If you’re holidaying in Tuscany around the 16th of June this year then book into a stunning beautiful rental accommodation in the Pisa area and witness a magical event called the ‘Luminara of San Ranieri’ in Pisa city!
As the sun sets over Pisa, a new light emerges… the city is beautifully lit up by hundreds of thousands of candles to commemorate the city’s Patron Saint, San Ranieri. The tradition is believed to have originated around 1688 when a simple urn containing the ashes of San Ranieri in a local cathedral were transferred to a more decorative modern urn by order of the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
A procession of faithful Christians with candles walked along with the urn’s transfer as a mark of respect. This sparked the illumination festival which transforms the city of Pisa into a glittering paradise!
Special white wooden frames are attached to the frames of Pisa’s building windows, bridges, churches and street lamps, and are lit up by small glass lamps of burning candles or oil called ‘lumini’ to illuminate their architectural magnificence. One of the most mesmerising traditions of Pisa during this celebration is to place floating lit candles in the River Arno which flows through the city.
As the sun sets over Pisa, a new light emerges… the city is beautifully lit up by hundreds of thousands of candles to commemorate the city’s Patron Saint, San Ranieri. The tradition is believed to have originated around 1688 when a simple urn containing the ashes of San Ranieri in a local cathedral were transferred to a more decorative modern urn by order of the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
A procession of faithful Christians with candles walked along with the urn’s transfer as a mark of respect. This sparked the illumination festival which transforms the city of Pisa into a glittering paradise!
Special white wooden frames are attached to the frames of Pisa’s building windows, bridges, churches and street lamps, and are lit up by small glass lamps of burning candles or oil called ‘lumini’ to illuminate their architectural magnificence. One of the most mesmerising traditions of Pisa during this celebration is to place floating lit candles in the River Arno which flows through the city.
A perfect place to witness this phenomenon is to stand beside the river and watch it ‘glow’ as it reflects the flickering lights of the illuminated buildings along it. The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Piazza dei Miracoli is also lit up with burning oil lamps to illustrate its famous tilt at night and is a stunning sight not to be missed!
Later on, around 11pm, a spectacular fireworks display is set off from the Cittadella Vecchia, a fortress overlooking Pisa city and can be best admired from the bridges or promenade along the River Arno. As the ‘Luminara of San Ranieri’ festival has flourished over the years, so too has the illumination!
The number of candles and oil lamps lit on this night has increased to over 120,000! This enchanting festival is a feast for the eyes and one which shows us the love of the people for their beloved San Ranieri.
Visit other interesting attractions in Pisa city such as the Piazza dei Cavalieri or go on an inspired tour following in the footsteps of one of Pisa’s most endeared sons, Galileo Galilei.
The number of candles and oil lamps lit on this night has increased to over 120,000! This enchanting festival is a feast for the eyes and one which shows us the love of the people for their beloved San Ranieri.
Visit other interesting attractions in Pisa city such as the Piazza dei Cavalieri or go on an inspired tour following in the footsteps of one of Pisa’s most endeared sons, Galileo Galilei.
Photo credits
picture 1: Lucarelli / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Lucarelli / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Lucarelli / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Lucarelli / CC BY-SA 3.0
