Marsiliana: Landscape and Etruscan History

Between Mediterranean Landscapes and the Past

Marsiliana stretches across a vast, fertile plain surrounded by lush Mediterranean maquis. The landscape combines open expanses with dense vegetation and gives the area a distinctly rural character. The plain forms the open part of the landscape, while the maquis refers to the dense Mediterranean vegetation all around it. For your travel plans, the area offers an opportunity to combine landscape impressions with cultural themes.

Etruscan Traces in Marsiliana

Archaeological excavations uncovered a large Paleo-Etruscan necropolis in Marsiliana in 1908. The necropolis contained rich grave goods from the Orientalizing period. Marsiliana was probably the Etruscan settlement of Caletra. The society of Marsiliana during the Orientalizing period had an aristocratic and warlike character. Those interested in the early history of Italy will find an archaeological topic closely connected with the area, extending beyond individual buildings.

The Fibula Corsini is a significant find from the necropolis of Marsiliana. The Tavoletta di Marsiliana is kept in the Archaeological Museum of Florence. Both names belong to the specific pieces of evidence connecting Marsiliana with its Etruscan past, even though they are kept in different locations.

Castles, Ruins and Historical Layers

The first construction phase of Castello Orsini in Marsiliana is attributed to the Middle Ages and the Lombards. Castello Orsini was destroyed in 1384. The Museo della Fattoria also houses a reconstruction of the Etruscan tomb „Tomba dipinta del Cancellone“.

Guided Tour, Tasting and a Festival in May

A private guided tour with tasting can be booked at Tenuta Marsiliana. As part of a guided tour, visitors can explore the castle. This makes it possible to combine a castle visit and a tasting at Tenuta Marsiliana in one guided experience.

A fixed date in Marsiliana's annual calendar is the Festa Patronale. It takes place on the last Sunday in May together with the Sagra della Fragola.

Practical Information on Historical Sites

East of Marsiliana lie the ruins of Castello di Stachilagi, also known as La Castellaccia, on a hilltop above the valley of the Torrente Elsa. Castello di Stachilagi is on private property and can only be reached via unpaved roads, paths and a final section through the maquis.

Trail No. 9 on the Montemerano–Marsiliana route ends below Marsiliana, near the remains of the old Fonte Leopoldina.

Which Travel Plans Suit Marsiliana

Marsiliana brings together several themes for travel planning: the fertile plain with Mediterranean maquis, the Paleo-Etruscan necropolis, the medieval connections of Castello Orsini and the guided tour with tasting at Tenuta Marsiliana.

More Destinations to Compare

For your further travel planning, you can also compare Capanne, Poggio Murella, Montemerano and Saturnia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Manciano.