The Village of Candles

Christmas by candlelight in the Monti Prenestini village

The Village of Candles is the Christmas event that illuminates Castel San Pietro Romano, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, nestled in the heart of the Monti Prenestini in the Lazio region. For one evening, public lighting is switched off, and over a thousand candles light up the alleys of the historic center, tracing a path of light that climbs up to the historic Rocca dei Colonna.

A journey through flickering flames and medieval atmosphere

The charm of the event lies in the contrast between the darkness of the winter evening and the warmth of the small flames illuminating the arches, stairways, and squares of the village. Walking through the candlelit alleys offers poetic views and an almost medieval atmosphere in one of the most scenic villages in the province of Rome, overlooking the Sacco Valley and the Prenestina countryside.

Music, markets, and tradition

The evening weaves together several moments: Christmas markets with artisan and gastronomic products enliven the streets, while a roaming musical procession accompanies visitors along the illuminated path. The highlight is the concert hosted in the Church of San Pietro Apostolo, where strings, piano, and operatic voices create the soundtrack for an evening suspended in time.

A village to discover during the holidays

Castel San Pietro Romano is no stranger to the magic of Christmas: the village is famous for its markets and the artistic nativity scene set up at the Rocca dei Colonna, one of the most evocative symbols of local festivities. The Village of Candles adds an intimate yet spectacular touch to this tradition, designed for families, couples, and fans of atmospheric events. The event, with free admission, is complemented by a shuttle service connecting the town to the parking lots in the valley.

Useful information

The event takes place in the historic center of Castel San Pietro Romano, in the province of Rome, Lazio. The initiative is promoted by the Pro Loco in collaboration with the village's Diffused Museum (MuDi). Access is free and open to all; to reach the town, it is recommended to use the free shuttle provided by the organizers.