Das Museum und die alte Mine von Montecatini

Attention: path temporarily closed for maintenance work!

A short but interesting walk, which can be connected to a visit to the 19th-century copper mine and, of course, the extraordinary medieval village. You start out right in front of the remains of the mine’s main extraction shaft, Pozzo Alfredo, whose tower dominates the mining area and offers one of the most spectacular views of the Cecina Valley. The history of the medieval town of Montecatini Val di Cecina is linked to its copper mine, which gave its name to one of the largest industries of the 20th century: Montecatini S.p.A., later Montedison, although the Etruscans were the first to exploit the area’s abundant natural resources.

The mining complex tells the story of the men, their industriousness and courage. The restored mining village, still partly inhabited today, adds a special charm to the visit, which is further boosted on a unique charm during the night-time opening. The walk through the village further enriches the visit to the mine and leads us to observe a work of extraordinary beauty, the Muraglione dam, built in 1856 for the needs of the mine but never used.

The dam is part of a project to upgrade six historic dams in Italy, and most of it is in the middle of the vegetation and with panoramic viewpoints towards the sea and the valley, this itinerary is a “must-walk” for everyone at any time of the year.

Hiking difficulty scale

T - Tourist

Itineraries on small roads, mule tracks or easy paths, with clearly evident routes that do not pose uncertainties or problems of orientation. They generally take place below 2000 m and usually constitute access to mountain pastures or refuges. They require some knowledge of the mountain environment and physical preparation for walking.

E - Hiking

Routes that almost always turn on paths, or on traces of passage in various terrain (pastures, debris, stony ground), usually with signs. They require a certain sense of orientation, as well as a certain experience and knowledge of the mountainous territory, walking training, as well as appropriate footwear and equipment. Normally the difference in altitude is between 500 and 1000m.

EE - Expert hikers

Routes not always marked and which require a good ability to move on various mountain terrains. They can be paths or even faint traces that wind over rough or steep terrain, with steep and slippery slopes, scree and short snowfields that can be overcome without the use of climbing equipment. They need a good mountain experience, firm footing and good physical preparation. It is also necessary to have adequate equipment and equipment, as well as a good sense of direction. Normally the difference in height is greater than 1000m.

EEA - Expert hikers with mountaineering equipment

Routes that require the use of via ferrata equipment (lanyards, harness, heat sink, helmet, etc.). They can be equipped paths or real via ferratas. It is necessary to know how to use the technical equipment safely and have a certain habit of exposure and mountaineering terrain.

MTB difficulty scale

TC - Tourist

Route on dirt roads with a compact and smooth surface, suitable for vehicles.

BC - For cyclists with good technical skills

Route on very bumpy dirt roads or on mule tracks and paths with a rather bumpy but fairly smooth surface or compact but irregular, with some natural obstacles (eg rock steps or roots).

OC - For cyclists with excellent technical skills

As above but on very bumpy and / or very irregular paths, with significant presence of obstacles.

EC - Maximum level for the cycle excursionist

Path on very irregular paths, characterized by steps and obstacles in continuous succession, which require trial-type techniques.