In the high part of the ancient city of Populonia
THE ACROPOLIS OF POPULONIA
Tour time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Explore the high part of the town of Populonia along an easy path with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Baratti; you can visit it on your own, getting information from the panels, or take a guided tour whose cost is included in the price of the ticket. Tours follow a regular daily timetable.
The path at the Acropolis leads you to the ruins of the Roman temples that overlooked a large square in the centre of the ancient city.
After passing the temples, the path runs alongside the paved Via Sacra that leads to a large domus and to the Edificio delle Logge, a majestic terrace that formed the base on which other grand environments were located. The archaeological digs have brought to light a nymphaeum and thermal baths, but exploration continues.
The tour continues along a nature trail that reaches the top of the headland, where you can follow the old city walls, with splendid views of the northern coast and of Elba, before reaching the area where thereyou can find the traces of the first Etruscan settlement of Populonia and where the architecture of the ancient huts made of perishable materials is perfectly reproduced by the so-called Casa del Re (King’s House).
The area of the Acropolis of Populonia has undergone major restoration and reconstruction under a project financed by Ales SpA (former Arcus) with the aim of promoting visits to the area and its interpretation: along the path you can see the reconstruction of the foundations of one of the Roman temples, skirt the ancient walls, admire the splendid craftsmanship of the mosaic floors that decorate the domus and the sanctuary and visit the Villanovan hut reconstructed using experimental archaeology techniques.
What you need to know before the tour
The tour of the Acropolis is outdoors so you should bring a sun hat or umbrella, depending on the season. The route has uphill parts also with steps: we recommend that you wear comfortable, closed shoes.