Certosa Festival
The cultural summer of Calci, between the Certosa Monumentale and the Val Graziosa
About Certosa Festival
A festival in the heart of Val Graziosa
The Certosa Festival is one of the most cherished and enduring cultural events in the province of Pisa. Every summer, it transforms the town of Calci—a small village tucked among the olive groves of the Val Graziosa at the foot of Monte Pisano—into an open-air stage. For over two decades, the festival has enriched the village's summer evenings with a multidisciplinary program that weaves together music, theater, and spoken word, maintaining its unique identity while reinventing itself with every edition.
The festival venues
What makes the Certosa Festival truly unique is its setting. Performances are held in three of Calci's most iconic locations:
- Piazza Garibaldi, the village's open-air living room and the beating heart of the evenings;
- The courtyard of the Certosa Monumentale, the ancient Carthusian complex founded in the 14th century, which now also houses the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa;
- The Romanesque Pieve di San Ermolao, which hosts more intimate and spiritual concerts.
A multidisciplinary program
The Certosa Festival offers a wide range of musical performances, from symphonic music to singer-songwriter sets, alongside theater, spiritual moments, and talk shows. Under the artistic direction of Salvatore Ciulla, the festival has successfully built a reputation for showcasing local talent alongside nationally renowned guests, fostering a deep connection with Calci and its community.
A free and accessible festival
The festival is organized by the Municipality of Calci with the support of the Fondazione Pisa and is part of the broader 'Estate Calcesana' summer calendar, which also includes the Monte Pisano Art Festival and the festivities for the patron saint, Sant'Ermolao. All events are free of charge: a perfect opportunity to discover one of the most charming corners of Tuscany while enjoying culture under the stars on warm summer evenings in the Val Graziosa.
Certosa Festival — edition 2026
Certosa Festival 2026 — 26th Edition
The 26th edition of the Certosa Festival takes place in Calci (Pisa) from July to September 2026, maintaining the summer tradition that has accompanied the evenings in the Val Graziosa village for over twenty years. As always, events will animate Piazza Garibaldi, the courtyard of the Certosa Monumentale, and the Pieve di San Ermolao, typically starting at 9:30 PM with free admission.
The festival offers a diverse range of musical shows, alongside theater, spiritual moments, and talk shows, following the artistic vision curated by Salvatore Ciulla. The festival is part of the 'Estate Calcesana' program organized by the Municipality of Calci.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including the schedule of evenings and guest artists, will be announced by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the start of the festival.
Programme Certosa Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 26th edition, including the full schedule of evenings, artists, and venues for each event, will be announced by the Municipality of Calci in the weeks preceding the start of the festival.
The festival's usual structure features evening performances (generally at 9:30 PM) with free admission, spread from July to September between Piazza Garibaldi, the courtyard of the Certosa Monumentale, and the Pieve di San Ermolao, with a lineup alternating between various musical genres, theater, symphonic music, spiritual moments, and talk shows.
Highlights Certosa Festival 2026
- 26th edition of one of the longest-running festivals in the province of Pisa
- Performances in Calci's landmark locations: Certosa Monumentale, Pieve di San Ermolao, and Piazza Garibaldi
- Free admission to all events
Prices Certosa Festival 2026
Practical information — Certosa Festival
Getting there
Calci is located about 12 km from Pisa, at the foot of Monte Pisano. By car, it takes about twenty minutes from the city; follow the signs for the Certosa di Calci. Parking is available near the town center. By train, arrive at Pisa Centrale station and continue by bus or car.
Schedule and admission
Performances generally start at 9:30 PM. All Certosa Festival events are free of charge.
Information
For the updated program and details on individual evenings, you can contact the Municipality of Calci at +39 050 939511 or visit the official municipal website and the festival's official Facebook page.
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Where does it take place — Certosa Festival
Certosa Monumentale di Calci, Pieve di San Ermolao e Piazza Garibaldi
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 56011 Calci