Montecatini Terme, a center of excellence for music and thermal traditions, has welcomed the greatest Italian opera composers for over a century, from Verdi to Puccini, inspiring masterpieces and nurturing a unique musical heritage. Giuseppe Verdi, who fell in love with the city and its “miracle of health” baths, found here inspiration for essential works such as the third act of Otello and the orchestration of Falstaff. Puccini, Rossini, Leoncavallo, and other luminaries contributed to the city’s cultural richness, composing, performing, and shaping operatic history.

The Montecatini Opera Festival, entirely dedicated to opera lovers, has been organized by the cultural association Il Parnaso in collaboration with the Municipality of Montecatini Terme and the Terme spa since 1999. Running from April to October, it features international artists alongside emerging talents, offering a rich and diverse repertoire from Baroque to 20th-century chamber music, with particular attention to Italian opera. Prestigious collaborations, including the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation, the Arena di Verona, and Russian theaters, have strengthened its international reputation.

Today, the festival is a landmark of Montecatini Terme, celebrating both tradition and innovation, and continues to enchant audiences with its unique blend of music, culture, and the charm of the thermal city.