Lajatico. A place where time is measured in art and emotions. You first perceive it with your soul and mind, only then with your eyes. Open doors, relaxed people, and stories etched everywhere capture you for a lifetime. A never-ending symphony in Tuscany. Beyond music, Lajatico weaves serenity.
Nestled on a hilly spur in the heart of Tuscany, this ancient settlement with Lombard roots and a glorious medieval past is a scenic gem in the hinterland of Volterra. But wait, there’s more.
We felt like we were on stage as soon as we set foot. Props? Lanterns hanging from facades, aglow in a rosy light, stories etched on garage doors, vintage cars, parks.
You can spend a whole afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets, engulfed by flowers. With the onset of darkness, soft lights and background music. In Lajatico, the curtain never falls.
Beyond the spectacle of the city, you cannot help but be amazed by the pastoral beauty of the area. However, what makes Lajatico unique is a “silent” project. In a space perfectly harmonized with the Tuscan landscape for almost an entire year, renowned names from the world of music breathe life into the place. Teatro del Silenzio stems from simple reflections: the combination of the beauty of the landscape with the musical refinement of Andrea Bocelli, the renowned Italian tenor born here.
“…this is a perfect place for theatre, a theatre made of nature. It’s not hard to imagine a fairy-tale natural amphitheatre. A gust of wind touches you, in the lightest silence sweet, refined melodies seem to envelop you, and a wave of emotions whose origins are lost surrounds you. They swirl in the air and catch you suddenly. A broad feeling of well-being enters your soul, and your mind wanders in the most exciting dream…”. This is how the idea was born, and then Alberto Bartalini’s project took flight in Lajatico.
The first ideas were developed in 2005 during a train journey to Rome when the architect, without revealing the project yet, prepared to draw the first sketch of what would become Teatro del Silenzio on a piece of paper. Alberto Bartalini’s bold dream was then shared with the renowned Italian tenor who accepted the challenge. Thus, on July 27, 2006, the first performance at Teatro del Silenzio took place: Andrea Bocelli in the concert dedicated to the “Great Absentee” – his father. Since then, the event has been repeated every year in Lajatico, within the natural stage of Teatro del Silenzio. Unique and inimitable, given the natural setting that has no equal in the world. Among the participants: Laura Pausini, Placido Domingo, Chris Botti, Kenny G., Heather Headley, Nicola Piovani, Noa, Roberto Bolle, Katherine Jenkins, Jose Carreras, Toquinho, Eugene Kohn, Andrea Griminelli, Samanta Togni, Carla Fracci, Steven Mercurio, Stefano Accorsi, Serena Rossi, and Matteo Bocelli.
Good to Know!
On foot, by bicycle, or by car, many routes lead you to Teatro del Silenzio. A route of 800 meters, suitable for everyone, from Lajatico to Teatro del Silenzio, allows you to admire one of the most beautiful views in Tuscany, with roads lined with cypress trees.
How to Get to Lajatico?
A flight ticket to Pisa can facilitate your meeting with Lajatico.
Here’s how to get from Pisa to Lajatico using public transport: Stazione 5 (Pisa) line 840 to La Sterza, then line 470 La Streza-Lajatico. Duration: ~ 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Why Visit Lajatico?
It’s simple! Because if you haven’t seen Lajatico…
Lajatico has medieval magic. Anyone who loves the Middle Ages will enjoy a visit here. The town boasts a castle dating back to the year 1000 – you can still see the Maritime Republic of Pisa emblem above the entrance and, to the left, a lion and a shield with a fleur-de-lis, evidence of its history being subject to both republics, and three scenes carved in stone inside the entrance hall, highlighting a conflict between Pisa and Florence. It is said that the bell tower is part of the medieval castle.
Lajatico houses several places of worship: San Leonardo Parish Church, dating back to the 13th century – those interested in modern and contemporary painting will find the church’s frescoes highly interesting, the Oratory of San Sebastiano, also known as the Chapel of the Fallen – built in honour of those who died in World War II and later transformed into a refuge for travellers and pilgrims – active until 1585.
Useful:
Every July, the picturesque town of Lajatico comes alive with the enchanting melodies of world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli. This annual event is a highlight not only for the locals but also for music enthusiasts and travellers from around the globe.
The concert, held at the Teatro del Silenzio (Theater of Silence), is a truly magical experience. This unique amphitheatre, nestled amidst the stunning Tuscan landscape, provides an unrivalled setting for Bocelli’s captivating performance. The natural acoustics and breathtaking surroundings create an atmosphere unlike any other, making it a must-attend event for music lovers.
The concert typically features a mesmerizing repertoire that includes classical arias, timeless Italian songs, and some of Bocelli’s greatest hits. The tenor’s powerful and passionate voice, combined with the open-air venue, leaves the audience spellbound, as they are transported into a world of music and emotion.
You might want to know!
Lajatico can be visited on a day trip from Siena or a day trip from Florence, but if you want to truly experience the magic of the place, book a night’s stay, as the show truly begins after dark!
You can stay at the Bocelli Guesthouse. Located in La Sterza, a small hamlet where the Bocelli family has had its roots since 1831, the Bocelli Guesthouse allows you to enjoy country life while remaining close to the city centre. It is modern, recently renovated, and has 10 apartments. Although it is in an area where skilled craftsmen – blacksmiths and carpenters – still work, you will enjoy peace and quiet.
You can take a wine-tasting tour at Officine Bocelli (La Sterza-Via Volterrana 10, 56030, Lajatico), a place whose story dates back to the 18th century. The Bocelli family worked on the Corsini family’s property until March 1831 when Gaspero Bocelli used all his savings to become a landowner. By purchasing the small parcel of Poggioncino, he began cultivating Sangiovese. Then he expanded. Seven generations later, Alberto and Andrea Bocelli turned the family farm into a world-class winery, with the estate remaining the focal point for the two brothers. Upstairs is a museum with artefacts from Andrea Bocelli’s amazing career.
Nearby points of interest: Peccioli, Val di Cecina, Volterra, Casciana Terme, and Lari.
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