Corso della Nave Festival

A festival along the Sieve River

The Corso della Nave is one of the most cherished events in the Valdisieve, bringing together two communities that the Sieve River has historically both united and divided: Rufina and the village of Montebonello, in the Municipality of Pontassieve, in the Province of Florence. For three days, the riverbanks become a sprawling stage filled with traditions, flavors, music, and outdoor activities.

The meaning of the name

"Corso della Nave" was the name of the first settlement around which Rufina developed, located along a path leading to a ford. From the late 18th century, at that very spot, a small boat — the nave — ferried people and goods from one side of the river to the other, before the bridge was constructed. The festival was created to evoke this deep bond between the two communities and their river, reclaiming the shared roots of a territory shaped by water.

What to expect

The program weaves historical memory with contemporary fun. Alongside the traditional historical pageant parade and commemorative ceremonies, there are activities designed for all ages:

• Trekking and hiking in the Rufina hills and along the Mill Trail (Sentiero dei Mulini)
• Rafting on the Sieve in the Montebonello stretch
• Markets featuring crafts, vintage goods, and local specialties
• Tastings of the renowned Chianti Rufina wine
• Street food and food stalls along the riverfront
• Children's workshops and entertainment
• Live music, DJ sets, and an evening fireworks display

A local event

The event is organized by the Corso della Nave Association in collaboration with the Compagnia della Torre of Montebonello, the Municipality of Rufina, and the Municipality of Pontassieve, with the involvement of numerous local associations. The festival highlights the food and wine heritage of the area — particularly Chianti Rufina, one of the oldest and most prestigious denominations in Tuscany — and the hilly landscape of the Valdisieve, just a few kilometers from Florence.

Admission is free, and the festival takes place on both banks of the river, between the center of Rufina and the Montebonello area, easily accessible from Florence by train or car.