Cecina

Discovering Cecina: history, geography, and climate

Hello everyone! Today I'm taking you on a journey to discover Cecina, a small Tuscan town with just under 28,000 inhabitants located in the province of Livorno.

Physical Geography

Cecina is located at the end of the Val di Cecina, near the mouth of the river of the same name, in the geographical area of ​​northern Maremma. The municipal area is predominantly flat and covers an area of ​​42.48 km². The municipality is bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea and is part of the Etruscan Coast. If you like taking walks on the beach, know that Cecina offers many kilometers of sandy coast!

Discovering Cecina: history, geography, and climate.

Climate

Like every location, Cecina has a particular climate, characterized by temperatures that vary significantly throughout the year. In the summer, it gets very hot (the average maximum is 29.8 °C in July), while in winter, temperatures drop below zero (the average minimum is 4 °C in January).

History

The territory of Cecina has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but it owes its name to the Etruscan civilization, and in particular to the Caecina gens. The area stayed in the Roman era thanks to the construction of a villa by a consul who remained famous in Roman history for his name, Cecina.

Following the decline of the Etruscan civilization and Roman domination, the area fell into a strong decline that was accentuated by the devastation of the Goths and bands of slaves who escaped from the dissolution of the Western Roman Empire.

In the time of the Lombards, the Cecina area became a "curtis regia," a direct possession of the royal crown that continued even during the Medici era.

What to see in Cecina

The Roman Villa of San Vincenzino

Those who want to discover the treasures of the past cannot miss the Roman Villa of San Vincenzino. Here you can admire the remains of the residence of a high imperial figure of ancient Rome, the Consul Cecina, and his wife.

Gallorose Park

For those who want to spend a fun day with their family, a visit to Gallorose Park is a must. It is a large zoological garden where you can discover many species of animals (tigers, lions, zebras, camels, etc.) and stroll through a green oasis of great beauty.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Cecina is a real mine of treasures from the area's past. Here you can admire Etruscan, Roman, and even medieval artifacts.

Cuisine

Cecina offers a rich and tasty culinary tradition. Among the typical dishes, we find ribollita, panzanella, stew, and grape focaccia. And for the sweet-toothed, you can't miss the "torta coi becchi"!

In conclusion

Cecina is a corner of Tuscany to discover. With its historical treasures, the beauty of its coast, and its tasty cuisine, you can spend a pleasant family vacation or with friends here. If you get the chance, don't forget to visit it!

Giulia Rizzo
Wrote by Giulia Rizzo
Updated Tuesday, Jan 25, 2022