Mediterrean Tuscany - The Etruscans

This is the territory, between sea and nature, through which the itinerary unwinds leading to numerous architectural jewels. Gems of art and culture, preserved by this land beloved by the Etruscans who built on the Gulf of Baratti the only necropolis situated on the coast and who left also many other significant traces.
The Etruscan Coast is just waiting to be discovered: nestling up against the hills and vaunting a thousand-year-old history, the medioeval villages feature paved lanes, quiet chapels, turreted palazzi, churches and castles, having us relive a past which seems so near.

Archeological site

Between the promontory of Piombino and the Gulf of Baratti emerge the remains of Populonia, the only Etruscan city built on the sea, which thrived on the mineral processing of the iron imported from Elba Island.
Through documentation made up of panels and multimedia projections, the Park welcomes you in the San Cerbone Visit Centre.

The most suggestive itinerary is undoubtedly the one that unwinds through the wood to reach the Tombe delle Grotte. The paths lead over the slopes of the Promontory in the area of the ancient stone quarries and the tombs which have been carved out of them.

A guided tour of the lower area of the Park will enable you to admire the tumuli and the “edicola” tombs of Populonia (VII - VI century BC).
The Park archaeologists will introduce you to the ancient techniques of processing ceramic and stone, and the simulation of archaeological excavations, with special programmes for children and schools.
Inside the Park, also the naturalist aspects are highlighted and marked all along the paths. There is a trekking itinerary for those who wish to explore the most inaccessible parts of the park.

VISIT:
Visit Centre – guided tours
archaeological/naturalistic trails
experimental archaeology centre

SERVICES:
manned car park – refreshment area
equipped stopping areas
book-shop
connections with Piombino and San Vincenzo guaranteed by ATM service

PARK OPENING HOURS:
High season:
from Tuesday to Sunday 9.00/20.00
August: also on Mondays and on bank holidays 9.00/20.00
From November to February:
from Tuesday to Friday 9.00/14.00
On Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10.00/17.00
October and March:
from Tuesday to Sunday and on bank holidays 10.00/18.00

INFORMATION:
Parco Archeologico di Baratti e Populonia
Loc. Baratti - 57025 Piombino (LI)
Tel. +39 0565.49430 - Fax +39 0565.25107