Versilia in TascaA day in Versilia: Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta and Torre del Lago
Three nearby stops, three different sides of Versilia: chic seaside, art and opera.
1. Forte dei Marmi
The name comes from the eighteenth-century grand-ducal Fortino in Piazza Garibaldi and from the Apuan marble once shipped from its pier. Today it's famous for its villas, shops and weekly market.
Chic seaside, marble and opera: three faces of Versilia in one day.
2. Pietrasanta
Versilia's "little Athens" is a town of sculptors and marble and bronze workshops. Its centre is Piazza del Duomo, with the Cathedral of San Martino and its brick bell tower; art exhibitions are often held in the square and in the church of Sant'Agostino.
3. Torre del Lago Puccini
Giacomo Puccini lived on Lake Massaciuccoli for about thirty years and wrote many of his operas here, including Tosca and Madama Butterfly. His villa holds his tomb. The Puccini Festival began in 1930 with a performance of La bohème conducted by Pietro Mascagni, and takes place every summer in the open-air Gran Teatro, opened in 2008, with around 3,200 seats.
Tips
- Festival programme and tickets: official site puccinifestival.it.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Pietrasanta called little Athens?
Because of its tradition of sculptors and marble and bronze workshops.
When did the Puccini Festival start?
In 1930, with La bohème conducted by Pietro Mascagni.
Sources: puccini.it, Wikipedia – Festival Puccini, Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta. General information: opening times, prices and dates change, so always check the official websites.
