Populonia | True Etruscan Tuscany

Populonia, magnificent former Etruscan centre today a neighbourhood of Piombino in the province of Livorno is a superb,historic highlight of this area of Tuscany.

This small centre was well known in ancient times with the name Fufluna, a denomination the polytheist Etruscans gave the centre in honour of the God of wine called Fufluns.

The visit of this site is undoubtedly a memorable experience on the Etruscan Coast because it represented in its way a cradle of an iconic civilization and it was a very special stronghold elevating itself as the only Etruscan settlement built and developed along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Despite the proximity of the Mediterranean sea the Etruscans were not skilled sailors as the Greeks or the Phoenicians and they never had a relevant fleet as the Romans or the Carthaginians.

The Etruscans were mainly devoted to crafts, agriculture, art, construction while the sea was for them just a source of sporadic trips without sailing very far or undertaking any major maritime expeditions.

Populonia thanks to the proximity of Campiglia Marittima and Venturina was a very important centre for the manufacture of iron coming from the mines of those two places.

The image of Populonia is very inspiring, a site surrounded by hills with splendid views of the striking Golfo di Baratti, an extraordinary gulf mandatory to take hundreds and more pictures for its unique and extraordinary beauty, a wonderful bay which enchants all the tourists at first sight.

That site is a great place to discover the true Etruscan Tuscany strolling its cobblestone alleys and narrow streets within its tiny historic centre highlighted by small local shops in an atmosphere absolutely captivating and fascinating.

You can start the visit from its core visiting the Rocca di Populonia, a medieval fortress erected with strong high walls highlighted by an iconic passage leading to the main courtyard where you can admire a crenellated tower elevated on a square base dominating the entire magnificent scenery.

Another superb attraction is the impressive circular tower on the left side of the main gate which was the exterior check point of that fortified complex.

The archaeological area with its historic park evokes the relevant past of that civilisation in a great journey visiting a surface of about 80,0 hectares discovering the history of that population who created constructions and small urban environment long time before the Romans.

One of the main highlights is definitely the stunning monumental Necropolis di San Cerbore and apart to see that ancient Etruscan cemetery you will have the opportunity to admire the buildings where the Etruscans worked the metals.

That activity was for long time very relevant for the Etruscan economy and Populonia in the Bronze Age was considered the major still mill of the entire Tuscany and the residues of iron working in that centre were historically quantified in twenty milions tons creating hills.

The metals were selected, cut, chopped and put in stone ovens heated with wood and coal at a temperature of over 1250 degrees, with that process the metal was separated by the dross falling in a special opening established to contain the residues. 

Continuation with another Necropolis called Delle Grotte that apart to be a burial space served as storage environment for stones which were collected and used for the constructions.

It was probably the most important in that concrete geographic territory in the province of Livorno well known in those ancient times in Umbria and in the surroundings of Siena.

Populonia with its centuries-old history and its bewitching beauty conquers every visitor, a place that has a unique and special aura and charm around and within its walls, simply seeing its silhouette from a distance this place transmits pure and captivating magic.

Link :  Link : https://www.castellodipopulonia.it/en/populonia/

Where to Stay | Recommended Accomodation

Castello di Populonia Villa a Mare https://www.castellodipopulonia.it/appartamenti-mare-toscana/

Agriturismo gli Etruschi - https://www.glietruschi.it/en/