Saline: Salt History and Routes to Volterra

In Saline, you can discover two chapters of salt history side by side: the very ancient formation of the deposits and the industrial extraction that shaped the settlement. There is also the saltworks pavilion designed by Pier Luigi Nervi, a craft brewery, and routes between Saline and Volterra. When planning your visit, it helps to distinguish between these interests: you can choose culture and salt production, as well as activities on foot, by bike or on a motorcycle tour.

Salt Shapes the Landscape and Its History

Saline’s rock salt deposits formed around six million years ago through the evaporation of salt water that then covered the entire area. In the wider area between Saline, Montegemoli, Querceto and Buriano, saltwater springs known as “moie” emerged. They were probably used as early as Etruscan times. Moie Vecchie is an area in Saline di Volterra shaped by the centuries-long, uninterrupted use of numerous saltwater springs.

Another mark was left by the long-term extraction of rock salt from underground: it caused large depressions in the ground in Saline. The use of springs and underground mining thus belong to different chapters of the local history of salt. As early as 1100, Saline was the first center of the salt trade in Tuscany. In the second half of the 18th century, the industrial exploitation of the salt deposits led to the creation of the settlement, by order of the Grand Duke.

The Palazzo dell’Orologio is also part of this history. It was built in 1790 within the Saline di Stato complex under Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo. If you are interested in the interplay between industrial history and architecture, you can connect the Palazzo with the history of salt production without conflating the different historical periods.

A Saltworks Visit and BOS Beers

The visit includes a salt waterfall in the pavilion designed by Pier Luigi Nervi. BOS, a craft brewery, is also located within the saltworks. BOS salt beers are made using the saltworks’ energy, and a tasting can be reserved. The salt produced in Saline has a purity of 99.9 percent. A visit brings architecture, salt production and a culinary aspect together. If you are planning a tasting, check whether a reservation is available for your date before you travel.

On Foot, by Bike or by Train

I Camminatori Liberi organizes a moderately difficult hike along the old Saline–Volterra railway line. Since this offering is tied to a specific excursion, check before you travel whether it is available for your date. For a bike ride, the Francigena-Mare Route 07 connects Saline and Volterra. The two options offer different ways to experience the connection between the places; for the hike, its stated moderate difficulty is a useful planning consideration.

Saline station is the terminus of the Cecina–Saline railway line; a bus runs from there to Volterra. Check current services before you travel. 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. Check the route details in advance for this ride.

Considering Saline as a Place to Stay

If you are considering accommodation in Saline, the specific interests of your travel group may help you decide: salt history, the Palazzo and a saltworks visit offer a cultural focus, while BOS adds a culinary aspect. The hiking excursion and cycling route appeal to different activity preferences, while the train and bus offer another option for planning. For families with varied interests, these can be considered as different areas of focus. Check tasting reservations, excursion availability and transport connections for your dates.

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