Holiday apartment in Boccheggiano: Mining, History and Chestnuts

Boccheggiano combines mining history, medieval traces and rural traditions to create a distinctive character. Boccheggiano’s mining history includes the extraction of pyrite, which began after copper mining was abandoned. Boccheggiano also offers views of the Colline Metallifere and the surrounding forests.

Mining History and Former Miners’ Paths

The Campiano Mine was one of the pyrite mines in Boccheggiano and closed in 1994. An earlier initiative, Asd Wild Trail, was established in Boccheggiano to promote mountain-bike excursions along paths once used by miners. In this way, the initiative connected with paths whose former use by miners is part of their history. Boccheggiano therefore brings together its industrial past and a historical connection with movement through the landscape.

Le Roste: Geosite and Red Badlands

Le Roste is a geosite created by the relatively recent processing of low-grade copper ore containing less than 4% copper sulphates. As red badlands, Le Roste can be seen along the Merse River near the bridge between Montieri and Boccheggiano. The red surface and the designation as badlands stand alongside the geological reference to ore processing. Access to Le Roste is prohibited; the site may only be visited as part of a guided tour organised by the Comune di Montieri in cooperation with the Parco delle Colline Metallifere. Anyone wishing to include Le Roste must plan the guided tour as a fixed part of their itinerary.

Medieval Historic Centre and Fortifications

The historic centre of Boccheggiano features medieval alleyways, as well as the remains of an ancient castle and defensive walls. The remains of two towers are still visible among the historic fortifications. The Porta della Torricella, one of Boccheggiano’s historic town gates, is also still visible. The Porta della Torricella complements the visible tower remains with a specific surviving structure from the former fortifications.

Chiesa di San Sebastiano

The original Chiesa di San Sebastiano was built in the 14th century. The façade preserves the Salimbeni coat of arms on the travertine portal. Inside the church is a Baroque marble statue of Saint Sebastian, created in 1650 by the Florentine sculptor Bartolomeo Cennini. For those interested in culture, Boccheggiano’s historic centre, church and mining history complement one another.

Chestnut Tradition in the Surrounding Area

The traditional drying of chestnuts in old “seccatoi” continues to be practised around Boccheggiano. Traditional chestnut-drying sheds are two-storey, square or rectangular buildings made of local stone or brick; in the lower storey, a fire heats the drying process. The design is therefore part of the process: fire, two storeys and local materials define the seccatoi in the surrounding area. Chestnut flour is used for cakes, biscuits, bread, liqueurs and other products. The chestnut tradition therefore brings together food and traditional construction methods.

For further travel planning, you can also take a look at Travale and Gerfalco.

For the main travel overview: Montieri.