Discover Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni

Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni brings together a distinctive village history, art and places of remembrance. The old village was gradually abandoned from 1963 because lignite mining had affected the stability of the foothills. Nevertheless, the historic center was preserved, and the old borgo was restored. This contrast offers a striking way to understand the place: changes brought about by mining are part of its history, as is the preservation of the village center. If you are looking for a cultural focus for your trip to Tuscany, Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni offers a clearly defined local history. The village is particularly interesting if you want to explore culture through the development of a specific village.

Village History and MINE

MINE is housed in several buildings in the Vecchio Borgo. It documents and commemorates the history of the area, where lignite was mined for 150 years to generate energy and support development. The museum thus connects the history of the old borgo with that of lignite mining in the area. MINE is temporarily closed to the public; check its visitor status before your trip before planning a visit.

Churches, Art and Film

The churches also reflect different historical layers. The Church of San Donato, high on the hill, incorporates some remains of the old fortress. The modern parish church houses a painting from the old village church. Dating from the 15th century, it depicts the Madonna and Child enthroned with saints. Here, you can encounter both traces of the former fortifications and a painting originating from the old village church.

The “Murale per la pace,” a work by Venturino Venturi, is located in Piazza Sandro Pertini. The mural is 76 meters long and covers an area of 305 square meters. It depicts the eternal opposition between war and peace. Its large scale is paired with a clearly defined theme. The village is also connected with film history: Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni served as a filming location for Alessandro Benvenuti’s film “Ivo il tardivo.”

Places of Remembrance and Landscape

Another historical landmark is the Resistance monument, which has stood since April 1984 in the square beside a church in Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni. The Chiesa-Auditorium, the adjoining street and the associated properties are part of the “Strada della Memoria.” This memorial route is dedicated to the history and significance of the buildings connected with the events of July 4, 1944. Here, remembrance of specific events and the buildings associated with them takes its place alongside mining history. The area has undergone changes in connection with restoration work; check access before visiting.

The former mining area is considered a lush green oasis, enhanced by the artificial lake of Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni. The landscape may change. It offers a different perspective from the history of mining and adds another dimension to the village’s cultural themes.

Discover more destinations: Meleto, Montegonzi, Montaio

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