COLLINE METALLIFERE:
Coming to the COLLINE METALLIFERE is taking a journey back in time through geysers, intriguing ghost copper mines, Etruscan fortresses, thermal spas and perfectly preserved medieval hamlets vibrant with community life.
The name originates from the geological composition of the rocks which are rich in metals. Records dating back to Etruscan times witness the deep relationship this people has had with the land and its nature.
The love and respect for the natural composition of this land, together with the wit and ingenuity have led to a perfect balance between exploiting the land and preserving its beauty.
Sustained by copper and alum mining first, geothermal energy production and farming now, the Colline Metallifere have remained an undiscovered pearl in one of the most visited regions of Europe.
Its beauty lies mainly in the varied landscape which spans from gentle hills to rugged valleys dotted with crags and geysers, cattle grazing free amidst sunflower and corn fields.
FEASTS, FAIRS AND MARKETS:
FAIRS
Castelnuovo second Monday in June; the Monday after the last Sunday on August; 10 November.
Montecastelli Pisano 11 September·
Sasso Pisano third Tuesday of June; 17 September·
La Leccia 9 September
FEASTS AND SAGRE
Castelnuovo· Around August 20 Arts and crafts festival: the village come sto life with medieval artisans, food stands, street artists and shows.·
Last week of October and first of November Chestnuts Festival: roast chestnuts, chestnut cakes and delicacies are sampled in street stalls.
Montecastelli· 10 August Concerto di S. Lorenzo in the parish church square·
last two weeks of August Acting and Painting shows
Sasso Pisano· Second Sunday of August Fumarola Feast typical food, music and shows are held in the alleys of this medieval hamlet.
Leccia· Beginning of September Grapes feast grapes based traditional dishes and lots of wine to be enjoyed in the streets of this small hamlet.
MARKETS
Markets: Castelnuovo on Wednesdays·
Sasso Pisano third Friday
CASTELNUOVO:
Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina is a small village in the Colline Metallifere, sitting on the offshoots of the Maremma overlooking the Tirrenean sea and the Isle of Elba. Its origins date back to the Lombard period (VII c), witnessed by a number of fortresses - still standing in the area - which the Lombards built when opening new roads in search for minerals between Volterra and Massa Marittima. The area around Castelnuovo is rich in archaeological sites of the neolithic, etruscan, barbaric and medieval periods. The landscape is characterized by gentle hills, except the Devil’s Yard reaching 875 mts. Besided the River Cecina, the region is crossed by the Cornia stream that springs here and by tributaries of the Cecina, the Pavone and the Possera being the most important ones. The woods are thick and the vegetation ranges from the Mediterranean scrub – pine trees, junipers, English oaks, strawberry trees – to the typical Appennine vegetation with turkey oaks, hornbeam, ashes, chestnuts.
