It was born in the middle-ages thanks to the Abbey of Monteverdi Marittimo, then conquered and passed under the noble famiuly of Alberti. In the XIII century was subdued to Massa Marittima, which mantained the control until 1359 a.c. when it started to be part of Siena Republic.

Their white color is due by presence of Sulfates (i.e. Sodium) which are released as the rains penetrate into the soil. The following exposure to sun, causes its drift towards the surface and salts are consequently depositating becasue of evaporation, in a cycle which self substain endlessly.

In Tuscany we have further examples of this in Val Orcia and Siena Crete area; in Umbria we find such examples north of Orvieto.

[From: Wikipedia]

Coming up from the cracks in the ground, they become cooler when in contact with atmposphere, condensing and turning into smoke-like

Vapori di Birra is the first brewery in Italy that uses geothermal steam as primary source of energy