Pomarance Attractions

To get to Massa Maríttima take the road which runs 10km/6mi southwest to Saline di Volterra, noted for its salt-works, which supply the whole of Tuscany, then south over the bare uplands of the Colline Metallifere (Poggio di Montieri, 1,051m/3,468ft) and via the little town of Pomarance (25km/16mi;367m/1,211ft; pop. 8,000) to Larderello (10km/6mi; 390m/1,287ft), lying off the main road on the slopes of Monte Cerboli (691m/2,280ft). The volcanic water vapor which issues from the ground in jets (soffioni) deposits the boric acid and other chemicals which it contains in underground reservoirs (lagoni) and supplies the motive power for the turbines of an electric power station. The columns of steam can be seen from a long distance away.