Triennial Festival of the Madonna del Piano

A centuries-old devotion between Ciociaria and the Aurunci lands

The Triennial Festival of the Madonna del Piano is much more than a summer fair: it is the spiritual heart of an entire territory straddling the province of Frosinone and the border of southern Lazio. The celebration revolves around the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Piano, a destination for pilgrimages and a devotional landmark for the communities of Ausonia, Coreno Ausonio, Castelnuovo Parano, Spigno Saturnia, and Castro dei Volsci.

According to tradition, a statue of the Madonna and Child from Castro dei Volsci miraculously remained in the place where the Sanctuary stands today. This gave rise to the deep, unbroken bond between the two communities.

Why "triennial": the exchange of the gonfalons

The solemnity of the Madonna del Piano is celebrated every year on August 21st, but every three years it takes on an extraordinary dimension. In these special editions, the most anticipated ritual takes place in Castelnuovo Parano: the meeting with the faithful from Castro dei Volsci and the solemn exchange of the gonfalons, with the statue entrusted to the community of Castro. It is an emotional moment that renews an ancient pact of faith and involves thousands of people along the procession starting from Ausonia.

Rites and moments of faith

Throughout the month of August, the Sanctuary hosts daily Eucharistic celebrations and moments of spiritual reflection. The central days of the festival alternate between processions, candlelight vigils, Solemn Holy Mass, and the blessing of the faithful, in an atmosphere of intense popular participation.

• Solemn procession with the statue of the Madonna and Child
• Ritual of the exchange of the gonfalons with Castro dei Volsci
• Eucharistic celebrations at the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Piano
• Fireworks displays at the end of the festive evenings

Great music in the Zona Valli

Alongside the religious dimension, the festival is famous for its lineup of free concerts held in the Zona Valli, which over the years has hosted big names in Italian music. The 2025 edition saw packed squares and sold-out evenings, confirming the Madonna del Piano Festival as one of the most beloved summer events in the Frosinone area.

A Lazio village to discover

Castelnuovo Parano is a small village in Lazio, in the province of Frosinone, perched on the slopes of Monte Perano and overlooking the valley. Founded in the 11th century as a defensive outpost of the Abbey of Montecassino, it preserves a charming historic center, ancient churches, and exquisite majolica floors. During the festival days, the town comes alive like never before, offering visitors tradition, spirituality, great music, and the genuine hospitality of the Ciociaria region.