サンヴィンチェンツォの天然記念物・トップ14

The Etruscan Necropolis encompasses the area where the Etruscan and Roman city of Populonia once stood, known since ancient times for its intense metallurgical activity linked to the production of iron. Here lie the tombs of warrior princes, and the Mediterranean scrub hides incredible Etruscan tombs carved into the rock, leading up to the acropolis, with its sacred buildings overlooking the islands of the Tuscan archipelago.

Unfortunately, the nature reserve, which is supported by the WWF, is not freely accessible. I was unable to find out the opening times or whether it is even open at all.

Very interesting for ornithologists.

WWF oasis made up of two marshes, one of brackish water and one of fresh water, a nesting point for many species including flamingos.

This protected area has an area of approximately 126 hectares and was created in 1998 by the Livorno Region. A salt marsh made up of ponds and wet meadows is dominated by 231 species of birds. Mostly from migratory birds that build their nests here. In 1991 it was decided to set up a part of the area as an oasis for WWF Italy.

Awesome design of how the ancestors buried their people.

This archeological park is simply an absolute must for archeology fans! The necropolis is on the rear section of the approx. 5 km long circular hiking trail. Currently, the middle round (tumuli and necropolis) costs €17. The long loop of the Acropolis is more expensive.

We leave south of Follonica (Li) to explore a part of the VAL DI CORNIA, a little-known area in the hinterland of the ETRUSCAN COAST. We skirt northwards, passing the NATURAL AREA OF THE STERPAIA to head towards the first goal of the day: SASSETTA. Sassetta is a village in the Val di Cornia; a small town of about five hundred inhabitants made up of houses built on a hill with narrow streets and small squares. In addition to being famous for its small but very ancient baths, Sassetta owes its fame to its red marble, unique in the world, which stonemasons and sculptors have always worked magically. After about forty flat kilometers, a ten kilometer climb awaits us that takes us from sea level to 480 m, with an average altitude difference of 5%. Nothing impossible, but it makes itself felt when we face short challenging stretches with gradients of up to 18%. Sassetta owes its name to the Latin word saxum, rock, therefore sassetta or small rock. Of very ancient origins, its thermal springs were already known and appreciated in the Etruscan and Roman times and mentioned several times in documents from the 13th century onwards. If you come to the sea in this area, write it down in your travel notes! #settepontiroadbiker #sassetta #follonica #valdicornia #costadeglietruschi #sterpaia #marmorosso #palazzoramirez #sanrocco #castellodegliorlandi #poggioneri Note: the photos of the thermal baths were found online on TRIPADVISOR