Sassetta
A charming village in Tuscany: Sassetta
Sassetta is a characteristic village located in the province of Livorno, in Tuscany. Despite its small size, the town has an ancient and fascinating history, and offers several tourist attractions. In this summary, we will explore together the geography, history, monuments, society, and administration of Sassetta.
Physical geography and climate
Sassetta is classified as seismic zone 4 with very low seismic activity by Ordinance PCM 3274 of 20/03/2003. The climate classification is zone D, with 1897 GR/G, while atmospheric diffusivity was found to be high in 2002 according to Ibimet CNR.
History
Sassetta was an important castle of the Republic of Pisa, which was demolished in 1503 after the Florentine conquest. In 1516, the Pisan lords Orlandi were exiled from the place. The village then belonged to the Ramirez de Montalvo family, a family of Spanish origins that settled in Florence with the court of Eleonora da Toledo, the wife of the Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo I de' Medici, in the 16th century.
Monuments and places of interest
The center of the village houses the remains of the castle of the Orlandi, the church of Sant’Andrea, and the oratory of San Rocco. Other places of interest include the Ramirez de Montalvo Palace and the hiking trail to the south of the Cornia River, which crosses a wooded area of notable natural interest and offers a view of Mount Calvi to the east and the hills of Castagneto Carducci to the north. In the municipality of Sassetta, the Poggio Neri Forest Park and the Museum of the Wood have been created. Near the new aqueduct, along the course of the mill stream, are the ruins of an old mill. In addition, at the top of Mount Bufalaio, near a small quarry, there is a rock wall of speleological interest that presents a crevice about one meter wide that drops steeply for about thirty meters.
Society
From a demographic point of view, the population of Sassetta as of December 31, 2018, was 488 inhabitants, of which 84.29% were Italian and 15.71% were foreigners. The nationalities most represented were Bosnian and Herzegovinian (4.67%) and Macedonian (2.76%).
Administration
Sassetta is governed by a mayor elected by the population. Over the years, the town has had several administrations that have succeeded in managing public affairs.
Conclusions
Sassetta is a beautiful Tuscan village that offers visitors a rich history, pristine nature, and several tourist attractions. The historic center with the castle, the church, and the oratory is a must-see, but the hiking trail to the south of the Cornia River and the Poggio Neri Forest Park are also popular with tourists and nature enthusiasts. Sassetta is also a place where different communities live together harmoniously, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere.
