enhancing historical and cultural heritage through immersive experiences during the most beautiful hour of the day.

A project by the Pro Loco

Sunset at Peltuinum was launched in 2023 by the Pro Loco of Prata d'Ansidonia with the aim of bringing life and audiences back to a site of great archaeological value that was otherwise rarely visited on summer evenings. The free entry and the weekly Thursday schedule have made the festival a staple for residents and visitors to the L'Aquila area, helping to make Peltuinum known far beyond the municipal borders.

Why attend

Those who arrive at Peltuinum at sunset discover a double spectacle: the one on stage and the one offered by the landscape, as the Navelli plain and the Gran Sasso massif are painted in shades of pink and orange. It is a perfect opportunity to combine culture, nature, and conviviality in one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in inland Abruzzo.