Santa Maria al Monte 2026: 12 September festival at 400 metres above Forio
A church carved into the tuff, at 400 metres, and the only day of the year when the whole village climbs up.
On 12 September the rural hamlet on the slopes of Monte Epomeo fills up for one of the island's most authentic festivals.
On 12 September, the day of the Name of Mary, the small rural hamlet on the slopes of Monte Epomeo above Forio fills up for the festival of Santa Maria al Monte. It's one of the island's least touristy festivals, and precisely for that reason one of the most interesting to see: it's mainly Forio locals who climb up, for a tradition repeated every year on the same date, for generations.
The stone church
Santa Maria al Monte sits at around 400 metres of elevation and is partly carved into the green tuff of the Epomeo: an example of rock-cut architecture with few parallels on the island. You can get there by road or on foot, and the view from the church square covers the whole western coast of Forio down to the open sea. The church stays open all year, but 12 September is the only occasion when the hamlet really comes alive.
How the festival unfolds
The day alternates between two distinct moments. The religious one: mass, a procession along the slopes of the mountain through paths between the houses, and the blessing. The popular one, organised with no pretence of formality, with food stalls serving pasta e fagioli, grilled meat and coniglio all'ischitana (Ischia-style rabbit), the dish of the island's hinterland — here not a dish for a tourist menu but what's eaten at home, prepared the way mothers from Forio have always made it.
How to get there
You climb from Forio towards the hamlet of Santa Maria al Monte along a narrow, winding road. On 12 September the road is busy: if you can, park lower down among the olive groves and walk the last stretch (10-15 minutes). For those with the legs and shoes for it, walking up from Forio is part of the experience — and it's the same side of the mountain from which the trails to the summit of Monte Epomeo depart.
September is the month when the island's trails become walkable again without the August heat, so it's worth combining the festival with an early-morning walk: climb the trails among the vineyards, arrive at Santa Maria for lunch, come down at sunset.
Where to stay
The area of reference is Forio, the island's largest town and the one with the widest choice of properties. In September rates have already dropped a bracket compared to August and availability is wide: here you'll find the offers with stays in September. If you plan to use the 12 September festival as a starting point for exploring Forio's trails, a base in Forio itself is ideal.
Frequently asked questions
When does the festival of Santa Maria al Monte take place?
On 12 September every year, the day of the Name of Mary. The date is fixed and doesn't change.
Where is Santa Maria al Monte?
It's a hamlet of Forio, at around 400 metres of elevation on the slopes of Monte Epomeo. The church is partly carved into the green tuff typical of the island.
What food is served at the festival?
The stalls serve the island's traditional farming dishes: pasta e fagioli, grilled meat and coniglio all'ischitana, the symbolic dish of Ischia's hinterland.
Can you walk up?
Yes, and on 12 September it's often the best choice: the road up to the hamlet is narrow and gets congested on the festival day. The trails to the summit of Monte Epomeo depart from the same side.
What's the dress code for the festival?
There's no dress code. It's a village festival, come as you are. If you walk up, bring comfortable shoes, a bottle of water and a sun hat.
