Street art in Porretta Terme: a tour of murals and the Porretta SOUL Festival

As soon as you arrive in Porretta Terme, you immediately realise that Soul can be felt in every corner and is not confined to Rufus Thomas Park alone: it can be found on the walls, in the street names and along the Reno River. This walking itinerary guides you through the murals connected to the renowned Porretta SOUL Festival, following an easy route that is also perfect for a weekend of thermal baths and leisurely walks.

View the itinerary map of the Porretta SOUL Festival Street Art:

• Stop 2. Swamp Dogg (by Nadia Vola)

Remaining in the railway station area, you will come across the artwork dedicated to Swamp Dogg, an ironic and unconventional cult figure of American music. He made his debut in Porretta in 1998 (marking the historic reconciliation with Solomon Burke) and returned in 2011 and 2018.

© Ph. Giorgio Barbato

• Stop 4. Sam Cooke (by Alice Palmieri)

In a more secluded spot, this powerful and deeply human portrait catches visitors by surprise. It pays tribute to the artist who, together with Ray Charles, helped create Soul music and whose life was tragically cut short at the age of just 33.

© Ph. Giorgio Barbato

• Stop 6. Rufus Thomas (by Alice Palmieri)

Located on Via del Rossetto, this was the first mural created in Porretta. It portrays Rufus Thomas – the Memphis icon after whom the festival park is named – with a look of astonishment. Local tradition has it that this expression was inspired by his reaction to a plate of tagliatelle prepared by Nilva (Mrs Cheese), a testament to the inseparable bond between the festival’s artists, great music and excellent local food.

• Stop 8. The Blues Brothers (by Maurizio Cioni)

On Via del Falcone, a mural celebrates John Landis’s 1980 cult film. The Bluesmobile is depicted in Porretta, “parked” there by the artist himself, who incorporated local landmarks into the background (Mount Corno alle Scale, Mount Cimone and the Church of Castelluccio). A noteworthy detail is the tribute to the Church of Sperticano, dedicated to the memory of Don Fornasini, a martyr priest and Blessed of the Catholic Church, located directly opposite his former home.

© Ph. Giorgio Barbato

• Stop 10. Soul Men (by Antonio Cotecchia)

Located right at the entrance to the festival park, this mural brings together four legends: Solomon Burke (whose song Everybody Needs Somebody To Love was famously revived by The Blues Brothers), Wilson Pickett (the iconic voice behind In The Midnight Hour), James Carr (one of the finest exponents of deep soul), and Eddie Hinton, the legendary blue-eyed soul guitarist and songwriter.

© Ph. Giorgio Barbato

• Stop 12. The Memphis Horns (by Manuel Giacometti)

Also located in the Lungoreno area, this mural celebrates the most famous horn section in music history, made up of Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love (recipients of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012). They performed with Otis Redding, the entire Stax Records roster, Elvis Presley, U2 and Zucchero, and inaugurated the very first edition of the Porretta SOUL Festival in 1988.

• Stop 14. Sax Gordon (by Edoardo Ettorre and Antonio Cotecchia)

On Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, this artwork celebrates the Boston saxophonist, who has become a familiar presence in Porretta, highlighting his close connection with Solomon Burke. The mural recalls memories of their memorable 2004 tour, including unusual travel anecdotes and the logistical challenges involved in lifting the King of Soul onto his throne while the horn section tirelessly played the fanfare of Everybody Needs Somebody To Love.

© Ph. Giorgio Barbato

Practical Tips

• How long does the itinerary take? On foot, the tour takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on how many stops you make for photos.

• Where is the best place to start? The ideal starting point is the railway station, where the first two murals are located. From there, cross the Solomon Burke Bridge to enter the historic centre and continue towards Rufus Thomas Park.
  
  
• Are all the murals accessible on foot? Yes, the entire itinerary unfolds within the urban area and can be completed on foot, including the final stop at the Sottostazione.
  
  
• What is the best time of year to visit? The murals can be viewed all year round. However, visiting during the Porretta SOUL Festival allows you to experience a unique atmosphere, where street art blends with live music throughout the town.