Vesuvian Villas Festival
Theatre, music, and dance in the historic mansions of the Golden Mile
About Vesuvian Villas Festival
A festival among the historic mansions of the Golden Mile
The Vesuvian Villas Festival is one of the most beloved cultural events in the Campania region. In 2026, it celebrates its 37th edition, titled «The Age of the Golden Mile – Lava Stones and Golden Crystals». Promoted by the Fondazione Ente Ville Vesuviane, the festival transforms the stunning 18th-century mansions on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius into open-air stages, featuring a month-long programme of theatre, music, dance, and exhibitions throughout July.
The heart of the event is Villa Campolieto in Ercolano, in the Province of Naples. A masterpiece of Vesuvian Baroque designed by the Vanvitelli family, the villa kicks off the festival and hosts its most prestigious events. The programme begins on July 3rd with the inauguration of the «Scarpetta after Scarpetta» exhibition and a concert by Avion Travel, accompanied by the Nuova Orchestra Scarlatti.
A touring programme across the Vesuvian territory
The Vesuvian Villas Festival has a deeply itinerant spirit: while Villa Campolieto remains its centrepiece, the programme reaches six municipalities across the Vesuvian area, bringing performances to Torre del Greco (Palazzo Vallelonga and Villa delle Ginestre), Portici (Villa Mascolo and the Royal Palace), San Giorgio a Cremano (Villa Bruno), and Naples-Barra (Palazzo Bisignano and Villa Spinelli). Each mansion becomes a vital part of a cultural journey that celebrates the historical and architectural heritage of the Golden Mile.
The 2026 programme features over twenty events, including plays, concerts, dance performances, and exhibitions, with a rich tribute to the great Neapolitan theatrical tradition, from Eduardo Scarpetta to Eduardo De Filippo. The stage will welcome renowned names such as Serena Rossi, Massimiliano Gallo, Lina Sastri, and Giampaolo Morelli, leading up to the grand finale on July 29th, featuring the Teatro di San Carlo performing Carmina Burana.
Why it's worth attending
Attending a performance at the Vesuvian Villas Festival means experiencing art in a setting unique in the world: historic mansions overlooking the Gulf of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius in the background. The festival is a widespread, accessible, and high-quality celebration that attracts thousands of spectators to Ercolano and other Campania towns every summer. With tickets starting at just 5 euros, it is an unmissable opportunity to combine culture, history, and landscape in one of the most evocative areas of the Neapolitan territory.
Vesuvian Villas Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Vesuvian Villas Festival celebrates its 37th season with a programme dedicated to the Golden Mile and the great Neapolitan theatrical tradition. Villa Campolieto in Ercolano hosts the most anticipated moments, while performances spread across Torre del Greco, Portici, San Giorgio a Cremano, and Naples-Barra. A full month of plays, concerts, and dance in historic mansions overlooking Mount Vesuvius.
Programme Vesuvian Villas Festival 2026
Villa Campolieto — Ercolano
- July 3, 7:30 PM — Inauguration of the «Scarpetta after Scarpetta» exhibition
- July 3, 9:00 PM — Concert by Avion Travel with the Nuova Orchestra Scarlatti
- July 5, 7:30 PM — «La Scarpettiana» (theatre)
- July 5, 8:30 PM — «Il Miglio d'Oro Danza»
- July 8, 9:00 PM — Serena Rossi in «SereNATA a Napoli»
- July 12, 9:00 PM — Grand Gala «Excellence in Dance»
- July 20, 8:30 PM — Documentary film «Paolo Borsellino Essendo Stato» (free entry, booking recommended)
- July 23, 9:00 PM — Ingrid Sansone in «Le Verità di Luisa Sanfelice»
- July 24, 9:00 PM — «Parthenope... Napoli è nata femmina» (dance)
- July 26, 7:30 PM — «La Scarpettiana» (theatre)
- July 26, 8:30 PM — «Filumena - I figli di nessuno» (dance)
- July 28, 9:00 PM — Brunello Canessa, tribute to Titina De Filippo
- July 29, 9:00 PM — Teatro di San Carlo with «Carmina Burana»
Torre del Greco — Palazzo Vallelonga and Villa delle Ginestre
- July 4, 7:30 PM — Patrizia Cirulli
- July 7, 7:30 PM — Gea Martire (free entry)
- July 9, 9:00 PM — «All'apparir del vero»
- July 10, 9:00 PM — «Damme nu vento ca pozza navigare»
- July 25, 7:30 PM — Marco Prosperini
Portici — Villa Mascolo and Royal Palace of Portici
- July 11, 9:00 PM — Massimiliano Gallo
- July 18, 9:00 PM — Lina Sastri
- July 21, 7:30 PM — «La Scarpettiana»
San Giorgio a Cremano and Naples-Barra
- July 14, 8:30 PM — Fabrizio Mandara at Palazzo Bisignano
- July 15, 8:30 PM — «Una famiglia particolare» (world premiere)
- July 16, 8:30 PM — «La Scarpettiana» at Villa Spinelli
- July 17, 9:00 PM — NeaCo' at Villa Bruno
- July 22, 9:00 PM — Giampaolo Morelli at Villa Bruno
Full programme and updates on the official website villevesuviane.net.
Highlights Vesuvian Villas Festival 2026
- Inaugural concert by Avion Travel with the Nuova Orchestra Scarlatti at Villa Campolieto (July 3)
- Serena Rossi in «SereNATA a Napoli» (July 8)
- Lina Sastri and Massimiliano Gallo at the Royal Palace of Portici
- Grand finale by the Teatro di San Carlo with «Carmina Burana» (July 29)
Prices Vesuvian Villas Festival 2026
Practical information — Vesuvian Villas Festival
Location
The main venue is Villa Campolieto, located at Corso Resina 283 in Ercolano (NA). The festival is itinerant and also involves Torre del Greco, Portici, San Giorgio a Cremano, and Naples-Barra.
How to get there
Villa Campolieto is accessible via the Circumvesuviana train (Naples-Sorrento line), Ercolano Scavi stop, just a few minutes' walk away. By car, take the Ercolano exit on the A3 Naples-Salerno motorway.
Tickets
Ticket prices vary by performance, generally ranging from 5 to 25 euros, with discounts for under-25s and over-65s. Advance tickets are available online via Etes.it, and the box office is open on-site starting at 6:00 PM on performance days.
Contact
Fondazione Ente Ville Vesuviane — official website villevesuviane.net.
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Where does it take place — Vesuvian Villas Festival
Villa Campolieto
Corso Resina 283, 80056 Ercolano