On the road between Volterra and Massa Marittima, which finishes at the coast, 60 km south of Pisa and 30 km west of Siena, lies Pomarance set amidst the hills. Travellers that come here can also visit the medieval towns of Micciano, Libbiano, Montegemoli (try the local bread, it’s marvellous!) Serrazzano, Lustignano and San Dalmazio, which lie in the rough and wooded hills around the town. Also worth a visit are the ruins of the Roman-Norman church San Giovanni Battista, which was built on an Etruscan burial site. The fortress Castello di Sillano, built between the 13th and 15th centuries is an interesting way to spend some time, as is a visit to the geothermal museum in nearby Larderello. In the centre of town you can find the current parish church, which is decorated with paintings by Cristofano Roncalli and Nicoló Cercignani, Piazza della Pretura and the wonderful 19th century mansion houses on Via Roncalli. If you visit the town on the second Sunday in September, you may be lucky enough to see the battle between the different residential areas of the town, Palio delle Contrade.
