In Pisa, June is the month dedicated to celebrating the patron saint, San Ranieri. For this occasion, the entire month is filled with events and historical manifestations that attract many curious visitors and tourists to the city.
The Luminara di San Ranieri is one of the most anticipated and appreciated events. The celebration takes place on June 16th each year, the eve of the saint’s day, and involves all the buildings along the banks of the Arno River.
As per tradition since 1688, in honor of San Ranieri, the buildings along the river are adorned with thousands of candles and lights placed on the ledges and windows to outline their profiles perfectly. The public lighting is turned off, and the city illuminated only in this way, by over 70,000 flames, becomes a true spectacle that is even more enchanting when reflected on the waters of the Arno.
In this magical atmosphere, around 11 in the evening, you can also witness fireworks launched from the citadel and some floating platforms in the middle of the river. For the occasion, the ancient walls surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower are also illuminated with oil lamps.
The city shines throughout the night, accompanying the festivities of both locals and tourists who crowd the streets of the historic center.