Civitas Infernalis

A festival beyond the fantasy theme

Civitas Infernalis is the street arts festival of Sarteano, in the province of Siena, in the heart of the Sienese Valdichiana. For over a decade, every summer, the village's historic center transforms into an imaginary world where medieval atmospheres, fantasy inspirations, and contemporary performance languages coexist. It is not just a costume party: it is a collective celebration that invites residents and visitors to immerse themselves in a reality where everything becomes possible.

Street arts in the spotlight

The heart of the event is the street artists: roaming performances, aerial dance, visual acrobatics, juggling, close-up magic, optical illusions, stilt walkers, fire shows, and live music bring the alleys, squares, and corners of the historic center to life. The artistic direction is entrusted to the Compagnia Teatrale Accademia Creativa, an international collective of visual, theatrical, and circus artists known for their poetic and multidisciplinary work, who build the festival around a central theme each year.

Markets, taverns, and workshops

Alongside the shows, Civitas Infernalis offers craft markets, urban installations, exhibitions, creative workshops, and activities for children. The evenings are accompanied by taverns serving local cuisine: the Taverna della Giostra and food stands offer traditional Valdichiana dishes, with a focus on sustainability and environmental awareness that has characterized the event for years.

A free community event

Civitas Infernalis is a free-entry festival, built thanks to the voluntary commitment of the local community and organized by the Associazione Giostra del Saracino di Sarteano, with the patronage of the Municipality of Sarteano and the Tuscany Region. It is an integral part of the village's rich summer calendar, which culminates in August with the historic Giostra del Saracino.

Sarteano, a village to discover

Located on the slopes of Monte Cetona, Sarteano is one of the most charming villages in the province of Siena: the castle, thermal baths, Etruscan necropolises, and medieval alleys provide a natural backdrop for the festival. Visiting Civitas Infernalis is also an opportunity to discover this corner of Tuscany, less frequented by mass tourism, amidst hills, art, and tradition.