Pisan New Year in Vicopisano

The Pisan New Year: An Ancient Tuscan Tradition

The Pisan New Year has its roots in the calendar of the ancient Republic of Pisa, where the year did not begin on January 1st, but on March 25th, the day of the Annunciation. This calculation, known as the Pisan style, was used for centuries and remained in effect until 1749, when the Grand Duchy of Tuscany mandated the common calendar. Even today, every March 25th, various locations across the Pisan territory commemorate this custom, and Vicopisano, a stunning medieval village in the Province of Pisa, Tuscany, remains one of its most devoted guardians.

The Ray of Sunlight in the Pieve of Santa Maria

The heart of the celebration takes place in the Romanesque Pieve of Santa Maria and San Giovanni Battista, an architectural jewel of Vicopisano. Shortly after noon, when light conditions allow, a ray of sunlight penetrates the windows and illuminates the womb of the Madonna depicted in the Annunciation fresco: at that precise moment, the start of the new year in the Pisan style is proclaimed. It is a deeply evocative moment where astronomy, art, and spirituality merge in a gesture that has remained unchanged for centuries.

A Day of Celebration and Culture

The event, organized by the Gruppo Culturale Ippolito Rosellini, goes beyond the solemn moment in the Pieve. The day continues with a toast at Caffè Brunelleschi, where wafers decorated with the Vicopisano coat of arms and the image of the Rocca del Brunelleschi are served, followed by a convivial lunch in the taverns of the historic center. The afternoon features moments of reflection and cultural enrichment, such as philosophical walks and readings, designed to strengthen the bond between the community and its history.

Vicopisano and the Rocca Complex

The festival traditionally coincides with the seasonal reopening of the Rocca del Brunelleschi Complex, the fortress designed by Filippo Brunelleschi that overlooks the village. Visiting Vicopisano on this occasion means discovering medieval towers, quiet alleys, and panoramic views of the Valdarno, in a setting that makes this town one of the most fascinating in the Pisan territory.

Why Attend

• Witness a centuries-old ritual linked to the Pisan calendar, unique in Tuscany.
• Visit the Romanesque Pieve of Santa Maria and its Annunciation fresco.
• Discover the medieval village of Vicopisano and the Rocca del Brunelleschi.
• Experience a day of tradition, conviviality, and culture with free admission.