Born in the early decades of the twentieth century around the homonymous industrial complex, Rosignano Solvay is the latest, but most complete example of northern European ‘garden city’ in Italy.
Solvay, which is in the south, still represents a kind of oasis, characterized by wide, beautifully-landscaped green spaces, tree-lined avenues that enhance public buildings prospectively, and residential streets that ensure privacy and tranquility.
Solvay expanded significantly until the '60s of the last century thanks to the successful factory. It is currently the largest and most dynamic hamlet of the Municipality and has a complex diversified socio-economic context. A close network of small and medium-sized enterprises and commercial activities developed next to the large chemical pole, along with seaside tourism, especially related to young people, who have been attracted by the exotic, almost tropical look of the renowned 'Spiagge Bianche’ (White Beaches), which extend up to Vada. A new impetus to the sector was given by the opening of the ‘Marina Cala de’ Medici’ marina, which a picturesque promenade connects with Castiglioncello in the north.
Divided in two parts by the railway line and the parallel Via Aurelia, this hamlet has long suffered from the lack of a real historical center. The problem has been solved thanks to the creation of new infrastructure. The enhancement of its ‘historical’ poles is ongoing, such as Piazza Monte alla Rena, in the seaside area, and Piazza Risorgimento, which is upstream, a few steps from the 'new' and multipurpose Piazza del Mercato.
