Orizzonti Verticali – Performing Arts in Progress
Contemporary theatre, dance, music, and performance in the shadow of San Gimignano's towers
About Orizzonti Verticali
A performing arts festival among the towers of San Gimignano
In the heart of Tuscany, in the Province of Siena, the town of San Gimignano hosts Orizzonti Verticali – Performing Arts in Progress every summer, a festival entirely dedicated to contemporary theatre, dance, music, and performance. The event, conceived and promoted by the Compagnia Giardino Chiuso and directed by Patrizia de Bari and Tuccio Guicciardini, uses the squares, palaces, and monuments of the medieval village—a UNESCO World Heritage site famous worldwide for its towers—as its natural backdrop.
Natural stages in the historic centre
The formula of Orizzonti Verticali is simple yet captivating: taking contemporary scenic research out of traditional theatres and into the city's iconic landmarks. Performances take place in evocative spaces such as Piazza del Duomo, the Rocca di Montestaffoli, Galleria Continua, the Church of Sant'Agostino, and other corners of the historic centre. This dialogue between the performing arts and San Gimignano's architectural heritage is the festival's hallmark, offering national premieres, site-specific productions, and creations designed specifically for the city's spaces each year.
A workshop of ideas and collaboration
The subtitle "Performing Arts in Progress" is no coincidence: Orizzonti Verticali is designed as an open laboratory, a place for experimentation where established and emerging companies, dancers, musicians, and performers share their work with the public. Alongside evening shows, there are meetings, book presentations, installations, and moments of civic reflection that make the festival a multidisciplinary experience.
A cultural support network
The event is supported by the Regione Toscana, the Fondazione Fabbrica Europa, the Fondazione Accademia Musicale Chigiana, Galleria Continua, and the municipal administration of San Gimignano, in addition to contributions from local entities. Included in the city's "Accade d'Estate" summer programme, Orizzonti Verticali represents one of the most anticipated and defining events of the San Gimignano summer, attracting an audience attentive to contemporary creation without sacrificing the unique charm of the city of towers.
Orizzonti Verticali — edition 2026
Orizzonti Verticali 2026 — 14th edition
From 30 July to 2 August 2026, San Gimignano hosts the fourteenth edition of Orizzonti Verticali, the contemporary performing arts festival promoted by the Compagnia Giardino Chiuso. For four days, the squares, palaces, and monuments of the historic centre will once again transform into natural stages for theatre, dance, music, and performance.
The 2026 edition is part of the "Accade d'Estate" programme, which enlivens San Gimignano from June to September with over eighty cultural events. The dates are confirmed by official sources and local press; the detailed programme with titles, companies, and times will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event on the festival's official website and the Municipality of San Gimignano's channels.
Programme Orizzonti Verticali 2026
The detailed programme for the 14th edition (show titles, companies, times, and locations) has not yet been published and will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.
Based on recent editions, the festival typically spans four days with evening performances in the city's iconic locations—Piazza del Duomo, Rocca di Montestaffoli, Galleria Continua, and the Church of Sant'Agostino—accompanied by scattered performances, site-specific installations, artist encounters, and musical moments. Please refer to the official website for the full programme as soon as it becomes available.
Highlights Orizzonti Verticali 2026
Four days of contemporary theatre, dance, music, and performance among the towers of San Gimignano, featuring national premieres and site-specific creations in the city's historic venues.
Prices Orizzonti Verticali 2026
Practical information — Orizzonti Verticali
How to get there
San Gimignano is not directly served by rail: the nearest station is Poggibonsi-San Gimignano, from which buses depart for the historic centre. By car, it can be reached from the Poggibonsi Nord exit of the Florence-Siena highway (Raccordo Autostradale 3).
Where it takes place
The performances animate the squares and monuments of San Gimignano's historic centre (Piazza del Duomo, Rocca di Montestaffoli, Galleria Continua, Church of Sant'Agostino, and other venues).
Tickets
Admission to some performances requires a ticket at a modest price; other events and scattered performances are free. It is recommended to check the programme and ticketing on the official website.
Tips
The historic centre is a limited traffic zone: it is best to park in the areas outside the walls and continue on foot. In summer, it is advisable to book accommodation in the city or the surrounding Val d'Elsa area well in advance.
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Where does it take place — Orizzonti Verticali
Centro storico di San Gimignano