Sacred Triduum of Castenedolo
Three days of devotion and the scenic machine of lights
About Sacred Triduum
A Tradition Dating Back to the 18th Century
The Sacred Triduum of Castenedolo, a municipality in the plain southeast of Brescia (Province of Brescia), is one of the most characteristic expressions of Brescian popular devotion. The tradition was introduced in 1727 and promoted by the Confraternity of San Pietro Martire: three days of celebrations in suffrage for the souls of the deceased, in the parish church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo.
The Machine of a Thousand Candles
The most scenic feature of the Triduum is the so-called "machine": an imposing apparatus of candles that illuminates the interior of the church. The current apparatus, donated in 1871-1872 by Andrea Pisa, consists of about a thousand candles and transforms the sacred space into an extraordinary light show. In 2026, the 150th anniversary of the establishment of this apparatus will be celebrated, making the edition particularly significant.
Faith and Identity in Castenedolo
For the Municipality of Castenedolo, the Sacred Triduum is much more than a religious service: it represents an event of identity that links generations to the history of the community. The celebrations, presided over by a bishop, mark three days of meditations, masses, and prayer moments, in a balance between spiritual recollection and visual suggestion that also attracts curious visitors and enthusiasts of Brescian traditions.
Sacred Triduum — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Sacred Triduum of Castenedolo takes place from February 8 to 10 in the parish church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo. The year is particularly significant as it marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the imposing apparatus of a thousand candles, commissioned in 1872 in suffrage for the deceased. The meditations over the three days are presided over by Bishop Gaetano Fontana.
Programme Sacred Triduum 2026
Sunday, February 8, 2026
- 4:00 PM — Vespers in Piazza Cavour in the presence of Bishop Gaetano Fontana
- 6:30 PM — Holy Mass and lighting of the candle apparatus
Monday, February 9 and Tuesday, February 10, 2026
- 9:00 AM — Holy Mass
- 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 8:00 PM — candle lighting and meditations
The meditations over the three days are presided over by Bishop Gaetano Fontana.
Highlights Sacred Triduum 2026
The lighting of the machine of a thousand candles and the 150th anniversary of the apparatus.
Prices Sacred Triduum 2026
Practical information — Sacred Triduum
How to Get There
Castenedolo is located in the plain southeast of Brescia (Province of Brescia), reachable by car from the ring road and provincial roads. The celebrations are held in the parish church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo.
When
The Sacred Triduum takes place in February, over three days. The opening includes vespers and the lighting of the apparatus; on subsequent days, masses in the morning and candle lighting in the afternoon and evening.
Tips
To experience the magic of the light machine, attend the evening candle lighting ceremonies. Check the celebration times on the parish's channels.
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Where does it take place — Sacred Triduum
Chiesa parrocchiale di San Bartolomeo Apostolo
Chiesa di San Bartolomeo Apostolo, 25014 Castenedolo