Concerts at the Temple of Minerva Medica | Montefoscoli

The Temple of Minerva Medica is a building set within a grove of holm oaks just outside the village of Montefoscoli. It was built between 1821 and 1823 at the behest of Andrea Vaccà Berlinghieri, a doctor and eminent scholar at the University of Pisa, who wished to dedicate a monument to his father Francesco – also a doctor – whilst also honouring his profession with a dedication to Minerva, the goddess of medicine.

The temple can be visited on guided tours, subject to booking, to discover the history and fascinating facts about the Vaccà Berlinghieri family. The enigmatic temple also becomes the setting for an escape game. Visitors will be challenged to use their wits to solve puzzles and pick locks. It is a new way to learn about the history of this monument, rich in symbols and intriguing details.

Special events take place during the summer:

Saturday 25 July, 5.30pm: ‘Tempio Vivo – Fucine Minerva’, a multidisciplinary festival dedicated to music, art and poetry to mark the bicentenary of Andrea Vaccà Berlinghieri’s death.

22 and 23 August: two days of ‘Cerchio di Ascolto – Suoni nel Tempio’, a series of musical events dedicated to radical listening and site-specific sound practices. Bookings are now open. Places are limited. For details, including camping arrangements, please contact: ambientnoisesession@gmail.com or musicaquieta@naturamorta.com