Pomarance
The world capital of geothermal energy amidst villages and impregnable castles
Secluded, welcoming, authentic, and, in its own way, unparalleled: this is Pomarance, an ancient Etruscan and medieval village, today a capital of geothermal energy.
Pomarance is located in an area where traces of the medieval past alternate with the history and use of clean renewable energy sources in the largest geothermal area of continental Europe.
From its dominant position on a hill, the town, at the centre of Val di Cecina, stands out for its great natural and cultural heritage, including the Casa Bicocchi and the Permanent Exhibition of Warriors and Artisans.
Since the industrial development of Larderello, in the 19th century, this area has experienced a period of brilliance, which you can discover in the interesting Geothermal Museum. The countryside surrounding Pomarance has been characterized since ancient times by impressive natural geologic features, such as fumaroles (volcanic vents), lakes (craters), and small geysers, which have given rise to the name of “Valle del Diavolo” (Devil's Valley).
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Tourist office
tel: +39 0588 86099
info@volterratur.it
www.volterratur.it
“Secluded, welcoming, authentic and, in its own way, incomparable”
Among the many structures and inhabited areas that occupy the tops of the hills around Pomarance, the Castle of Rocca Sillana is one of the most significant and was one of the largest settlements in the area.
It stands in isolation on an inaccessible hill, surrounded by dense woodlands, but it is in fact a site rich in history, one that was densely inhabited during the Middle Ages and that controlled a vast territory. From the top of the Rocca, which is no longer inhabited, you can enjoy a breathtaking view covering much of Tuscany.
This impregnable fortress is located near Lanciaia - San Dalmazio, a village that was built near the convent of the same name, where you can still see a great deal of evidence of its medieval urban structure. Not far from San Dalmazio, and not to be missed, is the Pieve di San Giovanni (Parish Church of Saint John), one of the most important in the territory, the first record of which dates from 874. It was located on an important crossroads that connected Volterra with the Metalliferous Hills and in particular served as a link between the city and the mining area under the control of the Bishop of Volterra.
No less worth mentioning are the other villages that dot the highest peaks of the territory: Micciano, Libbiano, Montegemoli, Montecerboli, Lustignano, and Serrazzano.
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