Tuscany’s Ancient Secrets: The Isidoro Falchi Museum in Vetulonia

Discover the captivating history of ancient Etruria at the Isidoro Falchi Museum, where the past comes alive through a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits. From breathtaking jewelry to fascinating burial sites, the Isidoro Falchi Museum has something for everyone. Read on to uncover the timeless treasures that await you in this remarkable institution.

About the Museum

Nestled in the heart Tuscany, approximately 25 km from Castiglione della Pescaia and 165 km from Florence, lies the picturesque town of Vetulonia. This charming destination, steeped in Etruscan history, is home to the Isidoro Falchi Museum, a must-visit for history buffs and travel enthusiasts alike.

The Isidoro Falchi Museum is a two-story building that is fully accessible for people with motor disabilities and visual impairments. It is divided into seven rooms, each showcasing unique artifacts and treasures from various eras in Etruscan history.

In Room A, visitors will find funeral artifacts from the Villanovan period (9th-8th century BC), including biconical cinerary vases and hut-shaped urns.

Room B houses artifacts from the Orientalizing period (late 8th-7th century BC), such as the tomb of the Silver Lions and the Golden Fibula, as well as the famous stone stele of the warrior Auvele Feluske, which has become the museum’s logo.

Rooms C and D showcase more artifacts from the surrounding area, including a monumental tomb from the 7th-5th century BC and funerary objects from the Val Berretta necropolis at Castiglione della Pescaia.

Rooms E through G on the lower floor are dedicated to the Hellenistic and Roman periods, displaying architectural terracotta pieces, jewelry, and other relics from urban quarters like Costa Murata, Costia dei Lippi, and Poggiarello Renzetti.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on archeological and historical themes, and offers a range of educational workshops and guided tours for school groups and families.

Getting to Vetulonia

To make the most of your visit to Vetulonia, we recommend traveling by car, as local public transportation is limited. Use your smartphone or car’s GPS system to navigate the winding country roads of Maremma and reach the town with ease. Once you arrive, breathtaking panoramic views and impressive tombs await you.

The famous “Via dei Sepolcri,” featuring the largest tholos tomb from antiquity, is located about 2 km from the town center and can be visited before or after exploring the village. In Vetulonia, you’ll find a restaurant and a bar to recharge during your visit, as well as four archaeological areas and the museum.

Practical Information

Isidoro Falchi Civic Archaeological Museum Piazza Vetluna, Vetulonia 58040, Castiglione della Pescaia (GR)

Phone: +39 0564.948058

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/museoisidorofalchivetulonia

Opening Hours:

November 1st – March 31st: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on December 25th, 26th, and January 1st)
April 1st – June 15th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
June 16th – September 15th: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
September 16th – October 31st: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday

Admission Fees:

Full price: €5

Reduced price (groups over 15, under 18, over 65, university students up to 25, residents of Castiglione della Pescaia, National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia ticket holders, ICOM members, and companions of individuals with disabilities): €2.50

Free admission for children under 6, group leaders, teachers with school groups, individuals with disabilities, EU tour guides in the exercise of their professional activity, members of the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, journalists, honorary inspectors and conservators of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, residents of Vetulonia, and students of the Orsino Orsini Comprehensive Institute.

National Archaeological Areas

The national archaeological areas in Vetulonia are free to visit. In addition to Poggiarello Renzetti-City Excavations, you can explore other areas managed by the Regional Directorate of Museums of Tuscany.

Costa Murata: 9:45 AM – 1:15 PM
Tomba della Pietrera: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Closed on Mondays and Thursdays. For more information and requests, contact 331 6216340.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique Tuscan experience, the Isidoro Falchi Museum in Vetulonia offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich Etruscan past.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the rich history of Tuscany at the Isidoro Falchi Museum in Vetulonia. With its engaging exhibits and stunning surroundings, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages.