Archaeological-mining parks of Tuscany: between history and nature

Located on Monte Amiata, this park offers a unique experience between history and technology. The Mining Museum chronicles the importance of cinnabar mining and mercury production, activities that have characterized the area for centuries. Visitors can explore the underground galleries, walking along tunnels that once reverberated with the sounds of miners’ tools. In addition, interactive displays and documentaries enrich the exhibition, providing a comprehensive picture of the evolution of mining and its social impact.

Located near Campiglia Marittima, the Archaeological Mines Park of San Silvestro counts a medieval fortress and ancient copper and lead mines. The trail leads through the remnants of the Etruscan and medieval mining industry, offering a full immersion in the history of metallurgy and the daily lives of workers of the time. In addition to underground trails, the park includes outdoor museum areas and hiking trails leading to spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside and coastline, rendering your visit an experience that combines culture and nature.

Elba Island has an extensive mining tradition, dating back to Etruscan and Roman times. The Rio Marina Park allows visitors to go to historic iron mines and admire the island’s striking mining landscapes. Guided tours reveal the link between the natural environment and mining, showing the variety of minerals and mining techniques used over the centuries. An exploration of the heritage of the archaeological mines can also include boat trips along the coast to discover iron-rich reefs, having profoundly influenced the island’s history and economy.

Stretching across the province of Grosseto, the Park of the Metalliferous Hills is a veritable open-air museum chronicling Tuscany’s rich mining past. Visitors can explore ancient mining sites, mining tunnels, interactive museums and geological trails, thus discovering the cultural and environmental heritage of this fascinating area. The park additionally offers educational activities for schools and workshops for families, rendering the experience accessible to a broad and varied audience. Night excursions are organized intermittently, offering the chance to witness the mining landscape cloaked in an indescribable charm.

This park near Roccastrada is one of the main entrances to the Park of the Metalliferous Hills. Preserved here is the memory of mining activities and particularly coal extraction, with a focus on the working conditions of the miners. Historical accounts and exhibits recount the tragic Ribolla mine explosion of 1954, an event that deeply marked the local community and the Italian mining industry. The museum attached to the park offers an exciting journey through documents, period photographs and original artifacts, providing insight into the harsh conditions under which miners worked and the evolution of safety regulations in the industry.