Experience Free Sacred Music at the Florence Cathedral: O Flos Colende 2026

If you are visiting Florence this spring, you have a rare opportunity to experience the breathtaking acoustics of the Duomo without paying an entrance fee. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is currently hosting the 29th edition of the sacred music festival O flos colende. Directed by Gabriele Giacomelli, this year’s program blends Florence’s rich musical tradition with modern themes. The 2026 edition is especially significant because it celebrates the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Pax Vobis Cycle

Since 2018, this festival has paired sacred music with biblical reflections. The theme for this year is Pax vobis (Peace be with you), focusing on the value of peace through scripture. Each performance includes commentary from Maria Diletta Rigoli and the Archbishop of Florence, Gherardo Gambelli. This offers visitors a profound way to connect with the spiritual and cultural history of the city.

O Flos Colende 2026: Concert Schedule

These regular performances take place at 7:00 PM with free admission and no advanced booking required. You can simply walk in and enjoy the music.

• On March 12, Giulia Parisi and The Pilgrims Gospel Choir perform pop and swing music.
• On March 17, Tuscae Voces will sing historic compositions by Monteverdi and Sapiti.
• On March 26, the Cappella Musicale of the Basilica of San Lorenzo performs works by Charles Antoine Campion.
• On April 9, the Cathedral’s own Cappella Musicale presents pieces by Arvo Pärt and Mendelssohn.

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Grand Finale Performance

The festival concludes with a spectacular scientific and artistic event dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi on May 14 at 9:00 PM. Titled Giullari di Dio, the Ensemble Micrologus will perform a selection of 12th and 13th-century lauds. The highlight of the evening will be the first-ever musical reconstruction of the famous “Canticle of the Sun,” based on the oldest surviving manuscript sources.

While this final concert is completely free, mandatory reservations are required to attend. Seats fill up incredibly fast for events inside the Duomo. Booking opens exactly on Monday, April 20, at 9:30 AM through the official Opera del Duomo link.

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If you cannot make it to Florence during these dates, you can still watch the performances online. Video recordings are uploaded to the Toscana Oggi website the day after each event. You can also view the complete festival details by downloading the official PDF program.