area operatoriThe richest copper mine in Europe
The mining area of the Cecina Valley territory has a long history of industry. The mines, remained active until 1907 and they were exploited by the Etruscans, the Medici, the Gran duchy of Tuscany and reached their maximum development in 1888 with the foundation of the Società Montecatini, that then took the name of Montedison from the name of the town.
The fourteenth century Palazzo Pretorio is the home to the Museum of the Mines of Montecatini Val di Cecina. The museum bears testament not only to the industrial civilisation, but also to the social accomplishments of the miners: in the mid 1800s, at Montecatinu Val di Cecina, the mining work was regulated, assistance given to the widows and orphans, education was guaranteed for the miners' children and a sickness benefit fund and a female school was instituted.
The Museum records centre holds the historical archives of the documentation, administration (accounts, registers, correspondence) and technical material (tunnel plans and layouts, machines, equipment and building designs) and, more generally, of the activity that, between 1827 and 1907, made Caporciano the richest copper mine in Europe.
Moreover, the Museum offers a view of the great number of underground resources of the Cecina Valley, and their use: copper, rock salt, clear white alabaster stone, lignite, sulphur springs, splendid mosaics produced with the chalcedony.
The circuit of visits is completed with an exciting visit to the underground world of the mining site of Caporciano - with the Alfredo well – the central point for copper extraction, the entrance to the mine, the administration offices, the narrow "discenderie" passageways and the tunnels. Visit the mining site, open all year, must be booked by sending a fax to +39 0588 31026 or an email request to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The fourteenth century Palazzo Pretorio is the home to the Museum of the Mines of Montecatini Val di Cecina. The museum bears testament not only to the industrial civilisation, but also to the social accomplishments of the miners: in the mid 1800s, at Montecatinu Val di Cecina, the mining work was regulated, assistance given to the widows and orphans, education was guaranteed for the miners' children and a sickness benefit fund and a female school was instituted.
The Museum records centre holds the historical archives of the documentation, administration (accounts, registers, correspondence) and technical material (tunnel plans and layouts, machines, equipment and building designs) and, more generally, of the activity that, between 1827 and 1907, made Caporciano the richest copper mine in Europe.
Moreover, the Museum offers a view of the great number of underground resources of the Cecina Valley, and their use: copper, rock salt, clear white alabaster stone, lignite, sulphur springs, splendid mosaics produced with the chalcedony.
The circuit of visits is completed with an exciting visit to the underground world of the mining site of Caporciano - with the Alfredo well – the central point for copper extraction, the entrance to the mine, the administration offices, the narrow "discenderie" passageways and the tunnels. Visit the mining site, open all year, must be booked by sending a fax to +39 0588 31026 or an email request to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Per accedere alla visita del sito minerario, aperto tutto l’anno, è necessario prenotare inviando un fax al numero 0588 31026 o un'email a This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
