De Gustibus – Cultural Events at the Mine

De Gustibus: Culture and Flavors at the Caporciano Mine

De Gustibus is a series of cultural and gastronomic events held at the Caporciano Mine, located on Via delle Miniere in the town of Montecatini Val di Cecina, in the province of Pisa (Tuscany). The initiative is dedicated to showcasing the region's culinary excellence—including olive oil, wine, cheeses, meats, honey, pasta, and cereals—while promoting cultural experiences that appeal to locals, food and wine enthusiasts, and tourists alike.

A Format Combining Mining, Music, and Theater

Each event pairs a guided tour of the ancient mining site with entertainment, such as live concerts, roving theatrical performances, or aperitifs featuring local specialties. This unique format transforms the historic tunnels into an evocative setting where the discovery of industrial heritage meets the conviviality of Tuscan cuisine.

The 2026 Program

The 2026 edition featured four meetings between April and May:

• April 26 – Musical Journey through the Belle Époque, tour and concert;
• May 3, at 4:00 PM – A Walk in the Mine, a theatrical tour by the Centro Artistico Il Grattacielo APS, featuring anecdotes and characters from mining history;
• May 9, from 4:30 PM – guided tour, concert by the Mondays Girls choir, and aperitif;
• May 23, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Sunset for sax and piano, a tour and music at sunset, the final event of the 2026 series.

The Caporciano Mine

The Caporciano Mine was once one of Europe's most significant copper deposits and today stands as a rare, visitable example of industrial archaeology. Guided tours recount the hardships of the miners, extraction techniques, and the deep bond between the village of Montecatini Val di Cecina and its mining history.

Organization and Funding

The festival is promoted by the Municipality of Montecatini Val di Cecina and managed by the Centro Artistico Il Grattacielo APS in collaboration with Coop. Itinera. The project is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU as part of the PNRR (M1C3, investment 2.1 for the revitalization of historic villages).