The historical, artistic and cultural heritage of Tuscany is simply unique. Towns of art, archaeological sites, Italian paintings and other masterpieces are some of the beauties enriching the charm of this wonderland.
The Etruscan period is one of the most important historical eras. This powerful civilization settled in southern Tuscany, Umbria and Latium between the 9th and the 1st century BC, and then expanded its territory towards Campania, Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. Thanks to the numerous architectural traces left in our territory, it has been possible to reconstruct the main aspects of their culture, especially as regards the singular funerary traditions. Many Italian cities still conserve some beautiful necropolis, which were the ancient Etruscan tombs that could have different forms depending on the social status of the deceased. These centers were part of the "Dodecapoli", which was the federation of the twelve most important Etruscan city-states.
Are you curious to follow the traces of the Etruscans in Tuscany? These beautiful summer days are just perfect to plan a visit to the main archaeological sites in the region or to look for the remains of the heritage that thiscivilization left in some splendid localities!
In Tuscany, in fact, you can visit six of the twelve cities that were part of the ancient federation: discover where they are and organize your itinerary to see them all!
1- Populonia (LI)
Populonia was the only city-state facing the sea and it guaranteed a strategic position for maritime trade. This ancient Acropolis is located at the top of a promontory overlooking the magnificent Gulf of Baratti, right in front of the coasts of Elba Island. It is famous for its beautiful Archaeological Park, an open-air museum containing thousands of artifacts found in the region, many of which are related to the iron work that was carried out in this area. The fascinating necropolis, on the other hand, is a stone's throw from the beach of Baratti and it presents tombs of various types (newsstand, pit, mound, sarcophagus, caisson and chamber).
Looking for a holiday rental in Populonia? Choose Castello Leopoldo
2- Chiusi (SI)
The small town of Chiusi is situated in the midst of greenery, in the heart of a quiet countryside with fertile soil which was largely exploited by the Etruscans. One of its most important monuments is the beautiful Labyrinth of Porsenna, an ingenious hydraulic work dating back to the first century BC that can be explored in its tunnels by entering the Cathedral Museum. The necropolis is a few kilometers from the center and contains more than a thousand ancient tombs.
Looking for a holiday rental in Chiusi? Choose Casale Giulio
3- Arezzo
It was here that one of the symbols of the Etruscan civilization was found, specifically the marvelous Chimera of the 4th century BC which is now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Florence. Arezzo offers the possibility of visiting some interesting museums containing rich Etruscan collections, such as the Gaio Clinio Mecenate Museum, which preserves earthen vessels found in the Necropolis of Poggio del Sole, or the Etruscan Academy Museum, with bronzes and other objects coming from the Tumulus of the Sodo. Other traces of the Etruscan civilization can be found in Piazzetta San Niccolò, where the remains of the city walls are still visible, or walking towards the ancient "city of the dead" located in the surrounding valley, where you will find several burials.
Looking for a holiday rental in Arezzo? Choose Villa Lo Scoiattolo!
4- Cortona (AR)
This splendid city presents the famous MAEC museum, a unique and original exhibition space collecting all the objects found in the territory of Cortona, such as the Tabula Cortonensis, the third Etruscan text by length. Its historic center still contains the remains of the walls dating back to the 4th century BC and offers the possibility of visiting other wonderful museums which will make your culture tour extremely interesting.
Looking for a holiday rental in Cortona? Choose Villa Calcinaio!
5- Fiesole (FI)
Fiesole was the ancient locumonia of Vipsul, where the Etruscans left numerous testimonies. One of these is the magnificent city walls, which can be seen along Via delle Mura Etrusche. In this important archaeological area many of the finds preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Fiesole were found, as well as the remains of dozens of tombs and of the acropolis, which stood near the Convent of San Francesco.
Looking for a holiday rental in Fiesole? Choose Villa Ancora!
6- Volterra (PI)
The city that in the 4th century BC was called Velathri presents numerous necropolises, such as those of Portone, Badia, delle Ripaie and Ulimeto. The Etruscan acropolis of Pian di Castello also presents some wonderful cisterns like the
Augustan Pool and the ruins of temples dating back to the III-II century BC. Many of the findings discovered in this area are now preserved in the Guarnacci Museum, one of the most beautiful Italians collections of Etruscan art.
Looking for a holiday rental in Volterra? Choose Villa Picchio!
© Alice Pilastri
