What we love about the Etruscan Coast is that it is a place for any kind of visitors, because it offers a lot of things to do. Some people love our private beach and reading under the Tuscan sun, some others like cycling holidays in Tuscany or food tours in the countryside. But the Etruscan Coast is also the ideal destination for art and culture lovers aiming to visit places rich in history.
Populonia and Piombino
Two of the most famous point of interests in the area are definitely the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia and the Populonia Archaeological Museum.The first one is a large archaeological site where you can learn more about the Etruscans and visit the large necropolis overlooking the Gulf of Baratti. On top of the hill stands the city of Populonia, that was one of the most important Etruscan cities in ancient Tuscany.The second one is the museum that preserves most of the findings coming from the Archaeological park and the area. The Populonia Archaeological Museum is located in Piombino inside Palazzo Nuovo and displays some unique Etruscan artworks and findings like the Baratti Silver Urn (a large vase covered with silver medallions dating back to 4th century).In Piombino we suggest to visit the Museum of the Castle and of the City that is located in the castle dominating the city center of Piombino. Inside you can learn more about the city’s history thanks also to multimedia contents. In Populonia don’t miss the Etruscan Museum Gasparri that hosts a private collection of archaeological findings from the Baratti area.
Campiglia Marittima
For archaeology lovers we recommend to visit the Archaeological Mines Park of San Silvestro, that we mentioned in the post about the hilltop towns to visit along the Etruscan Coast. The site is suitable also for families with children and includes museums and mines.The visit starts at the Museum of Archaeology and Minerals and continues on board of a yellow mine train into the mines of Temperino. The train stops by the Valle Lanzi where you may see the original mining systems and the medieval fortress of San Silvestro.
Rosignano Marittimo and Cecina
In Rosignano Marittimo there is the Civic Archaeological Museum hosted inside Palazzo Bombardieri. The museum conserves findings that trace the history of the coastal area from Castiglioncello and Valle del Cecina.In Cecina visit the Archaeological Museum of Villa Guerrazzi “La Cinquantina” that hosts the archaeological findings coming from the Roman wrecks under the sea, and the Roman Villa of San Vincenzino where you see a thermal complex of the Roman times.Last but not least for art lovers: don’t miss the House of Carducci in Castagneto Carducci, and the museum dedicated to dolls and the Sacred Art Museum in Suvereto.