The Parco Minerario- Naturalistico was opened in an effort to immortalise Gavorrano‘s mining territory and the importance it held for generations of Gavorronesi.

It is the biggest ‘gate’ into the Parco Nazionale Tecnologico Archeologico delle Colline Metallifere Grossetane and is made up of more than 100km of closed mines, most of which held deposits of pyrite (iron sulfide), surrounded by the lush forests and lakes in and around the Metalliferous Hills.

As well as being a truly calming place to enjoy the natural splendor of Gavorrano’s surrounding hills, the park also plays an important role in preserving the territory’s mining history and has a museum that displays ancient instruments used by the miners, as well as ruins, reproductions and documents relating to the area’s mining industry and mineral extraction.

The park is also home to a 2000 seat natural amphitheatre (il Teatro delle Rocce- below), which was carved at the feet of the San Rocco cave. This theatre was built to represent the park’s transition from open mine to cultural, social, environmental and tourist attraction, and hosts a variety of events and shows almost all year round.

Address: Loc. Ex Bagnetti 57023, Gavorrano

Opening hours:
January every day until 6
February: only by reservation
March, April, May and up until June 15: Sunday and public holidays
From June 15 to October: closed Mondays
From October to December: open Sunday and public holidays except Christmas and New Year’s Day

Entry Fee: for museum and park: €8, either/or: €6

For more info: check out the Museums of Maremma website