Chiusi

The heart of the town grew up on a hill, occupying a strategic position overlooking Val di Chiana and the roads connecting Umbria and Arezzo, and spread out to cover the entire summit. Chiusi, which enjoyed its period of maximum splendour during the reign of the famous King Porsenna (VIth century BC), still preserves Etruscan and Roman remains, making it an important archaeological centre, both in Italy and in the world. The numerous excavations, which began in the 18th century and are still being carried out, produced the exceptional discoveries of the mid-nineteenth century. An incredible number of tombs, many still intact, have been brought to light. Unfortunately, a wide number of pieces were lost and are now in various collections and major museums in Italy and abroad. However, despite this, the National Archaeological Museum of Chiusi is one of the most important in its field and is considered a point of reference for archaeologists, historians and lovers of antiquities alike. Upon request, the Museum staff will arrange guided visits to some of the tombs, scattered around the area. The best known is the Tomba della Scimmia (Monkey's Tomb), dating from the beginning of the Vth century BC, with frescoes depicting games in honour of the deceased, who sits under a parasol, watching. The
Catacombs of Santa Mustiola and Santa Caterina belong to Roman Period, as well as the great water cistern. In the XIIIth century, a defence tower was built over it. Later, at the end of the 16th century, this was converted into a bell tower. A vast network of Etruscan tunnels stretch underneath the town. Part of these have been cleared of debris and can be now explored as part of an unusual and fascinating guided tour. This underground world comprises "Porsenna's Labyrinth" and the Epigraph section in the Civic Museum, with a great Etruscan well overlooking a pool of 30 meters depth. This is the first museum entirely dedicated to Etruscan epigraphs, with over 500 inscriptions on funeral urns and tablets on display. You can also visit the cathedral of San Secondiano, with its early Christian layout, and the extensive collection in the Cathedral museum, which displays objects dating from the IInd century AD to the 19th century. The 21 16th century religious illuminated manuscripts, illustrated by artists like Sano di Pietro, Francesco di Giorgio Martini and many others, of enormous value. A few kilometres away, marking the southern border of the Val di Chiana, lies Chiusi lake, a peaceful mirror of water, set amongst screens of canes and cultivated fields, where visitors can practise leisure fishing and bird watching.

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