Castelnuovo Val Cecina

Castelnuovo Val di Cecina is a small town in the province of Pisa, Tuscany, set among the Metalliferous Hills that separate the Cecina valley from the Larderello basin. The village retains a typical historic centre with narrow lanes and stone houses, overlooked by the remains of a medieval castle that reflects its defensive past. Nearby stands the Rocca Sillana, a 12th-century fortress perched on a rocky outcrop, offering wide views over the Tuscan countryside. The area is also known for its geothermal activity, including the famous boraciferous steam vents that gave nearby Larderello its industrial reputation as the historic birthplace of geothermal energy production in Italy. The surrounding hilly, wooded landscape is well suited to walking and exploring natural scenery shaped by fumaroles and hot springs. Local cuisine reflects Tuscan tradition, featuring cured meats, pecorino cheese and simple dishes based on regional produce. Castelnuovo Val di Cecina offers a quiet base for exploring an authentic, largely untouristed part of inland Tuscany, appealing to visitors seeking countryside walks, rural heritage and a slower pace of life.