Val di Cecina

Val di Cecina, in the southern part of Pisa Province, offers a truly unique countryside. All the roads, paths and ancient trails that delineate this vast territory are routes that lead through constantly transforming scenery.

The typical rows of cypresses, olive groves and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside, make way for the ever changing colours of the clay hills, speckled here and there with bare slopes, craggy 'calanchi' and the 'biancane' landforms, to the vast wooded areas and rock reliefs that make contrast with the deep valleys, to conclude with spectacular views of the Balze Volterrane or the intriguing and distinctive landscape of the geothermal area, with its system of steam ducts.

The fascinating natural countryside of the Colline Metallifere has long charmed visitors: wild landscapes, rich in thick woods and the unmistakable colours brought about by subsoil minerals.

It is still possible today to visit some of the stations used during the extraction processes and to retrace some of the many ancient iron works that bear witness to the early iron processing. By adding a visit to the Geothermal Museum in Larderello, visitors can thoroughly piece together all aspects of the history of geothermal energy, from research, to drilling and the various systems employed.

This fine natural setting is home to streams, rivers and particularly interesting fauna.

Whether deep in the lush hills or atop the steep rocky outcrops, this landscape is dotted with very old and distinctive places of interest; churches and monasteries, villas and castles, country houses, all ready to be unveiled.

Video: Welcome to Val di Cecina