Part of the system of mineral and mining parks within the Colline Metallifere, this museum is set up inside an old stone quarry just outside of Massa Marittima.

It’s definitely not for the claustrophobic as the museum’s path winds through more than 700 metres of tunnels carved into the hills around the city. These tunnels haven’t seen active mining in many years, but they were used as refuges during WWII, which is interesting to know.

What I love about this museum is its dedication to preserving what could be described as a culture within Massa Marittima’s culture. These miners had their own traditions, superstitions and way of life.

This museum captures this culture, using the beautifully restored tunnels to document the lives of those who sometimes died fueling the city’s economy and providing the minerals that, when sold, allowed more noble men to build the magnificent buildings that now draw thousands of tourists to Massa Marittima each year.

The tunnels have been set up to mirror a working mine. You’ll see the different types of vaults supports that Massa Marittima’s miners used, the ways in which they extracted the stone and minerals, and the tools, machinery and wagons they used throughout the decades.

For those afraid of getting lost so far underground, don’t worry! You can’t visit the museum without guide. Be sure to ask for one who speaks English or you’ll miss out on all the explanations that accompany the exhibitions, as well as the background of the mine and the miners’ way of life.

Massa Marittima’s Museo della Miniera is a brilliant museum and definitely worth a look, especially if you’re interested in mining history or anything underground… like my husband is! It’s also a lot of fun for kids.

Address: Via Corridoni, Massa Marittima

Tour times (tours run for an hour):

April-Oct: 10am, 11am, midday, 12.30pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 5.30pm

Nov-March: 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, midday, 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm, 4.30pm

Closed Mondays

Entry Price: €5 for adults, including entry into the Museum of Art and Mining Culture

For more information: visit the official Museums of Maremma website.