La Girandola of Castel Sant'Angelo

La Girandola, the eternal fire of Rome

The Girandola of Castel Sant'Angelo is one of the oldest and most iconic spectacles in Roman tradition: an extraordinary pyrotechnic display that illuminates the sky above the Mole Adriana and the Tiber on the day dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Rome. Documented since 1481, when the first fireworks were launched during the pontificate of Sixtus IV, the Girandola has shaped the imagery of papal Rome for centuries, enchanting popes, ambassadors, artists, and Grand Tour travelers alike.

Michelangelo, Bernini, and the fire machines

Legend has it that extraordinary minds worked on the original design: Michelangelo Buonarroti is credited with conceiving an early, spectacular fire machine, while Gian Lorenzo Bernini perfected the scenographic apparatus, applying an almost scientific approach to the explosions, with actual rivers of light cascading down the walls of the Castle. This is why the Girandola is not merely a firework show, but a re-enactment of a Baroque ritual that blended art, engineering, and devotion.

The philological revival

After a long hiatus, partly due to the risk of damage to the frescoes preserved inside the monument, the Girandola has returned to its original home thanks to an accurate philological reconstruction managed by the Gruppo IX Invicta and architect Cav. Giuseppe Passeri, who have restored the colors, rhythms, and forms documented by historical sources. Today, the event is organized by the National Museums Directorate of the City of Rome in collaboration with the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo.

A free event in the heart of Rome

The Girandola takes place in the Municipality of Rome, within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital (Lazio), just a stone's throw from St. Peter's Basilica and the Borgo and Prati districts. The show is completely free and can be viewed from the riverbanks and bridges of the historic center, attracting thousands of Romans and tourists every year who gather along the banks of the Tiber to witness one of the most evocative moments of the Roman summer.