Veleia — Ancient Theatre Festival

Classical Theatre in the Roman Site of Veleia

The Veleia Ancient Theatre Festival is one of the most fascinating summer theatre events in Emilia-Romagna. It takes place in the archaeological area of Veleia Romana, an ancient Roman city located in the hills of the Municipality of Lugagnano Val d'Arda, in the province of Piacenza. The forum, the basilica, and the monumental remains of the site become the natural backdrop every summer for performances that blend Greek tragedy, classical myth, and contemporary reflection.

The 2026 Edition

From June 19 to July 22, 2026, the festival offers a highly anticipated program, with artistic direction by Paola Pedrazzini. The event opens with Euripides' Medea, directed by Leonardo Lidi for Bottega XNL - Fare Teatro, staged at Veleia Romana from June 19 to 22. Numerous performances follow with leading figures from Italian theatre and culture:

• Marco Paolini with Bestiario idrico (July 1, Veleia Romana)
• Cecilia Sala with Sotto lo stesso cielo (July 6, Veleia Romana)
• Gioele Dix with Ettore e Andromaca (July 7, Veleia Romana)
• Paolo Rossi with L'incanto (July 11, Vigoleno)
• Lella Costa with La fata (July 13, Castell'Arquato)
• Stefano Massini with Vissi d'arte (July 16, Castell'Arquato)
• Arianna Porcelli Safonov with Minotauri contemporanei (July 20, Castelnuovo Fogliani)
• Sergio Rubini with the Arturo Toscanini Philharmonic Orchestra in Il flauto magico (July 22, Castell'Arquato)

Performances usually start at 9:30 PM. The program also includes Veleia Ragazzi, a section dedicated to children and young people with performances and workshops designed to introduce younger audiences to cultural and artistic heritage.

Beyond Veleia: A Festival Across the Val d'Arda

In recent years, the event has expanded its reach, moving beyond the archaeological area to embrace the entire Val d'Arda. Performances are now also held in the medieval villages of Castell'Arquato and Vigoleno, and in Castelnuovo Fogliani, highlighting the historical and monumental landscape of the Piacenza hills. This format combines great drama with the most evocative locations in the region.

A Cultural Event of the Piacenza Area

The festival is promoted by the Fondazione di Piacenza e Vigevano together with Bottega XNL - Fare Teatro, with the support of the Municipalities of Val d'Arda. Over the years, it has become a benchmark event for the cultural summer in Emilia-Romagna, successfully combining the rediscovery of the Veleia archaeological site with a top-level program, from classical theatre to contemporary storytelling, from music to civic narration.