Massa Marittima and Macerata stage summer opera festivals

From 3 to 5 August, the historic Piazza Garibaldi in Massa Marittima will host the 39th edition of the open‑air festival Lirica in Piazza. The programme features three operatic masterpieces – Verdi’s La Traviata, Puccini’s La Bohème and Verdi’s Il Trovatore – performed by international artists against the backdrop of the town’s cathedral. The event, promoted by the local administration and the Fondazione Lirica in Piazza, draws thousands of spectators each year and is a key cultural and tourist attraction for the Tuscan coast.

In the nearby city of Macerata, the association Astrifiammante, together with the municipal social‑policy department, has launched an immersive “Il Trovatore” audio tour. Participants wear headphones and walk through the historic centre, following a sound‑design that recreates the Verdi drama while encouraging physical activity. The tour runs on 3 and 7 August, with additional dates added after strong public response. Both initiatives aim to make opera accessible to wider audiences and to promote local heritage through innovative, outdoor experiences.