Marsiliana: Etruscan Traces and Medieval History

Marsiliana combines an expansive, fertile plain with a rich Etruscan and medieval history. There are several aspects to consider when planning your trip: archaeological finds, the history of Castello Orsini, a guided tour of Tenuta Marsiliana and a festival tradition in May. This can help you decide whether to focus on cultural heritage, a guided castle tour or the landscape when choosing your destination.

Landscape and Etruscan Traces

The expansive, fertile plain is surrounded by lush Mediterranean maquis, creating a landscape that combines plains and scrubland. If you are considering the character of the landscape alongside its history, Marsiliana offers a distinctive point of reference.

Archaeological Finds and Their Context

Archaeological excavations uncovered a large Paleo-Etruscan necropolis in Marsiliana in 1908. It contained rich grave goods from the Orientalizing period. The Corsini Fibula is an important find from this necropolis. Marsiliana was probably the Etruscan settlement of Caletra. During the Orientalizing period, Marsiliana’s society had an aristocratic and warrior character. The necropolis, the fibula and Caletra refer to three different things: the find site, an individual artifact and the probable identification of the settlement.

The Tavoletta di Marsiliana is kept at the Archaeological Museum of Florence. The Museo della Fattoria houses a reconstruction of the Etruscan tomb “Tomba dipinta del Cancellone.” This places a named object and a tomb reconstruction side by side as distinct points of reference.

Castello Orsini and Guided Tours

The first construction phase of Castello Orsini in Marsiliana is attributed to the Middle Ages and the Lombards. The castle was destroyed in 1384. These details play different roles: the Middle Ages and the Lombards refer to the attributed first construction phase, while 1384 is the year of its destruction. This makes it possible to distinguish this medieval history from the Etruscan finds.

You can book a private tour with a tasting at Tenuta Marsiliana. As part of a tour of Tenuta Marsiliana, visitors can see the castle.

East of Marsiliana, the ruins of Castello di Stachilagi, also known as La Castellaccia, stand on a hilltop above the valley of the Torrente Elsa. They are on private property and can only be reached via unpaved roads and paths, followed by a final stretch through the maquis. Before visiting, check whether access across the private property is possible.

A Festival Date in May

The Festa Patronale of Marsiliana takes place on the last Sunday in May, together with the Sagra della Fragola. If you are planning your trip around this festival, check that year’s program before travelling. The date offers a specific seasonal reference point, while Marsiliana’s archaeological and medieval themes place it in its historical context.

Discover more destinations: Montemerano, Poggio Murella, Saturnia, Capanne

Go to the overview of the wider area: Manciano.