Candele sotto le Stelle
The night of San Lorenzo by candlelight in the village of Gradara
About Candele sotto le Stelle
A night of light in the village of Gradara
Candele sotto le Stelle is one of the most evocative events of the Marche summer: every August 10th, on the night of San Lorenzo, the village of Gradara, in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, switches off its artificial lights to be illuminated by thousands of natural flames. The event is part of a large shared initiative that lights up about ten kilometers of the Adriatic coast, from Pesaro to Gabicce Mare, passing through the village of Gradara, with over twenty quintals of candles arranged along the promenade and within the ancient walls.
The "Village of Wishes"
For one evening, Gradara becomes the Village of Wishes: those who cross the Clock Tower after sunset, dressed strictly in white, can make their wish at the IAT office space and wander through the alleys of the historic center by candlelight. The total white dress code is not just about atmosphere: those who arrive dressed in white have free access to the Camminamenti di Ronda (Ramparts Walk), the panoramic path that runs along the top of the Malatesta walls, from which to observe the starry sky and the entire valley.
Music, cinema, and poetry within the walls
Gradara's program blends entertainment and culture within the setting of the Rocca (fortress) and the medieval village. The Piazza d'Armi (Armoury Square) hosts an arena with a live concert and a film screening under the stars, while musical and literary performances spread through the village streets: operatic arias on the ramparts, recitals, and "greetings with verses and notes" at the Clock Tower, listening moments at the MARV - Rubini Vesin Museum of Art. The night of San Lorenzo also offers guided sky observations, as the boundary between candlelight flames and shooting stars becomes thin.
A network event of the Marche region
The event is organized by Gradara Innova as part of a shared project between the Municipalities of Pesaro, Gabicce Mare, and Gradara, with the collaboration of the Pro Loco of Candelara, a community known precisely for its tradition linked to candles. Over the years, "Candele sotto le Stelle" has become one of the most glamorous and beloved evenings on the Adriatic coast, capable of combining the charm of one of Italy's most beautiful villages with the enchantment of the most romantic night of the summer.
Candele sotto le Stelle — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Candele sotto le Stelle is confirmed in the official 2026 event calendar of the Municipalities of Pesaro, Gabicce Mare, and Gradara, presented in May 2026. The appointment is renewed on the usual date of August 10th, the night of San Lorenzo.
This year too, the village of Gradara becomes the Village of Wishes: those who arrive dressed in white can make a wish at the IAT office space, cross the Clock Tower, and gain free access to the Ramparts Walk. The detailed program – concert in Piazza d'Armi, film screening, music, and poetry diffused in the village – will be published by the organization (Gradara Innova) closer to the event.
For updated information and reservations: IAT Gradara Office, tel. +39 0541 964673.
Programme Candele sotto le Stelle 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (concerts, lineup, screening, and times) has not yet been published by the organization and will be announced in the weeks preceding August 10, 2026.
Based on the established structure of the event, the evening in Gradara typically includes:
- opening of the village from sunset, with a total white dress code
- arena in Piazza d'Armi with live concert and open-air cinema
- diffused musical and poetic performances: operatic arias on the ramparts, music at the Clock Tower and at the MARV - Rubini Vesin Museum of Art
- free access to the Camminamenti di Ronda for those wearing white clothes
- sky observation on the night of San Lorenzo
Highlights Candele sotto le Stelle 2026
The night of San Lorenzo by candlelight in the medieval village, the total white dress code, and free access to the Ramparts Walk along the Malatesta walls.
Prices Candele sotto le Stelle 2026
Practical information — Candele sotto le Stelle
When
August 10th, from sunset to late evening, on the night of San Lorenzo.
Where
Village and Rocca of Gradara (PU), Marche. Village entrance is free; free access to the Camminamenti di Ronda for those wearing the total white dress code.
How to get there
By car: take the Cattolica-Gabicce exit from the A14 motorway, then a few minutes inland. By train: Cattolica-San Giovanni-Gabicce or Pesaro station, then bus/taxi. It is recommended to park in the areas below the village and walk up.
Tickets and reservations
Village entrance is free. Some activities (arena with concert and cinema, picnics, aperitifs) are ticketed or require mandatory reservation for limited spots. Information and reservations: IAT Gradara Office, tel. +39 0541 964673, WhatsApp +39 331 1520659, [email protected].
Tips
Wear white clothes to fully experience the atmosphere and get free access to the ramparts. Bring a white blanket if you plan to participate in the picnic under the stars.
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Where does it take place — Candele sotto le Stelle
Borgo e Rocca di Gradara
Piazza Alberta Porta Natale, 1, 61012 Gradara