Following last year's success, "Segni d'amore" revives the ancient tradition of Lucignano as a destination for lovers.
Signs of Love 2005
The event — now in its fourth edition and promoted by the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Lucignano, in collaboration with Le Officine della Cultura and BancAsciano — will take place Monday, February 14th starting at 7:00 pm at the Municipal Museum. It is an important event for those who want to spend an evening dedicated to intimacy and the pleasure of good food. Thanks to this event, in fact, a link is created between past and present and the legend of the’ “Tree of Lovers” in whose presence the exchange of promises of love has been celebrated since ancient times, a wish of happiness, fertility and prosperity for young couples.
The "Golden Tree" (or "Tree of Lucignano") is the world's only example of a tree-shaped reliquary. Standing over two meters tall, its creation took over one hundred and twenty years: begun in 1350, it was completed in 1471 by the renowned Sienese goldsmith Gabriello d'Antonio. Its composition of gilded copper and silver, its decorations with enamel, rock crystal, coral, and miniatures make it an artistic object of rare value and extraordinary beauty.
During last year's event, part of the reading of love poems was dedicated to compositions that expressed gay and lesbian feelings.
This year's programme includes the performance in the "Sala dell'Albero" of some poems featuring love stories, performed by actors Marzia Fontana and Francesco Testi, with musical commentary by flutist Andrea Meucci. The evening will continue with a visit to the Municipal Museum, an aperitif in the Council Chamber of the 14th-century Town Hall, and the traditional “Lovers' Dinner” For this occasion, Lucignano's restaurateurs will prepare—each in their own establishment—a special menu dedicated to a famous couple in love from classical literature and mythology: from Minnie and Mickey Mouse to Charles and Alice to Tarzan and Jane. Participants can enjoy their dinner at one of these restaurants of their choice. All participating couples will receive a memento of the evening.
Information and reservations
Office of Culture and Tourism – Municipality of Lucignano
Tel. 0575 836899
Tourist Information Office
Tel. 0575 838001
