Metalliferous Hills

North of the province of Grosseto, the Metalliferous Hills represent the largest area of the Maremma. The territory gently slopes from the heights of the Cornate di Gerfalco (1,060 m a.s.l.) down to the hills that open towards the Gulf of Follonica and the coast of the Upper Maremma.

This area owes its name to the extraordinary mineral wealth that has characterized it for centuries. Since the time of the Etruscans and Romans, copper, silver, and iron were extracted here. Mining activity, which profoundly shaped the landscape and local history, continued until the 1990s, when the gradual abandonment of the facilities began.

Towns such as Gavorrano, Montieri, and Monterotondo were among the most important mining and ironworking centers of antiquity. Today, the inland villages retain their medieval charm, with perched and fortified structures. Among them stands Massa Marittima, the “small great republic” of the Middle Ages, renowned for its two monumental centers of extraordinary beauty.

The Metalliferous Hills area is sparsely populated: forests ranging from holm oak groves to Mediterranean scrub, open pastures, and vineyards alternate to create breathtaking landscapes. Here you will find unique places such as:

• Farma Valley and its “Canaloni,” perfect for trekking immersed in nature.
• Lake Accesa, with white beaches and crystal-clear waters.
• The Biancane and Larderello, almost lunar landscapes where hot vapors rise from the underground, an inspiration for Dante’s Inferno.

To protect this historical and natural heritage, the Grosseto Metalliferous Hills National Park was established in 2002, encompassing 34 sites. Its goal is to preserve and promote a unique legacy, turning it into a cultural, tourist, and environmental resource.