3 cultural stops north of the Etruscan Coast

Ancient towers and strongholds characterize the town of Rosignano Marittimo, with its fortified castle perched on the hill looking out to sea. Just a few steps away from the coves that enclose crystal-clear waters, Pasquini Castle dominates the town of Castiglioncello: the Medici tower along with that of Vada, not far away, is an extraordinary example of the Medici system of coastal defense. 

The Civic Archeological Museum of Rosignano Marittimo, located inside the medieval Palazzo Bombardieri, offers visitors a journey from Prehistory to the Middle Ages, with grave goods from nearby Etruscan necropolises and local majolica pottery. 

In the hamlet of Castelnuovo della Misericordia, an ancient Roman military stronghold, you will find the original remains of a small castle dating back to the 13th century; in the area around the town, a network of paths leads to archeological areas like the Etruscan necropolis of Pian dei Lupi and the boundary walls of Monte Carvoli. 

The Camaiano Cultural Park, which includes the localities of Gabbro, Castelnuovo and Nibbiaia, offers activities and events linked to the history and culture of the area, as well as an extensive, scenic hiking network with trails for walking, cycling and horseback riding.

Santa Luce is a place that seems to be standing still in time, where the magic of the Middle Ages is still alive in the stones of the castle and in the narrow village streets, surrounded by walls that tell stories of centuries past. However, the real mystery hovering over Santa Luce is the one linked to the Templars and the Holy Grail: the octagonal layout of the castle, the baptismal font of the Parish Church of Santa Luce and the wooded hill behind the town seem to hide a centuries-old secret.

In the hamlet of Pomaia, the Lama Tzong Khapa Buddhist Institute is a major cultural and spiritual center that spreads Buddhist philosophy, attracting people practicing Buddhism from all over the world.

On the Monte Forte high ground, not far from Santa Luce, the Cult of the Blessed Virgin is linked to a legend rooted in time: every year, on May 13, the local community carries a depiction of the Madonna of Monteforte in a procession to the ruins of a small church. Numerous healings are attributed to her and this is a moment of faith that links the past to the present. 

Located in a dominant position overlooking the Cecina Valley, Castellina Marittima is a village historically associated with alabaster quarries and is home to the Alabaster Ecomuseum, a museum spread across the area and linked to Volterra and Santa Luce. 

There are two itineraries, one dedicated to excavation and one to alabaster working: the link between the environment, production activities and the community is at the heart of the cultural experience and is focused on traditional craftsmanship. 

The cultural tour is enriched by stories of quarrymen's lives and local culture through documents, mining tools and everyday objects.