Discover Selvena: Mining History and Rocca Silvana

Selvena can be explored through several distinctive themes: mining history, medieval traces, ecclesiastical architecture and regional food culture. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Selvena, this creates a destination whose character can be discovered through specific places, buildings and traditions. The first documented settlement in Selvena dates back to 1081; the village has therefore been verifiably documented since that year.

Mining history at the Miniera del Morone

The Miniera del Morone lies just outside Selvena. At this site, the entire processing cycle of cinnabar can be traced: from its exit from the tunnel through transport in carts pulled by a locomotive, the crusher and the dryer, to the conveyor belt and the furnaces. The Cermak-Spirek furnaces are still completely preserved on the site.

Rocca Silvana south of Selvena

Another historical landmark is Rocca Silvana. It stands on a rocky spur south of Selvena and can be reached via a turnoff from the provincial road to Sovana. Rocca Silvana served as a military outpost to protect the nearby cinnabar mines. In Selvena, the Sentiero del Cinabro connects Rocca Silvana with the site of the former Miniera del Morone. The connection between Rocca Silvana and the former mine can be taken into account when planning a day as a historical focus in Selvena.

Church with traces dating back to 1238

The Chiesa di San Nicola da Tolentino replaced an older Pieve di San Nicola, which was built by Countess Tomasia in 1238. On the façade of the church there is a medieval inscription from Rocca Silvana commemorating the construction of this pieve in 1238. The interior has a Latin-cross floor plan, is covered by vaulting and measures approximately 140 square metres. Two chapels are dedicated to San Nicola and the Addolorata, respectively.

Regional cuisine and Selvena in Festa

Tortelli con patate are also part of Selvena's mining tradition. The dish is considered part of this culinary tradition and can be sampled at Ristorante La Rocca after your visit. Over the course of the year, “Selvena in Festa” provides another highlight: The festival takes place in Selvena throughout August and includes a beer festival as well as a sagra featuring guinea fowl dishes.

Chestnut trees and personal holiday priorities

Chestnut trees of exceptional size grow in the vicinity of Selvena. This feature of the landscape extends the focus beyond the historical sites and brings the natural surroundings into your travel planning. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would like to focus on cinnabar mining, the fortress and historical connections, the Chiesa di San Nicola da Tolentino, or regional cuisine and the August festival.

For the broader travel overview: Castell'azzara.