The Metalliferous Hills National Park is a UNESCO Global Geopark, a designation that has placed it among the world’s most important geological sites.
History
Founded in 2010 (following a process that began in 2003) with the aim of preserving the extraordinary mining and environmental heritage of this region, the park spans over 100,000 hectares and encompasses ten municipalities across the provinces of Pisa, Grosseto, and Siena. It is an open-air museum, where the landscape itself tells stories of extinct volcanoes, pyrite mines, and centuries of human labor.
A heritage of geology, history, and nature
Geology is the soul of this place. The landscape is an explosion of colors, with rocks and soils ranging from red to yellow—a sign of the abundance of metals such as copper, lead, and silver that have fueled the local economy since Etruscan times.
You can admire geothermal phenomena such as the “fumaroles” of Sasso Pisano, which release smoke and steam from the earth, or the lagons—pools of hot water fed at the base by a natural geyser—and the solfatara, emissions of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen, the oxidation of which forms sulfur crystals. You can also admire the “Biancane of Monterotondo Marittimo,” with their lunar landscape.
Despite its industrial character, the area boasts a surprisingly rich variety of flora and fauna. The forests are dominated by holm oaks, cork oaks, and Mediterranean scrub, while the gentler valleys give way to pastures and olive groves. The wildlife is typical of the Tuscan scrubland, featuring wild boars, fallow deer, and roe deer, as well as rare species such as wolves and wildcats. It is also a crucial habitat for numerous bird species, including the peregrine falcon.
Activities and experiences not to be missed
The Park offers a wide range of activities that combine adventure, culture, and learning.
Industrial archaeology: You can visit the Montecatini Val di Cecina Copper Mine Museum or the Gavorrano Mining Park.
Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding: You can explore a network of trails winding through forests and medieval villages, following the ancient paths of miners and admiring breathtaking views.
The park’s trails and mule tracks are reserved for hikers, mountain bikers, and horses; motor vehicles are not permitted, except for those authorized for service or emergency response.
Geotourism: There are numerous geosites worth visiting. Starting the tour from the town of Monteverdi Marittimo, considered the “Gateway to Geothermal Energy,” you can see geothermal phenomena such as geysers and fumaroles at the Geothermal Museum in Larderello (where the world’s first geothermal power plant was installed in 1913), the Fumaroles Park in Sasso Pisano, or the Biancane Park in Monterotondo Marittimo.
Art and Culture: The park and its surrounding area offer numerous charming medieval villages to visit, such as Montecatini Val di Cecina and its hamlets (La Sassa and Querceto), or Pomarance and Montecerboli, which are worth visiting for their architecture and to discover their history.
Food and Wine: You can savor the authentic flavors of local products, which reflect the richness of this land.
