Spegniamo le luci e accendiamo le stelle

On August 10, 2026, starting at 8:30 PM, the small village of Calvignano, in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese hills near Pavia, Italy, turns off its street lights to make room for a sky full of stars. In Piazza della Chiesa, “Spegniamo le luci, accendiamo le stelle” (“Turn off the lights, turn on the stars”) comes to life for St. Lawrence's Night, one of the most beloved dates of the Italian summer for stargazing. The program combines expert-guided astronomical observation with tastings of local wines and specialities, all set against the glow of torches in place of streetlamps.

What Happens in Calvignano on August 10

For one evening, Calvignano turns off its public lighting: the village's streetlamps give way to torches lining the main square. It is a simple but striking gesture, designed to reduce light pollution and give visitors a clear view of the night sky, made even sharper here by the village's hilltop position. The evening is designed for families, astronomy enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an experience far from city traffic and everyday routine.

Wine Tastings and Local Specialities from the Oltrepò Pavese

Alongside the stargazing, the evening features tastings of local wines and typical products, accompanied by live background music. It is a chance to get to know the food and wine culture of the Oltrepò Pavese, one of Lombardy's most important hillside wine regions, by sampling local labels right where they are produced.

Stargazing with Astronomers and Telescopes

The heart of the evening is a guided stargazing session led by astronomers and experts, who bring their own telescopes to help visitors spot stars, planets, and constellations. The date is no coincidence: August 10 falls during the peak activity of the Perseid meteor shower, traditionally associated in Italy with St. Lawrence's Night and the “shooting stars” of summer. Those who wish can try to spot one while looking up at the sky, following a custom deeply felt across Italy at this time of year.

Calvignano, a Village Among the Vineyards of the Oltrepò Pavese

Calvignano is a small municipality of about 110 residents in the province of Pavia, set on the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese along the scenic road connecting Casteggio and Montalto Pavese, not far from Monte Ceresino. The area is largely agricultural and known for wines such as Barbera, Moscato, Riesling, and Pinot, and it is home to some of the region's historic wine estates. Its origins date back to at least 1111, when the village first appears in a document that also records its already well-established winemaking tradition. Its hillside position, away from major towns, makes it a particularly fitting setting for an evening of stargazing.

Getting There and Useful Information

The meeting point for the evening of August 10, 2026 is Piazza della Chiesa, in Calvignano, in the province of Pavia, reached via the scenic road between Casteggio and Montalto Pavese, about 20 kilometers from the city of Pavia. The program begins at 8:30 PM. For information, call +39 338 4178614.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the event take place?

The event takes place on Monday, August 10, 2026, starting at 8:30 PM, for St. Lawrence's Night.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Piazza della Chiesa, in Calvignano (PV), a village in the Oltrepò Pavese along the scenic road between Casteggio and Montalto Pavese.

What does the program include?

The program includes turning off public lighting and lighting torches, stargazing with astronomers and telescopes to spot stars, planets, and constellations, and a tasting of wines and local specialities from the Oltrepò Pavese with live background music.

Who can I contact for more information?

For information about the event, call +39 338 4178614.