Discover Ribolla: Mining History and the Monumento al minatore

Ribolla is a place whose history is closely linked to mining. Extensive surviving relics continue to make this history visible in the area. The Ribolla site is designated as coal mine no. 34. The historical character is also tangible for you in two different places: The Monumento al minatore in Ribolla is a work by sculptor Vittorio Basaglia. The Porta del Parco di Ribolla is located in the former Montecatini cinema, which now serves as the Centro Civico. If you are interested in the local history of Italy, art, and the development of former mining sites, Ribolla offers several concrete points of reference.

From Coal Outcrops to a Mining Village

Mining in Ribolla began around 1835 with the discovery of several coal outcrops along the Fosso Raspollino. Between 1873 and 1890, the first core of the mining village developed around Pozzo Ribolla. The first buildings of what later became the town of Ribolla were also constructed between 1873 and 1890: warehouses, canteens, dormitories, and the first workers’ housing near the mine shafts in what is now the delle Centurie area. Ribolla gained industrial importance thanks to its connection to Giuncarico railway station. Anyone who does not wish to view the development of a place separately from its work and settlement history will find a clear connection here between coal deposits, infrastructure, and the establishment of the village.

Pozzo Camorra and the Memory of the Mine

Ribolla’s mining history also includes a severe setback: On 4 May 1954, two powerful explosions devastated Pozzo Camorra; an entire work crew was buried at level −260. Pozzo Camorra thus represents a different aspect of the local history from the emergence of the mining village. In addition to the development of residential and work facilities, the dangers of working in the mine are also associated with Ribolla. If you wish to place historical connections in context during your trip, you will encounter both the development of the town and the memory of a specific disaster here.

Camminata del minatore and Commemorative Events

The traditional Camminata del minatore follows the route that the miners living in Montemassi walked every day to Ribolla to work in the mine, and ends in Ribolla with the laying of flowers at the Monumento al minatore. The commemorative series “La miniera a memoria” is held again every year in May. Ribolla therefore brings together a historic route to work, an act of commemoration, and an annually recurring series of events. For your travel planning, May is therefore the period when the commemorative series is explicitly part of local events; the Camminata del minatore also points to the connection with Montemassi.

Ribollita and Regional Cuisine

Regional cuisine is also one of the topics that complement Ribolla. The Pro Loco of Ribolla held the 13th Sagra della Ribollita between 18 and 20 July 2025, based on a historic recipe. For you, this combines a specific culinary occasion with a local history shaped by mining, commemoration, and surviving relics.

More Destinations

For further orientation, you can also view Torniella, Montelattaia, Roccatederighi, Sassofortino, Sticciano Scalo and Montemassi.

For the higher-level travel overview: Roccastrada.