Puccini’s Paradise in Torre del Lago

by Melanie McWilliams
"This is Paradise!" Giacomo Puccini exclaimed when first setting eyes on the Torre del Lago - the place which was to inspire some of his best-loved operas. Nestled between sandy beaches and pinewoods and perched on the edge of the Massaciuccoli Lake with the Apuan Alps forming a stunning backdrop; it is perhaps no surprise Puccini decided this was the place where he wanted to live.
Born 18 kilometres away in Lucca, on December 22nd 1858 to a family comprising four generations of musicians, conductors and composers; Puccini''s future profession seemed a foregone conclusion...