Art, spirituality and friendship
at the heart of Assisi
Assisi hosted a Memorial Ceremony in honour of Guido Dettoni della Grazia, who passed away on 6 March 2026. It was a special occasion that brought together family, friends, colleagues and admirers from around the world to remember and pay tribute to his life, his work and the lasting legacy he leaves behind as an artist, a friend and a human being.
This page is currently being updated. We will continue to add information and content related to the Memorial Ceremony over the coming days.
Program
Saturday 12 September 2026
10:00 a.m.
Cathedral of San Rufino
Holy Mass, celebrated by Father Alessandro Picchiarelli,
Canon of the Cathedral Chapter and Parish Priest of San Rufino.
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Santa Maria delle Rose · MARIA Exhibition
A journey of remembrance through words, images and a cappella recital.
CARLES DUARTE PRESENTS
MARIA: La Madonna trovata
Carles Duarte, poet, linguist and close friend of Guido, presented MARIA: La Madonna trovata, Guido Dettoni della Grazia’s final written work, completed just days before his death and published posthumously.
Duarte reflected on MARIA as a work “found” by the artist and explored its artistic and spiritual significance. He also wrote the book’s foreword, as well as several poems inspired by Guido’s work, especially the sculpture MARIA.
SILVIA ORCIARI’S MUSICAL TRIBUTE
TO GUIDO DETTONI DELLA GRAZIA
Musical Tribute to Guido Dettoni della Grazia, conceived by Silvia Orciari, voice artist, vocal coach and creator of the Canto Integrativo® method.
A friend and collaborator of Guido, Silvia created the vocal dimension of his multisensory work dedicated to the Canticle of the Creatures, giving voice to its eight panels, from Brother Sun to Sister Death.
For the occasion, she presented a five-part vocal journey conceived as an intimate and personal tribute to the artist, weaving together chants from the ancient mystical tradition, original compositions and new vocal expressions, culminating in the first performance of her sound work E vibro, created especially for the ceremony.
The ceremony brought together the voices of those who shared Guido’s journey and were closely connected to his life, work and legacy. Their words offered personal and institutional perspectives on the artist and the lasting impact of his work.
Those who spoke during the ceremony:
Donatella Casciarri, Councillor of the Municipality of Assisi, representing the City of Assisi.
Francesco Fiorelli, who represented the Cathedral Chapter of San Rufino at the time when it initially managed the exhibition.
Mauro Ferretti, Grand Master of the Order of the Templars, who recognised in MARIA their own White Madonna of the Mantle.
Silvia Buzi, Member of the Santa Maria delle Rose Cooperative.
Lorella Falascchi, Member of the Santa Maria delle Rose Cooperative.
Ida Dettoni, daughter of Guido Dettoni della Grazia and President of the Santa Maria delle Rose Cooperative.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the portrait of Guido Dettoni della Grazia, which will remain permanently on display at the exhibition in Santa Maria delle Rose, becoming part of the place that has preserved and shared his artistic legacy in Assisi.
The event was moderated by architect Simone Menichelli.
14:00 p.m.
Trattoria Pallotta
A lunch to celebrate the joy of being together and remember Guido as he loved to be remembered: around the table, sharing food, conversation and friendship.
Thank You for Being Part of This Day
On behalf of the Dettoni family and the Cooperativa Santa Maria delle Rose, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took part in the memorial ceremony for Guido, held in Assisi on 12 September.
Our sincere thanks to all who travelled from near and far, crossing countries and continents to share this moment of remembrance and affection. We are equally grateful to those who, unable to join us in person, sent messages and heartfelt words of support.
Thank you for sharing this meaningful moment with us and for helping to keep Guido’s memory alive.
Published on September 12, 2026
Large turnout in Assisi for the day commemorating Guido Dettoni della Grazia
An intense and deeply attended day to remember Guido Dettoni della Grazia.
Published on September 9, 2026
Guido Dettoni della Grazia: Assisi Remembers Him — Art and Spirituality at Santa Maria delle Rose
The city will pay tribute to the artist who connected his artistic research with one of Assisi’s most iconic places.
With Sincere Gratitude
Our heartfelt thanks to all those whose generosity, expertise and support helped make Guido’s memorial ceremony possible.
Photography · Mauro Berti, Enrica Bruni, Sara Santopaolo, Xavi Ribó
Videography · Massimo Santopaolo
Press · Assisi News
Signage · Asterisco Pubblicità
Logistical Support · Nesher Editions, Pro Loco, Fontebella Hotel, Trattoria Pallotta, Casa della Misericordia, Le Pietre del Drago
Visiting Assisi
The Fontebella Palace Hotel is an elegant four-star hotel located in the heart of Assisi’s historic centre, just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral of San Rufino, Piazza del Comune and the Basilica of Saint Francis. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, it combines the charm of medieval architecture with modern comfort and amenities. Its privileged location, welcoming rooms and magnificent views over the Umbrian valley make it an excellent choice for discovering the city.
The historic Trattoria Pallotta, is one of Assisi’s landmark restaurants, which has preserved the authentic culinary tradition of Umbria since 1860. Located in Piazza del Comune, the trattoria is tucked beneath the charming “Volta Pinta”, adorned with sixteenth-century frescoes by Raffaellino del Colle.
The Casa della Misericordia delle Suore Spagnole offers simple, welcoming accommodation in a peaceful atmosphere, right in the heart of Assisi’s historic centre, just a few steps from Piazza del Comune and the city’s main attractions. This house of hospitality is part of the city’s history and preserves a medieval chapel linked to the Bernardone family, the family of Saint Francis of Assisi.
