A lajatico, in the province of Pisa, the Teatro del Silenzio is a natural amphitheaterAnd. A unique place, where silence is heard. And nature is the host. They wanted it, in the early XNUMXs Andrea Bocelli and the architect Alberto Bartalini.
What is the Theater of Silence
Andrea Bocelli he is originally from Lajatico, and it is here that he wanted to inaugurate the Theater of Silence. Why this name? Because, according to the original idea, the amphitheater should host only one show a year. And because it is a real natural stage, with a round shape and a scenography that changes every year. The most famous set designer was the Pole Igor Mitoray who - for the show “Manon Lescaut” - depicted a human face, then donated to the Theater and elected as its symbol. The stalls, when the Teatro del Silenzio does not host performances, is dismantled. And in its heart an artificial lake is formed.
One and a half kilometers from the center of Lajatico, the Teatro del Silenzio dominates the town from a hill. Once the farmers used the lake as a drinking trough for the animals while today, that same lake, is the contour ofa sculpture that changes every year. Monumental creations, created by world-famous artists and based on the theme that was staged that year. Surrounding the "stage" are blocks of Tuscan travertine to recall a place of worship from the past. A place that, once the show is over, spreads silence again. And to encourage meditation and free thinking.
The Theater over the years
Since 2006, the Teatro del Silenzio has hosted prestigious names. Pop music stars, tenors, friends of Andrea Bocelli. He saw perform Laura Pausini, Roberto Bolle, Placido Domingo, Gianna Nannini, Carla Fraccthe. With their art, their music, their talent. With that energy that, for a day or two, ripped through Lajatico's tranquility and then returned it to him. The theater, after each show, falls asleep again. And it goes back to being that natural amphitheater with its gigantic head in the center.
Thanks to Andrea Bocelli, and to the Teatro del Silenzio, Lajatico is today an interesting Tuscan tourist destination. An obligatory step, for those who go on holiday to Pisa. What to see here? Definitely the Rocca of Pietracassia, among the main examples of early medieval architecture in Tuscany. And then the village of Orciatic, the astronomical observatory, the windmills of the late seventeenth century. But it is precisely from the town center that - on foot, by bicycle or on horseback - you can reach the Teatro del Silenzio. And, here, enjoy its incredible peace.
Featured photo taken from Wikipedia (credits Chiara.marraccini - CC BY-SA 4.0)