Varchi di Stelle

Varchi di Stelle, the magical nights of Moncioni

Varchi di Stelle is the summer festival that, every August, lights up the hillside village of Moncioni, one of the most charming hamlets in the municipality of Montevarchi, in the heart of the Valdarno area of Arezzo, Tuscany. The event takes place in conjunction with the night of Saint Lawrence, the patron saint of Montevarchi, when the sky fills with shooting stars and the ancient streets of the village turn into an open-air stage.

A return after twelve years

After a twelve-year absence, the festival returned in 2025, picking up the legacy of "Calici sotto le stelle", the historic initiative that once enlivened the village. This comeback was born from listening to the local community, which was eager to see Moncioni vibrant and festive during the warm summer evenings. Today, Varchi di Stelle is organized by the Montevarchi municipal administration in collaboration with local farms, local associations, and the Pro Loco.

Wine, flavors, and local products

The heart of the festival is the promotion of Valdarno's food and wine. Along the village streets, local producers set up stands offering the most authentic flavors of the area: tarese del Valdarno (a local cured meat), the famous zolfino bean, seasonal vegetables, artisanal gelato, and, of course, wines from local wineries, which are the stars of the tastings under the stars. There are also dedicated areas for street food and food trucks.

Art, music, and the starry sky

Varchi di Stelle is also about widespread culture: the village streets become an open-air gallery thanks to exhibitions curated by Artinvalle, featuring painting and sculpture, as well as installations from the "Le vie dell'arte" project. To complete the atmosphere, street performers and musicians entertain the alleys, while the Valdarno Amateur Astronomers Group guides the public in astronomical observations with telescopes to admire the constellations and the shooting stars typical of the night of Saint Lawrence.

A village to experience

Perched at an altitude of nearly 530 meters among the hills of the Valdarno, Moncioni offers a medieval setting of rare beauty. During the festival, guided tours of the village's most fascinating spots are organized, and access is facilitated by a free shuttle service, with special attention given to those with limited mobility. An event designed for families, foodies, and lovers of Tuscan tradition.