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 brighten up again with cinema under the stars, a tradition that keeps us company every year allowing us to enjoy a good movie in the open air surrounded by the summer breeze. But what are the must-see Summer Arenas?

Apriti Cinema at Piazza Pitti

After enchanting audiences at the Piazzale degli Uffizi, Apriti Cinema 2025 moves to Piazza Pitti. Until July 27, every evening at 9:45 p.m., the historic square is transformed into an open-air cinema, hosting a selection of Italian and international art-house films in original language with Italian subtitles. The initiative is made possible thanks to synergy with Florence's leading film festivals, and enriched by special meetings with directors, actors and authors, for an even more immersive experience. The four-meter by four-meter maxi screen is positioned along the left side of the majestic Pitti Palace, near the Rondo di Bacco, with a 180-seat auditorium. Free admission.

Cinema in Villa at Bardini Garden

From Tuesday, July 8 to Sunday, Aug. 24, the striking Belvedere Terrace of Bardini Garden will host the sixth edition of the outdoor film arena, overlooking the city's unique panorama. The program, curated by the Niels Stensen Cultural Foundation, features a selection of last season's best films, new summer releases, screenings in original language with subtitles and meetings with filmmakers. Screenings each evening at 9:15 pm. Entrance fee 5 euros. Every Thursday: free evening with Cinema in the Family, dedicated to children and animated films (reservations required at www.villabardini.it). From 7 p.m., it is possible to access the Belvedere Terrace for an aperitif with a view of the city, while the Villa Bardini Cafeteria offers reduced-price dinners for spectators. Parking at Forte di Belvedere is free for all participants.

(Not Only) Cinema in Manifattura

Until Aug. 27, Manifattura Tabacchi's summer arena is back, with screenings every night: premieres, classics, original language films, children's titles and documentaries, accompanied by meetings and discussions. The festival moves to a new outdoor location along Via Elsa Morante and offers wireless headphones for an immersive viewing experience. Special events include: July 9, virtual reality film on the GKN affair; July 14, Buster Keaton's Sherlock Jr. with live soundtrack led by Enrico Gabrielli; Family nights with Lilo & Stitch and Flow; Pizza&Cinema initiative with discount at Berberè. Food & drink offer by Factory venues. Tickets from €3 to €8.50. Info and program at manifatturatabacchi.com.

Cinema in the Cloisters of Sant'Orsola

The big screen returns to illuminate the former convent of Sant'Orsola: once again for summer 2025, the striking complex in the heart of Florence is hosting Cinema in the Cloisters, a festival curated by Quelli dell'Alfieri that combines film culture and urban redevelopment. From Monday, June 30 to Sunday, Sept. 7, audiences will be able to attend screenings of the best films of the past season, retrospectives and special evenings with guests from the world of cinema every night. New for this edition: the 150-seat hall will no longer be in the central cloister of the clock, but in a new space within the complex, ready to surprise. Tickets: €8 full, €6 reduced Unicoop Firenze members, €3.50 for Italian and European films. Screenings begin at 9:30 p.m. (opening at 8:45 p.m.). full program is at www.spazioalfieri.it

Summer Arena Cinema di Castello

Located in the northern part of the city, the Cinema di Castello summer arena offers screenings under the stars in the courtyard of the Arci club, with indoor shifting in case of rain. A selection of the best arthouse films and special appointments are on the program. Affordable tickets and, from Thursday to Sunday, the “pizza + beer + cinema” offer for 13 euros for members.

Cinema Chiardiluna

Chiardiluna, the historic arena of the Oltrarno, returns with its summer programming, at the foot of the hill of Monte Oliveto. A favorite among Florentines, it offers a selection of the season's most popular films, previews and special guests: this year's stars include Giorgio Panariello, Vittoria Puccini, Valerio Mastandrea and Michele Placido. Special events are also planned, such as musical accompaniment for A Complete Unknown (July 10). The arena is located at Via Monte Oliveto 1, corner Viale Aleardi, between San Frediano and Piazza Pier Vettori. Screenings each night from 9:30 p.m., opening from 8:30 p.m. Full program at chiardilunafirenze.it.

Free Cinema at the Conventino

Back again this year is the Nuovo Cinema Universale d'essai, the free admission festival hosted in the cloister of the Conventino on Via Giano della Bella, between Piazza Tasso and Porta Romana. Scheduled every Wednesday in June and July, and every day from Aug. 1 to 9, a journey through great classics and cult films of the past. Screenings start: 9 p.m. Free admission subject to availability. Program on ilconventinofirenze.it

Cinema in Fiesole's Roman Theater

From Aug. 7 to 23, Fiesole's Roman Theater will be transformed into an open-air theater immersed in history, with screenings every night at 9:30 p.m. curated by the Stensen Foundation. Pending the detailed program, which will be announced soon, the magic of seeing great films surrounded by the ancient stones of the theater remains confirmed. Info on fondazionestensen.net.

Esterno Notte at Poggetto

New for the Esterno Notte summer arena at Poggetto: this summer, Flog's outdoor cinema is reducing its screenings to two evenings a week, Tuesday and Sunday, to make room for concerts, meetings and events in the garden as well. However, many art films and documentaries are offered, including Union, Once Upon a Time in America, Doing Politics and Berlinguer - The Great Ambition.

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