Archaeology end Mines

Proposals for Archaeology end Mines

POPULONIA, Etruscan city by the sea

Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia and Archaeological Museum of Piombino

1st day: Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia

The morning is dedicated to a visit of the two Etruscan necropolis. The oldest overlooks the blue sea of the Gulf of Baratti, with the monumental burials of the Lucumoni Etruscans over 2000 years ago, which are still preserved. The entrance to the Tomba dei carri (Tomb of Carts) is exciting at almost 30 metres in diameter. The Via delle Cave (road of the caves) leads to the Necropoli delle Grotte (Necropolis of Caves), with underground burials carved into sandstone. In the afternoon, visit the acropolis of Populonia, surrounded by mighty walls. The archaeological remains tell the story of the city after the conquest of Rome, with temples, the great sacred road and the sanctuary dedicated to Venus. The buildings still retain the ancient splendour of the mosaics that decorated them, as do the great aristocratic house and the public baths, the oldest in Etruria. Possibility of lunch at the Park’s restaurant.

Duration of the tour 6 hours, including lunch break.

2nd day: Archaeological Museum of Populonia (Piombino)

The Collection of the Archaeological Museum of Piombino tells the story of the territory of the Val di Cornia from prehistoric times until late antiquity and preserves real, unique pieces and true masterpieces of ancient artistic craftsmanship, such as the famous silver amphora of Baratti. The splendour of Etruscan Populonia is in the gold of the jewels, in the fineness of the decorated ceramics and the Buccheri ceramics, and in the splendour of the bronze finds, including weapons, helmets, ornaments and personal objects. Among the new acquisitions are the Carro celeste of Populonia (Blue cart) and the Mascìa Collection, with finds from Magna Grecia and Ancient Egypt.

Duration of the tour 2 hours.

Price: € 22,00 per person, minimum 20 paying participants (includes entrance to the Park and the Museum with multilingual guide service).

Among Archaeology and Mines

Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park, Piombino Archaeological Museum and San Silvestro Archaeological Park

1st day: Archaeological Mines Park of San Silvestro

The journey in Val di Cornia begins with a visit to the Archaeological Mines Park of San Silvestro, where natural beauty blends with the traces of an important mining past. The Temperino Mine, an exciting underground path that can be visited on foot, offers an unusual view of the shapes and colours of copper, lead, silver and zinc minerals and the techniques used to extract them since the Etruscan period. The story of the most recent mining activity is accompanied by the metallic noise of a special mining train, on which the route of minerals to the treatment plants of the Lanzi Valley is retraced. Here, on the slopes of Mount Rombolo, stands the medieval village of Rocca San Silvestro, a silent witness to the hard work and ingenuity of the miners of the past.

Duration of the tour 6 hours, including lunch break.

2nd day: Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia

The morning is dedicated to the visit of the two Etruscan necropolis. In the afternoon, visit the Acropolis of Populonia.

Duration of the tour 6 hours, including lunch break

3rd day: Archaeological Museum of the Territory of Populonia

The Collection of the Archaeological Museum of Piombino tells story of the territory of the Val di Cornia from prehistoric times until late antiquity and preserves unique pieces and true masterpieces of ancient artistic craftsmanship, such as the famous silver amphora of Baratti.

Duration of the tour 2 hours.

Price: € 39,00 per person, minimum 20 paying participants (includes entrance to the Parks and the Museum with multilingual guide service).

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