Discover Scarlino Scalo: History Between Railways, Mining and Wetlands

Scarlino Scalo developed in connection with the construction of the railway line, the station and the facility for unloading and storing pyrite. The history of railways, mining and cableways gives the town a distinct profile. When you choose accommodation in Scarlino Scalo, you will find a starting point here for cultural and nature-focused activities that extend into the surrounding area.

Railways and Mining as Historical Features

Near Scarlino Scalo station, a facility for receiving and loading pyrite was built in 1912; it served as a cableway station for the Gavorrano mine. A new cableway branch was completed in 1921. It connected the collection centre in Scarlino Scalo via the wetland to the hopper silos for ore storage in the Bay of Portiglioni. Scarlino Scalo became the junction of the cableway from Gavorrano and the cableway towards Portiglioni.

The pyrite collection and sorting facility in Scarlino Scalo was destroyed by the fire of 26 March 1926, then quickly rebuilt using iron and reinforced concrete and expanded to include rooms for a chemical laboratory. Scarlino Scalo is connected with the transport heritage of the Parco Nazionale delle Colline Metallifere as a centre for storage and shipping.

Archaeology and Maritime Heritage

In the area around Scarlino Scalo, the Museo Archeologico del Portus Scabris displays finds from underwater excavations. These were carried out in 2000 and 2001 before the construction of a marina in the Bay of Portiglioni, in the Puntone di Scarlino area, and provided evidence of intensive trade by merchant ships as early as the 3rd century BC. The museum also offers educational workshops and excursions.

Wetland and Trails

In January 2026, the Padule di Scarlino was added to the Ramsar List as a wetland of international importance. The wetland has footbridges and equipped trails for independent walks. Alongside its industrial history, this makes it a landscape area that you can explore at a leisurely pace.

For travel to the area, Scarlino station is served exclusively by regional trains. Public transport runs from Follonica station to Scarlino, Scarlino Scalo and Puntone. These transport links are particularly relevant if you do not want to rely solely on a car when planning your journey.

Active Days in the Surrounding Area

The renovated sports facilities in Scarlino Scalo include an outdoor padel court and an equipped fitness trail. In the wider regional area around Scarlino Scalo, the trail network of the Bandite di Scarlino includes the recording of existing paths, as well as their mapping and signposting to identify the individual routes.

Cala Martina is mainly accessible by sea or on foot or by bicycle via the Via delle Costiere. The Casello idraulico is also located next to the station and on the Ciclovia Tirrenica. These two places illustrate different ways of experiencing the coastal and natural landscapes: by water, on foot or by bicycle.

Church, Festival and Landscape Archaeology

The Church of Madonna delle Grazie was consecrated on 13 May 1984 and dedicated to Maria Santissima delle Grazie. The Madonna delle Grazie parish festival takes place on the first Sunday in May. Scarlino is also home to the Vetricella archaeological site, located at the centre of the coastal plain crossed by the Pecora River, at the foot of Scarlino Castle. It was discovered in 2005 through aerial archaeological surveys, which identified its three concentric circles.

More Destinations in the Same Area

For further orientation: Puntone, Il Casone.

For the higher-level travel overview: Scarlino.