It was chosen as the best archaeological site in Italy, beating even more famous places, on the occasion of the first edition of the GIST ACTA, Archaeological and Cultural Tourism Award awarded in Florence during "TourismA", the annual exhibition of archeology and cultural tourism that takes place in Florence, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture.
The winner of the prestigious award was unexpectedly Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia, in Tuscany, the ancient Etruscan city overlooking the sea. The site includes the area where the Etruscan and Roman city of Populonia was located, known since ancient times for the intense metallurgical activity linked to the production of iron. A place of great charm, immersed in a unique natural landscape, with the tombs of the warrior princes dominating the gulf, the Mediterranean scrub that hides Etruscan tombs excavated in the rock, to the acropolis, with its sacred buildings dominating the islands of 'Archipelago Tuscan.
Populonia, the most beautiful archaeological site in Italy
Ancient Etruscan city, populonia It is located at the northern end of the Piombino promontory, with a beautiful view of the sea. Surrounded by nature, this place was one of the 12 centers of the Dodecapoli, city-states that were part of Etruria, the only one that emerged on the coast. Even today it contains many treasures, even from different periods.
Starting since Roll, located at the top of the hill. Built on the acropolis of the ancient "Pupluna" and later built in the first half of the 15th century, the fortress stands out among the narrow streets and cobblestones of the historic center, where today they alternate old shops, bars and shops.
Here time seems to have stopped in a bygone era and, even today, you can admire the remains of the ancient city, between Etruscan walls, ancient Roman and medieval buildings, including the turret which offers, once reached, a splendid 360 degree view.
The view from here is really wonderful and also transports you to Gulf of Baratti, which opens at the southeastern end of the Ligurian Sea. Here there is a free beach, preceded by pine forests, but also numerous Etruscan remains that extend between Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia, where the remains of the ancient city are located. Divided between the upper and lower part, the park shows two necropolises from the Etruscan phase, the quarries and the old industrial districts where work was done to produce iron, as well as temples, buildings, huts and mosaics created along the walls and that They date from the Roman phase.
Discovering the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia
Not just history and archeology. In this area you can walking on trails or trekking, perhaps following the ancient walls, inside the park, or climbing the wooded path of Via delle Cave to the Belvedere, to admire the Baratti Bay from above. For lovers of the outdoors and sports there will be no need to get bored: there are several itineraries to discover these beautiful places, following rocky paths, crossing forests or, also, crossing the Mediterranean scrub.
From the ancient city to the inlets, you can also head towards the ruins of the Benedictine Monastery of San Quirico, ecclesiastical complex located on the slopes of Poggio Tondo. And then go back down, towards the sea and the reddish beaches, colored this way due to the mineral residues linked to the extraction of iron in the Etruscan period. Enjoying the view, sitting by the sea, with nature behind you, will be truly fantastic, as it is Immerse yourself in the crystalline seabed of the Gulf, certainly still rich in treasures.
