Isolympia – Neapolitan Isolympic Games, 6th Edition
Isolympia is a contemporary revival of the ancient Sebastà Isolympia Games, recreated and organised by Amartea since 2013. Originally established by Augustus and held continuously for more than three centuries, the Games, considered “equal to those of Olympia”, became one of the most renowned Greek-style competitions in the Mediterranean during the Roman Imperial period, turning Neapolis into a vibrant centre and a true “capital” of sporting and artistic competition.
Today, this remarkable part of Naples’ cultural heritage comes back to life, with its 6th edition dedicated to Naples European Capital of Sport 2026.
We do not celebrate the past. We set it in motion again.
Sport and art come together in a diverse programme featuring sport, dance, music, theatre, workshops, historical re-enactments and performances.
Programme
- Opening ceremony – 23 September, 8:00 pm, Piazza Municipio
A spectacular event will open the 6th edition of Isolympia, celebrating Naples European Capital of Sport 2026. The evening will be hosted by actor Alessandro Incerto and journalist, writer and presenter Mariù Adamo.
The event will also officially open the European Week of Sport (EWoS) for Italy’s ACES European Capitals and Cities of Sport. Centred on the theme “Naples Capital”, the evening will feature evocative historical re-enactments with hundreds of performers in costume, an original choreography by Alessandra Vacca featuring internationally renowned principal dancer Elisabetta Carnevale, and live music performed by an ensemble from the San Pietro a Majella Conservatory of Music in Naples.
Distinguished guests from the worlds of sport and the arts will also attend and receive the Isolympia Award in recognition of their sporting and artistic achievements.
Against the backdrop of Piazza Municipio, which for one evening will once again become the ancient Stadium of Neapolis, a major celebration of sport and art will come to life.
- Youth programme – 24 and 25 September
The distinctive dual focus of Isolympia—sport and art—continues with a programme dedicated to schools, organised in collaboration with the Campania Regional Education Office (USR Campania).
On 24 and 25 September, lower and upper secondary school students from across Campania will compete in athletics and strength-based sporting events at the athletics ground in Virgiliano Park, which hosted the first edition of Isolympia in 2013.
The artistic competitions will take place on the same dates on the stage in Piazza Municipio, which will become the Gymnasium for the occasion.
- The Gymnasium – 24–27 September
Throughout the festival, Piazza Municipio will also serve as the Gymnasium, hosting sports demonstrations, literary events, educational and theatre workshops, and masterclasses for students, families and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
- Adult competitions – 26 and 27 September
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, the programme will feature sporting and artistic competitions for adults, taking place in Piazza Municipio, at Collana Stadium and at Circolo Posillipo.
- The Theatre of Neapolis – every evening
Every evening, the stage in Piazza Municipio will be transformed into the Theatre of Neapolis, hosting performances by Italian theatre companies inspired by the theme of the 6th edition: “Terra! Terra! One Earth, One Land, One World”, a theme open to a wide range of artistic interpretations.
On the evening of 26 September, Parolenote, a performance by Giancarlo Cattaneo of Radio Monte Carlo and Maurizio Rossato of Radio Deejay, will bring together different artistic languages in a production specially adapted to the theme of this year’s edition.
The performance will bring the festival to a close, accompanying the awards ceremony for the new talents who have won the 6th edition of Isolympia.
The programme is subject to change.
For updates, please visit the official website.
How to take part
The event is free of charge and open to the public.
An association contribution fee may be required for reserved seating at the evening performances.
Info
- Event organiser: Associazione AMARTEA APS-ASD
- Website and social media:
www.isolympia.org | Facebook: /isolimpia | Instagram: /isolimpia - Telephone / WhatsApp: +39 081 1855 6494
Email: info@amartea.org
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