Pisa - La Luminara di San Ranieri

Luminara di San Ranieri is always held on 16 June in all weathers. On this day, at least 100,000 wax candles are lit in the city and placed on the wooden frames/ceilings of the palaces and churches around the river. It is the river that adds to the spectacle. The reflections of the lights on the water only add to the lighting effect.

Lighting the city with candles placed on buildings is a tradition that dates back to 1688. In that year, the urn containing the remains of Saint Ranieri was placed in the chapel inside the cathedral dedicated to the saint. Cosimo II dei Medici wanted the urn with the saint's remains to be replaced by a more splendid and modern one. The transfer of the relics proved to be the ideal occasion to create a commemorative feast: according to tradition, it is from this day onwards that the birth of Luminario is celebrated. The event, with the exception of a few interruptions, is repeated every year.

Around 11pm, the evening continues with fireworks from the Old Citadel. To get the best view of the fireworks, find a spot around the river.

Recommendation: the city can get really crowded during the evening. Take the side streets and avoid the main ones, such as Corso Italia and Piazza Garibaldi/Borgo Stretto.

You can leaveyour car in the car parks on Via Pietrasantina (500 spaces), Esselunga and the car parks on Via Matteucci up to Palazzo dei Congressi. You can also park on Via Paparelli (800 spaces), from where it's only a few minutes' walk to the centre. Or you can use the Pisa Mover car park, which has a shuttle service until 01.00 in the morning.

Where: Pisa, Lungarni

When: 16 June 2023