Candles Under the Stars
The night of San Lorenzo by candlelight in the village of Gradara
About Candles Under the Stars
A Night of Light in the Village of Gradara
Candles Under the Stars 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, turns off artificial lights to ignite with thousands of natural flames. The event is part of a large shared initiative that illuminates 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 Rondels Walkways, 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 and the medieval village. The Piazza d'Armi hosts an arena with a live concert and a film screening under the stars, while musical and literary performances fill the village streets: opera arias on the wall walkways, recitals, and "greetings between 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 candle 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 for its tradition related to candles. Over the years, "Candles Under the Stars" 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.
Candles Under the Stars — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Candles Under the Stars is confirmed in the official 2026 event calendar of the Municipalities of Pesaro, Gabicce Mare, and Gradara, presented in May 2026. The event is renewed on the usual date of August 10th, the night of San Lorenzo.
Again this year, 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 Rondels Walkways. 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 Candles Under the Stars 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 leading up to August 10, 2026.
Based on the established structure of the event, the evening in Gradara typically includes:
- village opening from sunset, with total white dress code
- arena in Piazza d'Armi with live concert and open-air cinema
- diffused musical and poetic performances: opera arias on the wall walkways, music at the Clock Tower and at the MARV - Rubini Vesin Museum of Art
- free access to the Rondels Walkways for those wearing white clothing
- sky observation on the night of San Lorenzo
Highlights Candles Under the Stars 2026
The night of San Lorenzo by candlelight in the medieval village, the total white dress code, and free access to the Rondels Walkways on the Malatesta walls.
Prices Candles Under the Stars 2026
Practical information — Candles Under the Stars
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 Rondels Walkways for those wearing the total white dress code.
How to Get There
By car: take the Cattolica-Gabicce exit from the A14 highway, 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 seating. Information and reservations: IAT Gradara Office, tel. +39 0541 964673, WhatsApp +39 331 1520659, [email protected].
Tips
Wear white clothing to fully experience the atmosphere and gain free access to the walkways. Bring a white blanket if you plan to participate in the picnic under the stars.
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Where does it take place — Candles Under the Stars
Borgo e Rocca di Gradara
Piazza Alberta Porta Natale, 1, 61012 Gradara