Lajatico

Lajatico dates back to its Lombardi origins and was once the castle of the Pannocchieschi counts and then the bishop of Volterra, before being taken by Pisa and finally Florence.

As the birth place of the famous tenor Andrea Bocelli, Lajatico has become an international tourist destination. A concert is held in the charming setting of the Teatro del Silenzio in July each year, with performances by Bocelli and internationally renowned artists. The theatre was founded in 2006 to host just one show per year (of the same name) and is a natural amphitheatre that makes use of the shape of a hill on the outskirts of the town.

The impressive Pietracassia Fortress is another of the area’s highlights and was built in the Lombardi era to keep watch over the road that leads to the Montecatini copper mines. In disuse for centuries it is regarded as one of the most important examples of Tuscany's late medieval architecture. It derives its name (cracked stone) from an open split in the enormous limestone mass that bulges from the ridge.

In the surrounding area, the mofeta di Borboi is an area distinguished by geothermal phenomena deriving from the underground carbon dioxide emissions and is being researched by the National Research Council, CNR, in collaboration with international universities. Further along is Orciatico with a recently renovated historical centre featuring a fortress and the tower that offers a spectacular view of the Valdera and Monti Pisani. Orciatico is renowned for its chestnuts and the two late 17 century windmills are still in good condition. Due to the weak flow of the rivers means that the water mills in the area essentially have reduced power, especially in summer.

Useful links

Website of municipality of Lajatico
Events in Lajatico
Where to sleep