In the Colline Metallifere, the border between Maremma and northern Tuscany is blurred. Here you will not find the same traditions, the same cuisine or the same lifestyle as the rest of the province. Over the centuries, the northern neighbors Pisa and Siena have left their mark on this area, characterized by numerous silver and copper mines.
When these mines were closed in 1990, the Metalliferous Hills turned to tourism.
Their capital and muse is Massa Marittima, probably the most beautiful city in the Maremma. Known as the most noble daughter of northern Tuscany, Massa Marittima has such a charm and grace that it alone attracts more tourists than the rest of the province.
The eclectic Colline Metallifere blend the best of the Maremma with influences from territories beyond their borders. Art gardens flank seaside paradises, natural parks share space with bubbling geysers and medieval villages tell stories of doomed beauties and phallic rites.
For tourists the Colline Metallifere are an ideal base from which to explore the cities just outside the Maremma. They are also the right place to fill up on the delicacies of local production.

IN THE FOREGROUND: Monteregio di Massa Marittima

The emerging Monteregio DOC is a dry and fruity red that goes best with aged cheeses. The Monteregio Wine Route of Massa Marittima is a gastronomic, cultural and historical tour of the area that produces this wine. The itinerary is divided into three routes and stops at the best wineries in the area, gourmet shops and vineyards, where it is possible to buy directly from the producers. Maps and further information are available at the visitor center (via Norma Parenti 22, Massa Marittima; +39 0566 902756).

ITINERARY:

If you have a weekend to spend in the Metalliferous Hills, spend the early morning exploring Massa Marittima’s cathedral and its medieval streets, before choosing between one, two or all of its museums in the afternoon. The following morning, head to Gavorrano to relive the mining history of the area at the Naturalistic Mining Park, or take the coastal road to Scarlino to enjoy the most spectacular beach in the Maremma, Cala Violina. In the afternoon discover the bubbling Biancane geyser in Monterotondo Marittimo or simply relax in Montieri and Paul Fuchs’ Garden of Sounds.

NOT TO BE MISSED:

• Listen to the sound of the sea similar to that of a violin, walking along the beach of Cala Violina near Scarlino, one afternoon.
• Take a look at the explicit but splendid medieval fresco of the Tree of Fertility in Massa Marittima, 10 minutes.
• Follow the verses of Dante Alighieri at the Castello di Pietra di Gavorrano, where the beautiful Pia dei Tolomei was killed by her husband in the 13th century, one hour.
• Listen to the sweet music of Paul Fuchs’ works of art in the Garden of Sounds near Montieri, 3 hours.
• Visit Mars without leaving the Maremma, on the arid white plains of the Biancane in Monterotondo Marittimo, 30 minutes.

IN THE FOREGROUND: Archaeological Technology Park of the Grosseto Metalliferous Hills

The Metalliferous Hills belong to the Geological Park of Tuscany: it is not a park in the traditional sense of the term, but rather a system of eight gateways which have been created to help the tourist better understand the historical and technical significance of the area’s long mining history.
These gateways are museums, libraries, information centers and theatres, and they periodically organize guided tours and other cultural activities. If you are curious to find out more, visit one of the Colline Metallifere tourist offices.

Events:

New Figures, Montieri, Follonica, Gavorrano, Monterotondo Marittimo and Scarlino, July and August. An international festival dedicated to puppet theatre, animated films and street theater for all ages. The theme changes each year, but generally promotes environmental awareness. Consult www.nuovefigure.it for further information also in English.