The Passion of Sordevolo
The Passion of Sordevolo
Villagers from Sordevolo have been giving life to a Sacred play portraying Christ’s Passion once every five years since 1816.
Join a Trip
-
Pilgrimage to Northern Italy with Fr. Stephen Page and Heather Tieman
$4,695.00 -
Pilgrimage to Northern Italy with Fr. Leo Patalinghug
$4,895.00 -
Sordevolo Passion Play and Northern Italy with Dr. Marcellino and Susan D’Ambrosio
$5,595.00 -
Pilgrimage to Italy feat. the Sordevolo Passion Play with Fr. Michael Rother
$4,495.00
PLAN A GROUP
Would like to bring your parish or group to Sordevelo? We want to help!
Below are some sample itineraries to give you an idea of what is possible. If you would like to talk about planning a group trip of your own, give us a call at 1-800-842-4842, or click below to contact us.
About Sordevolo Passion Play
Sordevolo Passion Play is a traditional theatrical performance held in the small mountain village of Sordevolo in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. In this event, the local community members perform, dramatizing the final days of Jesus Christ from his entry into Jerusalem through the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The performers blend faith, folk tradition, and generations-old storytelling, as seen in Sordevolo, Italy.
What Makes Sordevolo Passion Play Special?
The Passion Play of Sordevolo is a large-scale theatrical reenactment of the Passion of Christ, the final days, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, performed by the local community of this small town in northern Italy.
- Centuries-old tradition: It dates back to the early 1800s, though its roots are even older. The play is based on a 15th-century script by Bishop Giuliano Dati, first printed in Rome around 1500 and later brought to Sordevolo’s papal connections.
- Massive community effort: Nearly the entire town participates – around 400 volunteer actors and 300 volunteer crew who handle costumes, set-building, and staging, making it a true collective effort of the whole Sordevolo community.
- Authentic staging: It takes place in an open-air amphitheater with historically accurate costumes and sets, transporting the audience into the Passion narrative of first-century Jerusalem.
- Epic scale: The performance includes dozens of scenes, from the Last Supper to the Resurrection, and lasts two and a half hours, with a half-hour intermission, making it one of Europe’s most extensive works of community-staged theater.
About Sordevolo Passion Play
Sordevolo Passion Play is a traditional theatrical performance held in the small mountain village of Sordevolo in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. In this event, the local community members perform, dramatizing the final days of Jesus Christ from his entry into Jerusalem through the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The performers blend faith, folk tradition, and generations-old storytelling, as seen in Sordevolo, Italy.
What Makes Sordevolo Passion Play Special?
The Passion Play of Sordevolo is a large-scale theatrical reenactment of the Passion of Christ, the final days, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, performed by the local community of this small town in northern Italy.
- Centuries-old tradition: It dates back to the early 1800s, though its roots are even older. The play is based on a 15th-century script by Bishop Giuliano Dati, first printed in Rome around 1500 and later brought to Sordevolo’s papal connections.
- Massive community effort: Nearly the entire town participates – around 400 volunteer actors and 300 volunteer crew who handle costumes, set-building, and staging, making it a true collective effort of the whole Sordevolo community.
- Authentic staging: It takes place in an open-air amphitheater with historically accurate costumes and sets, transporting the audience into the Passion narrative of first-century Jerusalem.
- Epic scale: The performance includes dozens of scenes, from the Last Supper to the Resurrection, and lasts two and a half hours, with a half-hour intermission, making it one of Europe’s most extensive works of community-staged theater.
YEARS OF HISTORY
ACTORS, AGED 5-80
PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES
SHOWS FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
SPECTATORS FOR EACH PRODUCTION
HOURS OF WORK
200
YEARS OF HISTORY
400
ACTORS, AGED 5-80
300
PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES
36
SHOWS FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
30K
SPECTATORS FOR EACH PRODUCTION
80K
HOURS OF WORK
Cultural Significance of Sordevolo Passion Play
The Sordevolo Passion Play is regarded as one of Italy’s most important religious and cultural traditions, a living expression of faith that has united an entire Piedmont community across generations, blending devotion, folk theater, and regional identity into one enduring event.
Often compared to Germany’s Oberammergau Passion Play, Sordevolo’s version is smaller in scale and less internationally known, yet it holds deep cultural weight in Italy as one of the few Passion plays produced entirely by ordinary townspeople.
When it happens
- It is not annual—it’s staged roughly every 5 years, typically between June and September.
- Each edition includes multiple performances (often 30+ shows), attracting thousands of visitors.
When is the Next Passion Play?
The Sordevolo Passion Play returns in 2027, continuing its historic five-year cycle. The local organizing committee traditionally releases the full performance calendar closer to the season, which typically runs from summer into early autumn; several travel operators are already scheduling itineraries around a mid-to-late August 2027 performance date.
Why Visit the Sordevolo Passion Play?
- A spiritual and emotional experience: Watching the Passion of Christ performed live, in an open-air amphitheater by people who have rehearsed for months, creates a moving, reflective atmosphere that few staged productions can replicate for visitors of any faith background.
- The authenticity of a whole town involved: Unlike professional theater, every actor, costume-maker, and stagehand is a Sordevolo resident, giving the performance an unmatched sense of genuine community pride, generational continuity, and lived devotion rather than commercial polish.
- The historical continuity of the tradition: Attending connects visitors to a ritual performed roughly every five years since 1815, a rare living link to 19th-century Piedmontese culture that has survived wars, generations, and changing times largely intact.
Cultural Significance of Sordevolo Passion Play
The Sordevolo Passion Play is regarded as one of Italy’s most important religious and cultural traditions, a living expression of faith that has united an entire Piedmont community across generations, blending devotion, folk theater, and regional identity into one enduring event.
Often compared to Germany’s Oberammergau Passion Play, Sordevolo’s version is smaller in scale and less internationally known, yet it holds deep cultural weight in Italy as one of the few Passion plays produced entirely by ordinary townspeople.
When it happens
- It is not annual—it’s staged roughly every 5 years, typically between June and September.
- Each edition includes multiple performances (often 30+ shows), attracting thousands of visitors.
When is the Next Passion Play?
The Sordevolo Passion Play returns in 2027, continuing its historic five-year cycle. The local organizing committee traditionally releases the full performance calendar closer to the season, which typically runs from summer into early autumn; several travel operators are already scheduling itineraries around a mid-to-late August 2027 performance date.
Why Visit the Sordevolo Passion Play?
- A spiritual and emotional experience: Watching the Passion of Christ performed live, in an open-air amphitheater by people who have rehearsed for months, creates a moving, reflective atmosphere that few staged productions can replicate for visitors of any faith background.
- The authenticity of a whole town involved: Unlike professional theater, every actor, costume-maker, and stagehand is a Sordevolo resident, giving the performance an unmatched sense of genuine community pride, generational continuity, and lived devotion rather than commercial polish.
- The historical continuity of the tradition: Attending connects visitors to a ritual performed roughly every five years since 1815, a rare living link to 19th-century Piedmontese culture that has survived wars, generations, and changing times largely intact.
The Piedmont (Piemonte, meaning “foot of the mountains”) stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive regions for a mix of geography, food, wine, and culture.
What is Offered by Select International Tours for Sordevolo Passion Play Trip?
- Flexible group airfare arrangements designed to simplify travel planning for pilgrims journeying to Italy.
- Comfortable transportation in private air-conditioned motorcoaches throughout the pilgrimage and sightseeing experiences.
- Stays in carefully selected centrally located luxury hotels near major religious and cultural destinations.
- Knowledgeable local English-speaking tour managers providing insights into Italy’s Catholic heritage and traditions.
- Extensive pilgrimage resources and spiritual preparation materials to enrich your Passion Play experience.
- A dedicated Catholic pilgrimage team that shares your faith and accompanies you in prayer, fellowship, and meaningful spiritual encounters throughout the journey.
FAQs:
How is the Sordevolo Passion Play Different from the Oberammergau Passion Play?
The Oberammergau Passion Play is held in Germany every ten years, while the Sordevolo Passion Play takes place in Sordevolo, Italy, every five years.
Is Sordevolo Passion Play Religious?
Yes. The Sordevolo Passion Play is a religious performance portraying the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. While rooted in Christian tradition, it is also recognized as an important cultural and historical event that welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds.
Is Sordevolo Passion Play Suitable for Children?
Yes, families with children regularly attend the Sordevolo Passion Play. The performance emphasizes history, faith, culture, and community rather than graphic imagery, making it appropriate for most children, although its approximately three-hour duration may be better suited to older children.
How Long Does Sordevolo Passion Play Last?
The Sordevolo Passion Play lasts approximately three hours, including a brief intermission. The open-air performance features dozens of scenes depicting the final days of Jesus Christ, from the Last Supper through the Resurrection.
For How Many Days is Sordevolo Passion Play Held?
The Sordevolo Passion Play is held over approximately 100 days, from June through September, with performances scheduled on selected dates during the season. Because the event takes place only once every five years, visitors have multiple opportunities to attend while enjoying the surrounding region of Piedmont, Italy.
How Early Should I Book a Sordevolo Passion Play Trip?
Because the Sordevolo Passion Play is staged only once every five years and attracts visitors from around the world, booking 9–12 months in advance is recommended. Early reservations provide the best selection of tour availability, accommodations, and preferred seating for the performance.
How do I book a trip to the Sordevolo Passion Play?
Select International Tours organizes Catholic pilgrimages to the Sordevolo Passion Play. To book, call 1-800-842-4842, email guestservices@select-intl.com, or visit selectinternationaltours.com. Pilgrimage packages start at $4,895 per person. Because the event happens only once every five years and group spots fill quickly, early booking is strongly recommended.
Reserve Your 12-Day Sordevolo Passion Play Tour
Join Select International Tours for the 2027 Sordevolo Passion Play, Italy’s historic open-air drama staged once every five years in Piedmont’s Elvo Valley, over an immersive 12-day journey.
Notify Me About New Trips to Sordevolo
Please subscribe here, and we will update you when new trips to the Sordevolo Passion Play open for enrollment. We will also subscribe you to our monthly newsletter, featuring exciting pilgrimage opportunities, timely travel news, and stories from Select International Tours. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in any of our emails.