The first clear record concerning the castle of Montieri (1133) is rather later than the average for medieval Maremma, in view of the fact that silver mines were particularly important. But it is possible that the silence is an indication of not much conflict over their control until the bishop of Volterra and some important noble families disputed their exploitation.

The entire area has been the subject of much archaeological research centered on mining exploitation by theUniversity of Siena. The results obtained have made it possible to outline the layout of the castle and other centers in the area, such as the rectory of San Niccolò.
The entire Montieri area is characterized by mining exploitation although not only related to silver. In fact, the mineralization of the Colline Metallifere also allows the extraction of iron and copper, although not always in large quantities. Boccheggiano is together with Travale a small castle that in the 13th century was under the control of the bishop of Volterra and then of the Commune of Siena. Travale is attested earlier in the sources, at the same time as Montieri, but always disputed among the same actors who evidently aspired to control the mineral resources, among whom the Pannocchieschi counts also stood out. Mention of Gerfalco, another castle founded for the exploitation of silver mines, dates to the same period, although the richest ones are not near the walls. Also included in the numerous disputes that have left documentary evidence were the Aldobrandeschi counts and the emperor, who ultimately boasted ancient rights to the mines stemming from the Roman age.Alongside emergencies of a historical archaeological nature we also have a series of places whose interest is environmental or geological. This is the case of the geo-path that leads up to the ammonitic red quarries on the so-called Cornate di Gerfalco, which provided the material for the red-colored flooring of Siena Cathedral. On the road between Montieri and Boccheggiano, on the other hand, it is possible to observe the geo-site called "Le Roste." The deposit of artificial origin owes its typical pinkish color to the copper sulfates that compose it. Finally, we point out, a short distance from Travale, the Giant Dogwood, abotanical excellence consisting of a specimen included in the list of monumental trees. In Travale, on the other hand, there are several geothermal power plants operated by Enel Green Power, an important renewable and sustainable energy resource.