Nottilucente
The white night of art and culture among the towers of San Gimignano
About Nottilucente
A white night dedicated to art in the town of towers
There are nights when an entire city sheds its skin. In San Gimignano, in the heart of Tuscany, this happens with Nottilucente, the white night of art and culture that has been transforming the UNESCO-listed medieval town into a widespread stage since 2011. For one evening, the squares, alleys, courtyards, and the famous towers of the Municipality of San Gimignano, in the Province of Siena, light up with sounds and artistic expressions of all kinds, in an atmosphere suspended between modernity and memory.
Over twenty events in a single night
The format is as simple as it is overwhelming: from late afternoon until the early hours of the morning, over twenty events take place, all free and distributed throughout the most evocative spots of the historic center. In just one night, you can encounter:
- theatrical shows and contemporary dance performances;
- live concerts and DJ sets until deep into the night;
- exhibitions, video art, and installations that reinvent urban spaces;
- workshops, talks, and meetings with artists and authors;
- readings and narrative walks;
- the unmissable collective breakfast at dawn to end on a high note.
Each year, the event revolves around a theme that acts as a common thread: a key to interpretation that inspires artists and installations, giving every edition a different face.
A project by Culture Attive
Nottilucente is conceived and organized by the Culture Attive Association, an organization born in San Gimignano with the goal of reactivating words, art, music, and participation. The event takes place under the patronage of the Municipality of San Gimignano and involves national and international artists, musicians, dancers, writers, and poets every year, alongside local projects and entities.
A different way to experience San Gimignano
More than just a festival, Nottilucente is an invitation to rediscover the beauty of the Val d'Elsa landscape and the hidden corners of the city, to savor typical Tuscan products, and to experience urban space in a spirit of sharing and participation. For one night, the town that has inspired painters and travelers of all eras becomes a place of experimentation, where art and community meet under the stars.
Nottilucente — edition 2026
The 15th edition of Nottilucente, scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 7:00 PM until late at night, chooses the theme "Circus": a common thread that goes beyond acrobatics to speak of creativity, wonder, and human connection. The historic center of San Gimignano hosts over twenty free events, including performances, shows, exhibitions, installations, live music, DJ sets, workshops, and talks, leading up to the unmissable final breakfast.
Programme Nottilucente 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026 — from 7:00 PM until late
The theme of the 15th edition is "Circus": circus arts, performances, and transformations animate the squares, alleys, and courtyards of the historic center. Among the announced events:
- 9:30 PM — Piazza della Cisterna: "Big bang circus. A journey through the world", an original show curated by Circomondo, the international social circus festival (in town from June 26 to 28) featuring young artists from projects in Italy, Brazil, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Spain, and Kenya;
- Concert by Quartiere Coffee, a Tuscan reggae band, together with Tonino Carotone;
- roaming performances by international circus artists through the streets and squares;
- performances, exhibitions, and installations spread across the iconic landmarks of the town (Piazza Duomo, Rocca di Montestaffoli, Teatro dei Leggieri);
- DJ sets, workshops, and talks until deep into the night, with a collective breakfast at dawn.
The detailed program with full times and locations will be published on the official Culture Attive channels in the weeks leading up to the event.
Highlights Nottilucente 2026
Prices Nottilucente 2026
Practical information — Nottilucente
When
Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 7:00 PM until late at night (events continue until dawn). Editions typically take place between late June and early July.
Where
In the historic center of San Gimignano (SI): Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza Duomo, Rocca di Montestaffoli, the Teatro dei Leggieri, and numerous alleys, courtyards, and towers.
Admission
All events are free of charge.
How to get there
By car: San Gimignano can be reached from the Florence-Siena highway (Poggibonsi Nord exit) or the SR2 Cassia. During the event, traffic changes are in effect: it is advisable to use the parking lots outside the city walls. By train: Poggibonsi-San Gimignano station, connected to the center by bus. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance due to the high tourist turnout.
Information
Culture Attive Association — tel. +39 338 4506864, [email protected], www.cultureattive.org.
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Where does it take place — Nottilucente
Centro storico di San Gimignano