Estate Fiesolana 2025: between music, theater, cinema and dance

The performances of the Fiesolana Estate will take place, as every year, in the Roman Theatre of Fiesole, an archaeological jewel of inestimable value.

The Roman Theatre of Fiesole was built in the 1st century B.C. for theatrical performances with a capacity of 3,000 spectators.

The arena is surrounded by semicircular rows of seats and a stage that overlooks the surrounding valley, offering a splendid panoramic view.

Since 1911, this natural stage has hosted some of the greatest names in international theater, music, dance and film, such as Irene Grandi, Makaya McCraven, Stefano Bollani, Suzanne Vega and many others.

The last edition featured the writers Aldo Cazzullo and Roberto Saviano and musicians such as Carmen Consoli, Simone Cristicchi, Sergio Cammariere and Max Gazzè.

The Roman Theatre is the main venue for the festival, but some events are also held in other prestigious and equally evocative venues in Fiesole.

Estate Fiesolana 2025 promises to be full of unmissable events, a true melting pot of musical genres and artistic performances that will enliven the summer evenings.

On June 25, an appointment of the highest level will be on stage: the celebrated jazz trumpeter Paolo Fresu, accompanied by the mastery of Richard Galliano on accordion and the piano elegance of Jan Lundgren, will bring to the stage of the evocative Teatro Romano the new chapter of their acclaimed project “Mare Nostrum.” An evocative sound journey, steeped in Mediterranean influences and refined improvisations, that promises to enchant the audience.

But anticipation is already palpable for other leading names on the international singer-songwriter scene.

Presales are already active for two other highly anticipated concerts: the multifaceted and eclectic musician Pippo Pollina, known for his ability to range between different musical genres and for his intense stage presence, will perform on June 14, giving the audience an unforgettable concert.

Then, on July 12, it will be the turn of the only Italian date of the talented Swedish singer-songwriter of Argentine origin, José González, with his delicate melodies and unmistakable voice.

The likes of Incognito, with their unmistakable acid jazz sound, and Ana Carla Maza, the Cuban cellist and singer whose passionate music will captivate the audience, will take turns on stage. A particularly exciting moment will be the final performance of the dynamic duo Igudesman & Joo. After captivating the whole world with their extraordinary musical skill, infectious humor and innovative arrangements, the two artists will take the Fiesole stage to bid farewell to the audience, giving one last performance that promises to be memorable and full of surprises.

As expected, music will occupy a prominent place in the Estate Fiesolana program, which will host the stages of the new theater tours of two true icons of Italian song: Patty Pravo (June 18), the unforgettable “Piper girl,” who will retrace the successes of a legendary career, and Alice (July 11), the sublime interpreter of songs by Franco Battiato, who will offer a repertoire of songs that made the late singer-songwriter famous, paying homage to his depth and beauty.

A particularly poignant moment will be dedicated to the memory of Paolo Benvegnù, the refined singer-songwriter who died prematurely and who left an indelible mark on the auteur music of the past three decades. To celebrate his talent and artistic legacy, the Roman Theater will host a special concert (Aug. 4) performed by the Multiethnic Orchestra of Arezzo, a formation of great artistic and social value, enriched by the participation of Neri Marcorè, a sensitive and versatile actor and musician, who will lend his voice to pay tribute to the singer-songwriter.

This event promises to be an emotional and heartfelt tribute to an artist who has been able to touch the chords of the soul with his poetic and intense music.

June 21, in keeping with tradition, will mark Music Day, an event with international resonance that honors the summer solstice in more than 120 nations.

The Fiesole evening, masterfully curated by the renowned Fiesole School of Music, will offer an eclectic and high-quality musical program.

Admission will be free, but reservations are required to ensure optimal enjoyment of the event.

The summer program does not neglect the solemnity and evocative power of classical theater, offering audiences a careful selection of modern tragedies and reinterpretations.

On July 9 there will be an intense interpretation of Edipus, brought to the stage by the renowned Compagnia Lombardi Tiezzi, a theater company appreciated for its ability to delve into the human soul and reinterpret the classics with a contemporary eye.

On July 13, Compagnia Zerkalo will tackle another mainstay of Greek drama, Agamemnon, promising a production faithful to the emotional power of the text and the complexity of the characters.

On July 25, this triptych dedicated to the classics will conclude with an original adaptation by Gabriele Vacis, inspired by the tragic story of Aeschylus' Seven at Thebes, a work that questions the themes of fate, brotherhood and war.

The long-standing collaboration with the Teatro Comunale della Liguria is renewed this year with an ambitious and fascinating project: Iliad, A Mediterranean Tale, an initiative conceived and directed by Sergio Maifredi, a leading figure in Italian theater.

Considered the Big Bang of Western literature, the Iliad encapsulates in its immortal verses the genesis of all myths and heroes, whose epic deeds will be celebrated and narrated during four special evenings.

Voices known and loved by Italian audiences will animate this thousand-year-old story: Dario Vergassola, with his biting irony and talent for improvisation; David Riondino, actor, singer-songwriter and eclectic intellectual; Tullio Solenghi, master of mimicry and versatile performer; Alessandro Riccio, talented actor with a strong comic streak; and Maddalena Crippa, an actress of deep dramatic intensity, capable of giving voice to the passions and sufferings of Homeric characters.

An unmissable opportunity to rediscover the beauty and modernity of a timeless classic.

Estate Fiesolana 2025 has not forgotten fans of sports, current events and culture.

Sports journalist Federico Buffa will be on stage on July 23, Walter Veltroni will be featured on the evening of June 23, and Massimo Recalcati will take center stage on June 29.

The last shows at the end of the summer will also be no less.

On Sept. 4, Roberto Saviano will return to Estate Fiesolana with his talk, while the following day (Sept. 5) philosopher, essayist and psychoanalyst Umberto Galimberti will be on stage.

Dance will take center stage with four not-to-be-missed events, all brought to the stage by talented Tuscan companies.

It will begin on June 20 with the Motus company, which will premiere its new project, “La Madrina,” promising an innovative and engaging performance.

Next, on June 28, the Bozzolini Academy of the Ballet School of Tuscany will offer a double evening with “Bayadére,” a ballet classic, and “Seven,” a more contemporary choreography.

On July 15 it will be the turn of the Lyric Dance Company, which will pay tribute to the legendary Maria Callas through an evocative and exciting dance performance.

Balletto di Milano will conclude the dance review on July 31, bringing to the stage a reinterpretation of Bizet's celebrated “Carmen,” with choreography that promises to enhance the opera's passion and drama.

In the beating heart of the Florentine summer, the Estate Fiesolana prepares to transform once again the splendid Roman Theatre of Fiesole into an open-air cinema.

Thanks to a renewed collaboration with the Stensen Foundation, renowned for its expertise and passion in the world of art-house cinema, the Film Festival promises two weeks of excitement, reflection and pure entertainment.

From August 7 to 23, 2025, audiences will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a complete sensory experience, enjoying a careful selection of high quality films, embraced by the magic of the ancient theater and refreshed by the pleasant breeze of Tuscan summer evenings.

Imagine yourself sitting among the millennia-old stones, looking up at a large, starlit screen, where the seventh art comes to life.

The program, designed for a diverse and passionate audience, offers a journey through cinematic genres and eras.

From the undisputed masterpieces of classic cinema, restored to their original glory, to the most recent and innovative productions from all over the world, capable of stimulating debate and reflection.

There will be no shortage of previews, retrospectives dedicated to great auteurs and special screenings enriched by meetings with directors, actors and film critics.

The movie program has not been released yet. Stay tuned for an update.

For a stay dedicated to culture, the Estate Fiesolana Festival is an unmissable event, and the FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole is the ideal solution to spend a period in total tranquillity.

The elegant and romantic residence is located just 10 minutes by car from the Roman Theatre, the venue of the event, in an atmosphere where time seems to have stood still. Surrounded by beautiful flower gardens that offer a vibrant palette of colors, the hotel offers rooms with breathtaking views of the city of Florence, where guests can relax and enjoy all the modern comforts expertly integrated into a charming and historic setting.

In addition to its proximity to the cultural review, the hotel is also an excellent starting point for discovering the wonders of Florence, which are just minutes away.

Inside the elegant and welcoming FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole, located at the foot of the Fiesole hills, is the brand new restaurant Serrae Villa Fiesole.

This refined and innovative restaurant is led by Chef Antonello Sardi, a true star of Italian cuisine, already awarded the prestigious Michelin Star in 2025 for his culinary mastery and ability to reinterpret the flavors and traditions of Tuscan cuisine in a contemporary way.