Events not to be Missed in Summer

Medieval dinner in Certaldo

Every year, on the 1st and 2nd Saturday of June. Two tables set up along the main street of Certaldo Alto. A fun dinner with a menu of medieval dishes served by waiters in period costumes and entertainment shows throughout the evening. Booking required.

La Luminara, in Pisa

Every year, on the 16th of June After sunset Pisa literally lights up thousands of candles, about 70,000, which follow the contours of buildings, churches, towers and bridges creating a magnificent effect; meanwhile hundreds of floating candles are sent down the river Arno for a magical play of light and reflection. The Piazza dei Miracoli is also involved with the Cathedral, the Baptistery and of course the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Various stands selling local craft goods, accessories, sweets and games line all the streets in the centre of Pisa.

The Fireworks of San Giovanni, in Florence

Every year, on the 24th of June, Florence celebrates the patron saint of the city. On the morning of the 24th of June a procession leaves from Palazzo Vecchio in Florence to take candles to the saint. In the late afternoon, the historic game of “Florentine football” is held in Piazza Santa Croce, preceded by a parade along the entire historic centre of Florence. In the evening, from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, a magnificent firework display that lights up the whole of Florence … for a magical evening during your stay in Tuscany!

Monteriggioni crowns itself with towers, in Monteriggioni

Every year, on the 1st and 2nd weekend in July A step back in time to relive the Monteriggioni of the past: military camps, battles, theatre performances, arts and crafts from the Middle Ages. Entrance fee paid with antique “thalers”!

Ferie delle Messi harvest festival, in San Gimignano

Every year, on the third weekend of June One of the most important events in San Gimignano, just 10 minutes away by car. Historical event in period costumes with actors, musicians, jesters, representation of medieval arts and crafts. In ancient times, the “ferie messium” festival celebrated the benevolence of nature that gave the harvest to the population.

Palio di Siena, in Siena

Every year, on the 2nd of July and 16th of August It is a popular festival, a cultural event, an equestrian tournament and much more … It has been held in Piazza del Campo in Siena since 1644 and is the most exciting and famous equestrian competition in the world. The actual race only lasts a few minutes while the days before the event are full of events such as parades, processions, dinners, rehearsals for the race, religious rites … Siena is about 35 minutes by car and is easily accessible by train.

Mercantia Certaldo

Every year in mid-July (variable dates) It is one of the biggest and most important street theatre festivals. The medieval village of Certaldo Alto turns into a real midsummer dream: original artists, live shows, innovative performances, modern installations, live arts and crafts.

Andrea Bocelli in concert, in Lajatico

Every year, at the beginning of August (variable date) A single date concert given by the Tuscan tenor Andrea Bocelli performing in his home town of Lajatico at the Teatro del Silenzio. An evening full of emotions in a unique setting: outdoors, in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. After this one show, the installations are completely disassembled and everything goes back to being open countryside for another 364 days! The concert venue is about 40 minutes away by car. On request, guests can use the taxi service (for a fee).

Glasses under the stars, in San Gimignano

Every year, on the 10th of August A shower of shooting stars and … glasses of excellent Tuscan wines! On the night of San Lorenzo an evening to taste the best local wines such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Sangiovese, Chianti etc … in the ever beautiful San Gimignano!

Nel Sogno di Messer Boccaccio (In Boccaccio’s Dreams), in Certaldo

Every year in summer (variable dates) Historical commemoration-procession that pays tribute to the illustrious poet and writer Giovanni Boccaccio, who was born in Certaldo. The event is inspired by the novels of the Decameron and stages the theatre arts: acting, music, fighting, dancing and historical dances.