On June 20, 2026, Foresta Maestra returns to Vallombrosa—a festival that celebrates the deep connection between people and the forest through experiences, encounters, art, and music, all set against the backdrop of one of Tuscany’s most evocative locations.
For an entire day, the forest takes center stage in an experience that weaves together nature, memory, sustainability, and creativity, inviting residents and visitors to experience Vallombrosa with a fresh and mindful perspective.
The 2026 edition is dedicated to rediscovering an ancient craft that has defined these woods for centuries: that of the charcoal burners. Through hikes, exhibitions, and talks, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the work of those who lived and worked in the forest, transforming wood into charcoal and preserving a wealth of knowledge that has now almost disappeared.
The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the “Walk in the Footsteps of the Charcoal Burners,” a roughly four-kilometer route starting and ending in the courtyard of the church at the Abbey of Vallombrosa. The excursion, guided by the Carabinieri Forestali, will follow trails and forest roads to explore the ancient charcoal kilns, with commentary by Professor Giacomo Certini. During the event, visitors will also have the opportunity to preview the photography exhibition “Guardians of the Fire: Charcoal Burners of the Vallombrosa Forests.”
At 11:30 a.m., the Pratone di Vallombrosa will host a yoga session in the forest—a time dedicated to well-being and connecting with nature.
This afternoon at 3:30 p.m., the Abbey’s Chapter House will host the lecture “Charcoal Burners of the Vallombrosa Forests, ” featuring a screening of the documentary *The Last Charcoal Burners* and the official opening of the photography exhibition curated by Paola Facchina.
At 4:30 p.m., the Pratone will become a creative space with a natural cyanotype workshop—an ancient photographic technique that uses light and plant-based materials to create unique images inspired by the forest.
The day will conclude with the Foresta Maestra Music Fest, starting at 5:00 p.m. on the Pratone. A musical journey that will accompany the sunset with musical selections by No Label, an electronic live performance by edeF, and a concert by Teho Teardo—one of the most acclaimed artists on the contemporary music scene, capable of creating evocative atmospheres in harmony with the landscape and the light of the solstice.
Admission to all events is free. To make it easier for people to attend, a free shuttle bus will be available from the Sant’Ellero train station, with departures timed to coincide with trains arriving from Florence and Arezzo.
Foresta Maestra is much more than a festival: it is an invitation to slow down, observe, and let yourself be guided by nature, culture, and the stories that have been part of the Vallombrosa Forest for centuries.
All the details and the complete program: Vallombrosa, the Forest of Florence, and Foresta Maestra
