Town tour

Lajatico can boast one of the oldest medieval fortified sites in Tuscany, the Pietracassia fortress; the original fort may have been built as early as the 8^th century, with later additions. In 1115 it was bought by the Bishop of Volterra, then fell into the hands of the rulers of Pisa and Florence over the following four centuries, before being abandoned. Nevertheless a portion still stands proud on the hilltop today, and half an hour’s hike up from the town is rewarded with far-reaching views.

The Torre Civica is the centrepiece of the town itself, and indeed a treasured gem and symbol of the whole Valdera area. Gracing the Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the terracotta coloured tower is believed to be the only remaining part of a 12^th century castle. Around the entrance you can see both the coat of arms of Pisa and a shield with the Florentine fleur-de-lis emblem. The bell, installed in 1279, is one of the oldest in the Pisa province, and the clock was installed around 1790. Another interesting fact is that the tower is specially illuminated when any state or nation abolishes the death penalty.

The tower was restored in the 1990s, along with various features in the town centre, which is all beautifully presented and a joy to stroll around. Other points of interest include the church of San Leonardo and the Oratory of S. Sebastiano, the Town Hall where the clock mechanism of the tower is displayed along with some Etruscan artefacts.

The Bocelli connection

Lajatico’s most famous son is internationally renowned tenor, Andrea Bocelli, and he was the driving force behind the creation of the Teatro del Silenzio, an amphitheatre set in the hills just outside the town. Once a year, this special setting becomes a stage and comes alive with sound when he gives his annual open-air concert. A new sculptural installation appears each year as well. Tickets must be snapped up in advance as they sell out fast!

In the town itself, the ‘Officine Bocelli’ comprises a museum dedicated to the singer, an art gallery, and restaurants serving regional dishes.

Another strand of the Bocelli connection is the long-established family winery, now run by Andrea’s brother, Alberto. They produce both reds and whites, including a sparkling Prosecco.

Nearby villages

The nearby village of Orciatico (7km) is a charming medieval borgo with some interesting features. Take a look at the 12^th century castle as well as the church of S. Michele Arcangelo, notable for its painted ceiling. About 10 minutes’ walk south of the village are the remains of two 16-17^th century stone windmills, one of which has been restored and from where there is a lovely panoramic view. Continuing on the road past the windmills is an astronomical observatory which is sometimes open to the public.

In the other direction, Casciana Terme (18km) has been known for its hot springs since the 14^th century! The waters, enriched with minerals held to be therapeutic, bubble to the surface at a comfortable 35.7°C. Like many spa towns, Casciana exudes an elegant yesteryear atmosphere. In neighbouring village, Lari, impressive defensive walls and gateways enclose the medieval Vicari Castle whilst in the civic museum you can see ancient artefacts, frescoes and the former prison and torture chamber!

The coast

Cecina on the Etruscan coast is about an hour’s drive, where there is a 15km long stretch of sand backed by pine trees. This is part of the Tombolo di Cecina nature reserve, a long narrow band of forest crossed with paths for walking or cycling and dotted with picnic areas. A series of smaller town beaches, some private and some public, are close to facilities, shops and restaurants. Water sports such as parasailing, diving & snorkelling, and surf sports are on offer, and there is a family water park.

Monterufoli nature reserve

This reserve about an hour to the south of Lajatico is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers alike. It is crossed with trails suitable for leisurely walks or more challenging hikes, or forays by mountain bike or on horseback. Considered one of Tuscany’s most important wilderness areas, the landscape is predominantly woodland, but is intersected by rivers, the largest being the Sterza and the Trossa.

This area also has a history of copper mining, an important heritage which is presented at the Mining Museum in Montecatini Val di Cecina, including a visit into one of the 19^th century mine tunnels.