Bello Veramente Festival
Cinema, music, and emerging culture under the stars at the Rocca di Castruccio
About Bello Veramente
A multidisciplinary festival at the Rocca di Castruccio
The Bello Veramente Festival is a cultural event held in Serravalle Pistoiese, a charming hillside village in the province of Pistoia, Tuscany. The setting is the spectacular Rocca di Castruccio (or Rocca Nuova), a fortress built in 1302 and linked to the Lucchese warlord Castruccio Castracani. Every year, beneath the ruins of the tower, a rich and carefully curated program of cinema, music, theater, visual arts, and discussions comes to life.
Five days of cinema, music, and conversation
The festival is designed as an open space for creativity and engagement, with free admission for all events. The program structure alternates between two complementary themes: the first few days are dedicated to open-air cinema, featuring screenings under the stars, short films, and Q&As with directors; the final days host live concerts, DJ sets, and a wide range of sounds, from singer-songwriters to post-punk, indie pop, and electronic experimentation.
Spotlight on emerging artists
At the heart of the festival is the promotion of emerging artists and creative projects from the Tuscan and national scenes, often paired with more established names. Alongside concerts and screenings, the calendar is packed with talks featuring special guests, hands-on workshops, guided tours of the fortress, and cultural deep-dives, fostering a constant dialogue between the audience, artists, and speakers.
Community and local spirit
The experience is rounded out by a spacious food & beverage area, offering charcuterie boards, street food, and local delicacies, as well as an artisanal market featuring designers, ceramicists, and local businesses. The festival is organized by the non-profit cultural association Bello Veramente, founded in Pistoia by a group of local youths, with the support of the Municipality of Serravalle Pistoiese. The event is also part of the Pistoia Italian Capital of Books 2026 program, highlighting the cultural vitality of this part of the Pistoia province.
Bello Veramente — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Bello Veramente Festival bears the subtitle "Con un fiore in bocca" and confirms its multidisciplinary formula at the Rocca di Castruccio. The first three days are dedicated to open-air cinema, with screenings of contemporary Italian films, while the weekend is reserved for live music, DJ sets, talks, and workshops. The event, which is free to attend, is part of the Pistoia Italian Capital of Books 2026 program and is organized by the Bello Veramente cultural association with the support of the Municipality of Serravalle Pistoiese.
Programme Bello Veramente 2026
Tuesday, June 23 — Cinema
- 19:00 — Food area & DJ set opening, Prato sonoro with Tondo and Genkidama
- 21:00 — Screening of "La Chimera" by Alice Rohrwacher
Wednesday, June 24 — Cinema
- 19:00 — Food area & DJ set by Nabi
- 21:00 — Screening of "Orfeo" by Virgilio Villoresi
Thursday, June 25 — Cinema
- 19:00 — Food area & DJ set BVF
- 21:00 — Screening of "L'albero" by Sara Petraglia
Friday, June 26 — Music, talks, and workshops
- 17:00 — Doors open
- 17:15-18:00 / 18:15-19:00 — Guided tours of the Rocca
- 17:30-19:00 — Workshop "Bosco in cornice" with Lisa Guidi
- 19:00-20:00 — Talk "Crescita, talento e come coltivarlo" with Filippo Galli and Edgardo Zanoli
- 20:00-00:00 — Concerts: Svegliaginevra, Irossa, Nervi, L'Officina della Camomilla
Saturday, June 27 — Music, talks, and workshops
- 17:00 — Doors open
- 17:00-19:00 — Workshops "Alchimia dei sensi" with Caterina Romboni and "Intreccia la tua borsa" with Virginia Novelli
- 19:00-20:00 — Surprise talk
- 20:00-00:00 — Concerts: Palomar, Nico Arezzo, Amore Audio
Market & Food
Throughout the festival: Bello Veramente charcuterie boards and drinks, Frisco (burgers, vegan and gluten-free options), Madero (fried fish), sweets from the Pro Loco of Serravalle Pistoiese, BVF merchandise, and an artisanal market with One Love ODV, Casale Selvapiana, Lab.Bonci, Le Streghe di Oz, Sara Masiani & Lorac Ceramics, and Whitem Design.
Highlights Bello Veramente 2026
Prices Bello Veramente 2026
Practical information — Bello Veramente
Getting there
Serravalle Pistoiese is located on the route between Pistoia and Montecatini Terme. By car, it is easily accessible from the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway (take the Montecatini Terme or Pistoia exit). The nearest train station is Pistoia, on the Florence-Lucca-Viareggio line, from where you can continue by bus or car to the village and the Rocca di Castruccio.
Tickets
All festival events are free and open to the public.
Practical tips
The fortress is reached on foot through the historic village: comfortable shoes are recommended. Evenings in the hills can be cool, so it is a good idea to bring a light jacket. For the updated program, schedules, and posters, please refer to the official website and the festival's social media channels.
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Where does it take place — Bello Veramente
Rocca di Castruccio