The most beautiful open-air cinemas in Florence

Films under the stars are back in some of the city's most beautiful locations: let's find out where

Summer evenings are once again lit up by movies under the stars, a tradition that keeps us company every year, letting us enjoy a great movie outdoors surrounded by the summer breeze. But which summer open-air theaters are not to be missed?

Apriti Cinema in Piazza Pitti

Apriti Cinema, the summer open-air cinema of the Estate Fiorentina, returns to Piazza Pitti. Through August 26, it will screen a selection of films under the stars every evening at 9:45 p.m. Organized by the Associazione Amici dell’Alfieri with programming by Cinema La Compagnia, in collaboration with the Uffizi Galleries, the event offers free admission while seats last. The screenings are in the original language with Italian subtitles (and in some cases English subtitles as well), featuring a program that ranges from cinema classics to contemporary productions, designed to engage both local residents and Italian and international visitors.

Piazza Pitti

Cinema in Villa at the Giardino Bardini

From July 10 to August 30, the panoramic terrace of Villa Bardini hosts Cinema in Villa, one of Florence’s most beloved summer film festivals. The program features over 50 evenings of blockbuster films, premieres, meetings with directors, and family-friendly events, with screenings at 9:15 p.m. Tickets cost 5 euros (3.50 euros for films participating in Cinema Revolution), while admission is free every Thursday for Cinema in Famiglia, by reservation. The public can also access the terrace as early as 7:00 PM for an aperitif with a view of the city and take advantage of discounted rates at the Villa Bardini café.

Cinema all'aperto a Villa Bardini

(Not Just) Cinema in Manifattura

(Not Just) Cinema in Manifattura returns for its seventh edition, the summer film and discussion series hosted at Manifattura Tabacchi in a new 280-seat arena at the Motel Garden. Through September 2, every evening features a program at 9:30 p.m. preceded by discussions at 7:30 p.m., including screenings, international guests, and film forums. Curated by Manifattura Tabacchi and the Niels Stensen Foundation, the festival addresses current sociopolitical issues and presents a selection of internationally acclaimed films spanning various genres—from arthouse to mainstream cinema—with special events such as silent films accompanied by live music. Click here for the full program.

Cinema in the Cloister of Sant’Orsola

Among the most evocative events of the Florentine Summer is the return of Cinema in the Cloister of Sant’Orsola, set up in the space of the former convent on Via Guelfa. Organized by Spazio Alfieri, the festival features a summer open-air theater dedicated to auteur cinema, with films shown in their original language, debut films, and thematic programs that also include Middle Eastern cinema. The program pays tribute to the great Italian masters with dedicated film series, including one on Nanni Moretti featuring restored versions of his most iconic films. The event runs from through September 6, and you can find the full program HERE.

Cinema di Castello Summer Cinema

Located in the northern part of the city, the Cinema di Castello summer cinema offers screenings under the stars in the courtyard of the Arci club, moving indoors in case of rain. The program features a selection of recent films, restored classics, and thematic retrospectives. Screenings run through September 6, from Friday through Wednesday, with tickets priced at 3.50 euros for Italian and European films. On Thursday evenings, admission is a flat rate of 6 euro, while on other days the cost is 6.50 euro full price and 5 euro reduced, with additional discounts for ARCI, AGIS, seniors, and students. On Fridays and Sundays, members can take advantage of the “pizza + beer + movie” deal for 13 euro.

Chiardiluna Cinema

Chiardiluna, the historic open-air theater in the Oltrarno district, returns with its summer lineup at the foot of Monte Oliveto Hill. Among the most beloved venues by Florentines, it offers a selection of the season’s most acclaimed films, premieres, and special guests: see the full program here. The amphitheater is located at Via Monte Oliveto 1, at the corner of Viale Aleardi, between San Frediano and Piazza Pier Vettori. Screenings every evening at 9:30 p.m.; doors open at 8:30 p.m..

Cinema Chiardiluna

Cinema at the Roman Theater in Fiesole

From August 7 to 23, the Roman Theater of Fiesole transforms into an open-air cinema steeped in history, with screenings every evening at 9:30 p.m. curated by the Stensen Foundation. While we await the detailed program, which will be announced shortly, one thing remains certain: the magic of watching great films surrounded by the ancient stones of the theater.

the Etruscan-Roman theaterin Fiesole

Esterno Notte at FLOG

Cinema, a swimming pool, aperitifs, and culture come together on Poggetto Hill with Esterno Notte, the summer film festival hosted at the arena of the historic FLOG and curated by the Stensen Foundation. The program features films, talks, and special events throughout the summer. Screenings take place through September 8 at 9:30 p.m., in a venue that also features a swimming pool, an evening bar, and ample parking, allowing you to spend the entire day relaxing and enjoying outdoor cinema.

arena estiva poggetto

CineGiardino Dentro le Mura in Lastra a Signa

Through August 10, CineGiardino Dentro le Mura returns to Lastra a Signa—the open-air film festival promoted by the Teatro delle Arti in collaboration with the City. The initiative revives a historic community experience, restoring a summer cultural space in the heart of the city center. Every Sunday and Monday, for a total of 18 evenings, the arena will host a selection of recent films organized into four thematic categories—La Dolce Estate, France Mon Amour, Visioni al femminile, and Linee d’ombra—ranging from comedy to arthouse cinema and international perspectives. A single ticket costs 5 euros.