The 8th edition of Genius Loci: Discovering Santa Croce takes place in Florence from September 24 to 28, offering a unique experience that blends history, spirituality, contemporary culture, and the theme of peace. Set against the backdrop of the monumental Santa Croce complex, the festival features concerts, performances, and talks that explore the intersection of these elements, inviting both reflection and artistic exploration.
Events promote interreligious dialogue and cultural understanding, bringing together a diverse range of artists, intellectuals, and musicians, all united by the desire to engage with the present moment through the lens of history and spirituality. Notable figures such as Michelangelo Pistoletto, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, participate, as well as renowned historian Aldo Schiavone, discussing the crisis of ideas in the West and the search for new ways forward.
Music will be a central part of the festival, with Frida Bollani Magoni, a young pianist and singer, leading the dawn concert on September 27, while Emma Nolde, a celebrated figure in the Italian indie music scene, performs on September 25. Another highly anticipated event is the jazz performance by Enrico Rava and Fred Hersch, two musical icons who will come together on September 26 for an unforgettable improvisational encounter. For those interested in exploring darker themes, Carlo Lucarelli, one of Italy’s most prominent noir writers, will perform his chilling show Io le odio le favole on September 24, delving into the hidden fears of childhood fairy tales.
A special reading of Michelangelo’s texts by the Premio Ubu Lombardi-Tiezzi Company commemorates the 550th anniversary of the master’s birth on September 28. Additionally, the Pazzi Chapel and Second Cloister will be the sites for live musical performances by Širom, Citron Citron, and Gianni Maroccolo, among others.
The festival also offers interfaith journeys connecting the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Synagogue, and the Mosque on September 28, reflecting the ongoing mission to foster mutual understanding. These guided tours aim to underline Florence’s role as a city of peace, inviting attendees to consider how culture, spirituality, and dialogue can work together to build a more harmonious world.
All events are free to attend, reservations required at www.santacroceopera.it
