Lajatico

Welcome to Lajatico, a small yet charming town in Tuscany

Dear readers, today I will talk about Lajatico, a town located in the beautiful region of Tuscany, specifically in the province of Pisa. This small town is inhabited by about 1275 people and is immersed in lush and varied nature, offering visitors breathtaking views.

Lajatico: a jewel of Tuscany between history, nature and gastronomy.

The nature of Lajatico

The territory

Lajatico is located on a hill and its territory extends between 50 and 628 meters above sea level, with a total elevation of 578 meters. The Era River, Ragone Creek, and Sterza are the main bodies of water that run through this Tuscan town.

The climate

The climate of Lajatico falls into zone D, and atmospheric diffusivity is high, offering a pleasant sensation of freshness during the summer.

The history of Lajatico

Like every self-respecting town, Lajatico also has a history that dates back to the Etruscan-Roman era. Today, on the original structure stands the fortress that, during the time of the Pannocchieschi counts of the Elci branch, served as a castle. In the twelfth century, the current village developed right around the latter.

Despite human presence dating back to so long ago, the first official mention of the toponym Lajatico can be found in a document from the archives of the Archbishop of Pisa from 891.

What to see in Lajatico

The Teatro del Silenzio

One of the places you absolutely must visit if you come to Lajatico is the famous Teatro del Silenzio. This open-air theater was built on the top of a hill in an environment surrounded by nature and offers a fascinating atmosphere. For a few years now, every summer, the famous tenor Andrea Bocelli holds his concert here.

The Civic Tower

Another tourist destination you can't miss is the Civic Tower. This tower, 22 meters high, was built in the fourteenth century and features a stone structure made of pebbles.

Church of San Leonardo

The Church of San Leonardo is one of the many churches found in the territory of Lajatico. It's a great destination for tourists who are impressed by its architecture and decorations inside.

The cuisine of Lajatico

Typical dishes

Lajatico, like much of Tuscany, offers a great variety of typical dishes that deserve to be tasted. Among the first courses, the highlights are farro soup, tomato soup, and, of course, handmade pasta with wild boar sauce. Among the second courses, you shouldn't miss the game dishes, such as stewed hare or wild boar alla cacciatora. Also, the ultimate indulgence is represented by sapa cake, a typical dessert made from cooked grape kernels.

Wines

Certainly, Lajatico wines deserve to be mentioned. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are just some of the excellences that Tuscany produces.

Conclusions

Lajatico is a small yet charming town, immersed in the lush nature of Tuscany. Between history and cuisine, the beauty of its landscapes and the walls of the Teatro del Silenzio, there is always something new and wonderful to admire. I hope this information has been useful to you and that, if you have the opportunity, you will go and discover the beauties of Lajatico.

Francesco Serra
Updated Thursday, Dec 22, 2022