Events Prelude to the March 25 Florentine New Year, 2026
Since 2000, the City of Florence has revived the traditional Florentine New Year, celebrated on March 25 until 1750, an essential component of local culture. To celebrate the festival, there are a variety of events in the run-up to the 25th. Events are hosted by museums, piazzas, and historical buildings around the city. The MUS.E Foundation has also organised a range of guided tours, teaching guests about iconic monuments around the city, including the Bardini Villa, Torre San Niccolò, Porta San Frediano and San Miniato al Monte.
The Giant Pinocchio – Piazza Santa Croce (March 21 – 22)
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Carlo Collodi’s birth, which coincides with Florentine New Year, Piazza Santa Croce will be transformed into an open-air canvas. Throughout the two days, artists will create depictions of Pinocchio directly on the stone paving of the square. Santa Croce’s pavement will be turned into art, celebrating the cultural legacy of Collodi and his importance to Florence.
Free Bardini Garden Walk (March 21, 10.30 am)
On Saturday morning, MUS.E offers a guided walk through one of Florence’s most scenic hillside landscapes. The programme was organised in collaboration with The Bardini and Peyron Monumental Parks Foundation and the Regional Directorate of National Museums, who are offering a free tour of the Bardini Gardens and also the Villa Bardini. The gardens abundant with orchards, rose beds, hydrangeas, and intricately designed fountains, surround the villa that was designed by Gherardo Silvani in 1641. One of the best views of Florence can be seen from the top of the gardens, where the entire cityscape is visible.
Visit to the San Niccolò Tower (March 21, 10 am)
Built in 1324 as part of the defensive fortifications of the city, visitors will be able to climb one of the few remaining medieval towers in the city, located in the Oltrarno district, and see the impressive panoramic views for free.
Heritage Walk to San Miniato (March 21, 10 am)
Departing from Torre San Niccolò in Piazza Poggi, the heritage guided walk leads attendees along the Rampe del Poggi towards the basilica of San Miniato al Monte. Dating back to the 11th century, the basilica has a distinctive Romanesque façade of green and white marble, a style seen in the other important Florentine landmarks like the Baptistery and Santa Maria Novella. Inside the church, mosaics, frescoes and an ancient crypt can be found. This hilltop complex is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering great views of Florence’s skyline and a calm sanctuary away from the hectic city below.
Florence Chamber Orchestra Free Concert – Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, piazza Santissima Annunziata (March 21, 9 pm)
As part of the New Year celebrations, the Florence Chamber Orchestra will present a special evening of classical music with free admission. Conducted by Giuseppe Lanzetta, the concert will feature trumpet soloists and a string orchestra. The programme spans centuries of classical music, including works by Barber, Manfredini, Vivaldi and Holst.
Visit to Porta San Frediano (March 22, 10 am – 12.30 pm )
On Sunday, guests will have the rare opportunity to step inside Porta San Frediano, one of the most well-preserved gates of the medieval walls of the city. Built by architect and artist Andrea Pisano in 1333, the stone gateway forms part of the defensive circuit protecting the Oltrarno district. Tours will teach visitors about the history of Florence and its medieval defences.
Admission to all these initiatives is free, but reservations are necessary, info@musefirenze.it or by calling 055-054145. (Aniela Cabut)
