'This area includes the municipalities of Collesalvetti, Rosignano Maritime, Cecina and Bibbona. Starting in the north is Collesalvetti where there are traces of human presence from prehistoric times, although the town and surrounding districts have certainly Etruscan-Roman origins. It is incredible to think that one of the most important roads of ancient history, the Aemilia Scauri, runs through these places. Not far from the town there are the remains of the 19th century Leopold Aqueduct, built by the Grand Dukes of Tuscany to supply the city of Livorno with water. In the Provincial Park of Monti Livornesi, located behind the town of Livorno, a network of trails allows you to walk from Colognole to theValle Benedetta, through forests, along rivers and alongside ruins of old farmhouses. Near the Valle Benedetta, in the Sambuca area, you can carry on walking up to the 13th century hermitage of Sambuca. Walking along the ancient Via Emilia, you arrive at Rosignano Maritime. On the first small hills of the Val di Cecina is Bibbona which developed around the Romanesque church of Sant’ Ilario and the old town hall. Outside the old town is the 15th century Church of Santa Maria della Pietà which is of great artistic and architectural value. The nearby Macchia della Magona is a protected natural area of local interest, characterized by a dense network of routes through the Mediterranean shrub.
This is a 12th century medieval village built on an Etruscan settlement. Especially noteworthy is the Castle and the Renaissance palaces including Palazzo Bombardieri, home to the Archaeological Museum which exhibits various artefacts of the area. Scattered in the surrounding area are ancient power sources , water mills and windmills. At the foot of the hills is Rosignano Solvay, developed around the Solvay factory. Not to be forgotten is Castiglioncello, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, and considered to be one of the most picturesque resorts on the coast and beloved by the Macchiaioli artists.
To the south of Vada, an ancient Volterrian port, lies Cecina whose story begins with the advent of the Medici dynasty, although archaeological evidence shows its origins to be first Etruscan and then Roman. Today it is a popular tourist destination where you can find Villa Guerrazzi, the Museum of Life and Labour and the Archaeological Museum, while near San Vincenzino you can visit the remains of a Roman villa. Near the sea is the Biogenetic Nature Reserve of Tomboli which consists of a coastal strip of dunes, scrub and pine forest.
