Isabella's Night
Atmospheres and mysteries of 16th-century Cerreto
About Isabella's Night
Isabella's Night: The Renaissance comes alive in Cerreto Guidi
In the heart of Tuscany, just a few kilometres from Empoli and the Padule di Fucecchio, the small village of Cerreto Guidi (province of Florence) transforms every July into the stage for one of the most evocative historical re-enactments in the Empoli area. Isabella's Night transports visitors back to 1576, the year Isabella de' Medici, the favourite daughter of Grand Duke Cosimo I, arrived at the Medici villa overlooking the town to spend the summer.
The story of Isabella de' Medici
The re-enactment weaves history with legend. Isabella, a cultured woman beloved by the Florentine court, died right here in Cerreto Guidi on 16 July 1576 under circumstances that remain unclear to this day: the official version spoke of a sudden death, but rumours of the time whispered of a crime orchestrated by her husband, Paolo Giordano Orsini. The event builds its narrative around this mystery, unfolding night by night until the dramatic epilogue.
Two nights of processions, duels, and Renaissance markets
For two days, the streets of the historic centre, the Villa Medicea, the Pieve di San Leonardo, and the scenic Ponti Medicei become an open-air stage. Over six hundred costumed performers—ladies, knights, nobles, commoners, and representatives of the town's four districts—bring the village to life with:
- the grand historical pageant opening, accompanied by musicians, drummers, and flag-wavers;
- duels and martial games, historical fencing, and crossbow exhibitions;
- falconers, fire shows, jugglers, and puppeteers;
- Renaissance dances and music, theatrical performances, and flag-waving displays;
- markets and ancient craft stalls, featuring artisans at work.
The numerous taverns and inns set up in the village allow visitors to savour dishes inspired by Tuscan Renaissance cuisine, completing an experience that engages all the senses.
The finale at the Ponti Medicei
The most anticipated moment is the grand finale: as shadows fall, a show of fire and mystery at the Ponti Medicei evokes the tragic end of Isabella, closing the re-enactment with an atmosphere suspended between drama and poetry.
A local event
Isabella's Night is organised by the Pro Loco of Cerreto Guidi in collaboration with the Municipality and the CCN Buontalenti association, under the patronage of the Tuscany Region. Over the years, it has become a defining event for the entire community and a showcase for Tuscany's Medici heritage, attracting visitors from across the province of Florence and beyond.
Isabella's Night — edition 2026
The fourteenth edition of Isabella's Night is confirmed for Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026 in the historic centre of Cerreto Guidi, in the province of Florence.
As per tradition, the two evenings will feature hundreds of performers in Renaissance costumes, the historical pageant of the town's four districts accompanied by musicians and flag-wavers, fencing exhibitions, falconers, period dances, ancient crafts, and taverns with dishes inspired by 16th-century cuisine. The grand finale will return to the Ponti Medicei with a fire show dedicated to the mystery of Isabella de' Medici's death.
The detailed 2026 programme, including the show line-up and precise times, will be announced by the Pro Loco of Cerreto Guidi in the weeks preceding the event. We recommend checking the official website lanottedisabella.com and social media channels for updates.
Programme Isabella's Night 2026
The detailed programme for the 2026 edition will be published by the Pro Loco of Cerreto Guidi in the weeks before the event. Based on the established structure of past editions, the two evenings will include:
- Opening historical pageant with performers from the four districts, musicians, drummers, and flag-wavers;
- Duels and martial games, historical fencing, and crossbow shooting;
- Falconers, fire shows, jugglers, and puppeteers;
- Renaissance dances and music, theatrical performances, and flag displays;
- Markets and ancient craft stalls;
- Taverns and inns with dishes inspired by Renaissance cuisine;
- Grand finale at the Ponti Medicei with a fire show dedicated to the tragic death of Isabella de' Medici.
Indicative hours are from 5:00 PM until late at night on both days.
Highlights Isabella's Night 2026
- Historical pageant with over six hundred costumed performers from the four districts
- Grand finale fire show at the Ponti Medicei
- Villa Medicea, Pieve di San Leonardo, and historic centre as the backdrop
Prices Isabella's Night 2026
Practical information — Isabella's Night
Getting there
Cerreto Guidi is easily reached by car via the FI-PI-LI expressway (Empoli exit) and is just a few kilometres from the centre of Empoli. By train, the reference station is Empoli (Florence-Pisa line), from where you can continue by bus or shuttle.
Parking and shuttles
Ample free parking is available around the historic centre, connected to the event entrance by free shuttle services.
Tickets
Admission starts from approximately 8 euros (full price), with discounts for residents of Cerreto Guidi and free entry for under-18s and residents of the historic centre. Please check updated rates and times on the official website before visiting.
Opening hours
The event takes place in the evening, approximately from 5:00 PM until late at night.
Contacts
Pro Loco Cerreto Guidi — tel. +39 340 7151682, email [email protected], website lanottedisabella.com.
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Where does it take place — Isabella's Night
Centro storico e Ponti Medicei
Centro storico, 50050 Cerreto Guidi