Selvena

Selvena combines mining history, medieval traces, and regional cuisine with a landscape where exceptionally large chestnut trees also grow. If you are looking for accommodation in Selvena, you can expect a destination with several distinct points of interest: you can explore the technical history of the Miniera del Morone, view historic buildings, choose a route between two defining sites, or discover a specialty of the local mining tradition.

Mining History at the Miniera del Morone

The Miniera del Morone is located just outside Selvena. Here, you can follow the entire processing cycle of cinnabar: from its emergence from the mine shaft and transport in trolleys pulled by a locomotive to the crusher, dryer, conveyor belt, and furnaces. The fully preserved Cermak-Spirek furnaces on the site are particularly impressive. Anyone interested in industrial history and technical processes will find a clear focus for their stay here.

Church, Inscription, and Medieval Connections

The Chiesa di San Nicola da Tolentino replaced an older Pieve di San Nicola, which had been built by Countess Tomasia in 1238. The façade bears a medieval inscription from Rocca Silvana commemorating the construction of this parish church in 1238. The interior also features clear architectural characteristics: the floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross, the space is vaulted, and it covers approximately 140 square meters. Two chapels are dedicated to San Nicola and the Addolorata, respectively.

Rocca Silvana and the Sentiero del Cinabro

The first documented settlement in Selvena dates back to 1081. Another historical trace leads to Rocca Silvana, which served as a military outpost protecting the nearby cinnabar mines. The Rocca stands on a rocky spur south of Selvena and can be reached via a turnoff from the provincial road to Sovana. In Selvena, the Sentiero del Cinabro connects Rocca Silvana with the site of the former Miniera del Morone. This makes it possible to view historic sites and mining history together as part of a themed section of a trip, without confusing the two focal points.

Local Cuisine and August Festival

Tortelli con patate is considered a dish of Selvena’s mining tradition and can be sampled at Ristorante La Rocca after your visit. In August, the “Selvena in Festa” festival also takes place throughout the entire month. The program includes a beer festival and a sagra featuring guinea fowl dishes. These two highlights add a culinary and community-oriented dimension to your travel plans; outside this period, Selvena’s historical themes remain independent reasons to visit.

Accommodation in Selvena to Suit Your Travel Plans

When looking for a hotel in Selvena, it is worthwhile to first determine your main interest. For a trip focused on cultural history, the Chiesa di San Nicola da Tolentino, the inscription, and the early settlement traces take center stage. Those more interested in technology and mining can plan around the Miniera del Morone and its preserved facilities. Rocca Silvana complements this focus with its location on the rocky spur and its historical function. If you are traveling in August, you can also include “Selvena in Festa” and the dishes described above. This allows you to choose your accommodation according to your preferred balance of history, landscape, and regional cuisine.

For the overarching travel overview: Castell'azzara.