Cecina Valley and Volterra
The area known as the Cecina Valley (Val di Cecina) covers the southern part of the Province of Pisa and offers a rich and varied landscape from the Metallifere hills to the beautiful, historical city of Volterra and then down towards the village of Bibbona and the famous Etruscan coast.
This unspoilt territory, seeped in history, can be discovered on foot or horseback following the many footpaths present, especially in the Berignone and Monterufoli areas.
You can stay in one of the many welcoming apartments, bed & breakfasts or agriturismos either in one of the old, medieval villages or in the unspoilt countryside.
Volterra is an excellent base for a relaxing holiday and from which to visit the area. Siena and San Gimignano can be easily reached and the nearby Montecatini Val di Cecina is definitely worth a visit. In the centre of Volterra is the beautiful main square and the Palazzo Pretorio, a fine example of Medieval, Tuscan architecture.
On the opposite side of valley is the charming, medieval village of Querceto built around a church. From here the area becomes dense with woods, rocky and with deep valleys.
Leaving Serrazzano head down towards the boric-acid fumaroles of Valley of the Devil (Valle del Diavolo) and left in the direction of Pomarance. A wide downhill road which winds up again towards Montecerboli from where you can admire the view of Larderello and the Valley of the Devil. The countryside here is littered with natural fumaroles, hot springs and geothermal energy installations and those interested can visit the Museum of Geothermal Engergy. Or simply enjoy the almost mountainous landscape and the river Cecina springs.
Still within the area called the Metallifere Hills you will find the pretty medieval village of Pomarance worth a visit just for its well known cuisine. Interesting too in Pomarance is the traditional event called ‘Palio Storico delle Contrade’. The three areas of the village, or ‘contrade’, participate in an unusual theatre competition to win the ‘Palio’ (banner).
Monteverdi Marittimo is an interesting village set by the river Cornia and not only famous for being Volterra’s port, as described by Cicero and Pliny, but also for being the perfect hideaway for feared Saracen pirates, thanks to its natural cove. Many artefacts such as amphoras, terracotta vases and sculptured pieces of marble have been found in this area.
From Vada head towards the very heart of the Val di Cecina. Leave Saline di Volterra and head right for Volterra following a spectacular road which winds its way up towards this city famous for it’s alabaster. Ariel view of Volterra
In the many workshops scattered throughout the town you can see the craftsmen and women working albastar or visit the recently opened Ecomuseum of Albastar which is housed in the medieval building ‘Torre Minucci’. The city of Volterra dominates the Cecina valley and out to the coast and in the past was one of the most important Etruscan centres, as documented by the Etruscan Guarancci Museum which exhibits one of the largest collections of Etruscan remains in Italy.
Volterra is also an important witness to the wonders of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance art, examples of which can be seen in the Art Gallery and Civic Museum ‘Pinacoteca Civica’ (the famous ‘Deposition’ by Rosso Fiorentino) or in the Museum of Sacred Art where you can admire the only remaining 14th century marble sculptures once housed in the Cathedral. Much of Volterra’s beauty, history and art can be admired by simply walking slowly through the streets of the historic town centre. (Visit our page dedicated to Volterra’s museums).
Thanks to Volterra’s relatively isolated location the town has remain almost unchanged. The historic centre is almost completely surrounded by the old city walls dating back to 1200 and develops around the cathedral of Santa Maria and the main square, ‘Piazza dei Priori’ which has always been the hub of political life. From here you reach Piazza San Giovanni, the centre of religious life where you will find the main cathedral, the baptistery and the Bishop’s Palace (Palazzo dei Vescovi).
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