Saline: Salt History and Saltworks Landscape

Discover Saline through its salt history and saltworks landscape. Geological origins, centuries of spring use, and industrial extraction make up different chapters of the same local history. Other highlights include a salt waterfall in a pavilion designed by Pier Luigi Nervi, the BOS craft brewery, and routes connected with Volterra. When planning a stay, you can use cultural history, landscape, and specific hiking or cycling options as a guide when choosing your destination.

Salt shapes the landscape and local history

The rock salt deposits of Saline formed about six million years ago through the evaporation of salty water that once covered the entire area. In Moie Vecchie, an area in Saline di Volterra, centuries of continuous use of numerous saltwater springs have shaped the landscape. The saltwater springs known as “moie” emerged in the area between Saline, Montegemoli, Querceto, and Buriano; their use probably dates back to Etruscan times. The long-term extraction of rock salt from underground has also changed the landscape: in Saline, it caused large depressions in the ground.

The history of salt also encompasses trade and the development of settlements. In 1100, Saline was the first center of the salt trade in Tuscany. Historically, salt was transported from Volterra to Empoli and distributed throughout Tuscany. Salt resources were historically transported along the Volterra–Valdelsa–Florence road, known as the “Via del sale.” In the second half of the 18th century, the industrial exploitation of Saline’s salt deposits led to the settlement’s creation, by order of the Grand Duke. The Palazzo dell'Orologio in the Saline di Stato complex was built in 1790 under Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo.

Salt waterfall, architecture, and salt beer

A visit includes a salt waterfall in a pavilion designed by Pier Luigi Nervi. Alongside the long history of salt production, the program features a specific work of architecture. The salt produced in Saline is 99.9 percent pure, connecting local production with the subject that shapes the landscape and local history.

BOS is a craft brewery within the saltworks. A tasting program can be booked for BOS’s salt beer varieties; check before your trip whether it is available on your dates. The beers are made using energy from the saltworks. This makes the brewery and tastings another aspect of salt history, distinct from the geological deposits and historic trade routes.

Hiking, cycling, and travel options

A moderate hike along the old Saline–Volterra railway line is offered by I Camminatori Liberi. As this is an event-based offering, check before your trip whether a date fits your plans. For cyclists, the Francigena-Mare Route 07 connects Saline and Volterra. The two offerings provide different ways to include the connection between the towns in your travel plans.

Saline station is the terminus of the Cecina–Saline railway line; a bus to Volterra departs from there. Check connections before setting off. A motorcycle tour through the Valdera also passes through Saline di Volterra at the junction with the SR68 and includes a visit there before returning to the route. If you are making specific plans, it is advisable to check the route before setting off.

Patron saint’s festival and village fair

The Madonna del Conforto patron saint’s festival is associated with the second weekend in October in Saline. The celebrations include a village fair Mass and the Festa della patata in salamoia. If these events are relevant to your stay, check the dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Prato D'era, Pignano, Mazzolla, Villamagna.

Return to the main travel overview: Volterra.