There’s no better way to enjoy a summer festival than against a backdrop of beautiful architecture and stunning attractions such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Italian city of Pisa has a jam-packed schedule of summer events this year that are definitely worth checking out.
- Leaning Tower of Pisaneilalderney123
Best of all, if you decide to get a cheap hire car in Pisa, you don’t need to worry about missing any of the action, as Pisa Airport is just a ten-minute drive from the city centre. Rather than waiting for shuttle buses with numerous transfers, you might find it more convenient to jump behind the wheel of a hire vehicle.
Whatever you’re into you’ll find an event to suit your tastes. Even if you aren’t interested in a particular topic, you’ve got nothing to lose by dropping by to see what’s going on – you might be surprised and find a new favourite musical genre!
Below is a brief roundup of the top summer events in Pisa. Have a look and see if anything catches your eye.
Music under the Tower – June 22nd to July 9th
Summer is the perfect time for an open-air festival and there is no better place to go to one than in beautiful and historic Pisa. Music under the Tower is, as the name suggests, a concert that has the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the background. It looks especially spectacular at sunset and is a great way to round off an evening. Running from June 22nd to July 9th, there will be loads of different types of performances, from classical to jazz. The festival is held in the cloister of the Museo dell’Opera, so you really can’t ask for a better setting!
Giugno Pisano – June
This 30-day extravaganza runs throughout June, with the pinnacle often said to be the celebrations on the 17th dedicated to the patron saint San Ranieri. The evening before, more than 100,000 lamps are hung on towers, churches, bridges and buildings, while the Leaning Tower itself will be illuminated by oil pans. Pisa is stunning during the day, but just you wait until you see it lit up this way. It’s a magical moment and one you will cherish. Floating lamps are also placed on the Arno, with the light glistening off the water. On the patron saint day itself, there is the Historical Regatta, where four boats race against one another on the Arno. Each vessel represents the oldest neighbourhoods of Pisa – Sant’Antonio, Santa Maria, San Martino and San Francesco.
Waiting for the Battle – July 7th and 8th
Waiting for the Battle – or to give it its Italian name, Aspettando la Battaglia – is a two-day medieval festival that re-enacts the 1364 Battle of Cascina. It is certainly a feast for the eyes, with jesters, knights, jugglers, musicians and dames all milling around in traditional attire. Games and food tasting sessions are just some of activities you can participate in, although don’t forget to watch the parade of more than 200 people in costume – not that you can miss it!
San Genesio Festival – August 20th to 26th
If you’re coming to Pisa with children in tow, or are something of a big kid yourself, you’ll love the San Genesio Festival. Located in Casciana Terme (just under an hour’s drive from the city centre) the area gets turned into a toy wonderland. Youngsters will take part in a procession and the town will host clowns, a book street and workshops, as well as send balloons off into the sky with messages of peace and goodwill attached. It is a magical experience for families holidaying in Pisa.
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