Discover Vetulonia: Museum, Archaeological Sites and History

Vetulonia is a destination with a clear archaeological focus: the Museo Civico Archeologico Isidoro Falchi displays Etruscan and Roman finds from excavations at the surrounding archaeological sites. There are also several sites near the modern village and others along the Via dei Sepolcri, about two kilometres from the village towards Grosseto. If you are considering a stay in Vetulonia, you can focus on the museum, tombs and other traces of the town’s history.

Museum and interpretation

The Museo Civico Archeologico Isidoro Falchi displays finds from the archaeological sites around Vetulonia. The collection includes Etruscan and Roman objects and is spread across seven rooms on two floors. There is a lift and a tactile floor guidance system. This information can help you factor a museum visit into your plans without confusing the individual archaeological sites with the exhibition.

Each year, the museum offers a series of educational workshops and themed guided tours for all visitor groups. If you would like to include one of these events in your visit, check the specific dates in advance. This lets you plan your day around whether you want to explore the collection independently or include a guided tour or workshop.

Archaeological sites and monumental tombs

The National Archaeological Site of Vetulonia comprises several sites near the modern village and others along the Via dei Sepolcri. Sites along this road are about two kilometres from the village towards Grosseto. The Via dei Sepolcri is an unpaved path that descends to the monumental tombs. The sites near the village are therefore geographically distinct from the tombs along the road towards Grosseto.

The individual tombs can be distinguished by their architectural features. The Tomba del Belvedere dates from between the end of the 7th and the 6th century BC. It has a square chamber with a short entrance dromos. By contrast, the entrance to the Tomba del Diavolino II is through a long, partly open corridor. The Tomba della Pietrera is Vetulonia’s largest tomb monument and consists of two tombs, one above the other. These features give you specific points of reference for distinguishing the form, entrance and size of the monuments described.

Settlement, buildings and local history

The archaeological sites also reveal different architectural features beyond the tombs. At Costa Murata, a rectangular building is visible, identified as a domus with a large atrium and central cistern. Casa Medea at Poggiarello Renzetti has a courtyard with terracotta slabs depicting a Greek myth. At Scavi Città, excavations uncovered a large part of the Etruscan settlement of Vetulonia; the period represented spans from the 3rd century to the middle of the 1st century BC.

About 30 metres of the imposing Arce walls can be seen at the city’s highest point. The church of Ss. Simone e Giuda was made a parish church in 1334; its bell tower was built in 1400. The dates refer to different events: 1334 to the church’s elevation to parish status, and 1400 to the construction of the bell tower. Together, these sites offer insight into different aspects of local history, from the settlement and its architectural forms to the development of the church.

Plan your journey

A car is recommended for travelling to Vetulonia. Local public transport runs only a few times and mainly serves students travelling to Grosseto. If you plan to travel by public transport, check the timetable before setting off. This will help you adapt your travel plans to the limited service without relying on a particular connection or journey time.

Discover more destinations: Roccamare, Buriano, Tirli, Punta Ala.

Return to the main travel overview: Castiglione Della Pescaia.