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Archaeological Museum
The Museo Civico Archeologico delle Acque in Chianciano Terme, housed inside a former barn in the heart of the historic center, collects valuable archaeological artifacts found in the municipal area and has the most important collection of Etruscan canopic jars (i.e., cinerary vases with human traits) in the world. The exhibition starts with some reconstructions of burials and displays of grave goods, including pottery, ceramics, and amphorae, dated between the 6th and 5th centuries BC, a time of maximum development for the city.
The collection of canopic jars from excavations in the Tolle necropolis is very rich, while evidence of the later Hellenistic age includes alabaster cinerary urns and a series of wine-making rooms, recovered from a farm discovered near Poggio Bacherinae reconstructed here.
Dating back to the same period is the monumental terracotta pediment, which adorned a sacred building in the Astrone valley, not far from the source of the Fucoli and dedicated to a wellbeing deity.
The museum also documents the exploitation of Chianciano’s rich springs in Roman times, when luxurious villas and large thermal baths buildings were erected, and also appreciated by the poet Horace.
In addition, the museum is also accessible to people with disabilities and has set up a small “tactile” pathway, which can allow blind people to get to know some of the pieces displayed.
Thus, some rooms display Etruscan pottery and objects, and impaired visitors are invited to touch them; everything is integrated with explanatory plaques in braille. A very unique way to let everyone experience the mysterious world of our ancient Tuscan ancestors.
Address:
Viale Dante,
Chianciano Terme SI
Opening Hours: Open daily, CLOSED ON MONDAYS. April 1 – October 31 daily 10 – 13 / 15 – 19, November 1 – March 30 Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10 – 13 / 15 – 18
Contact 0578 30471 – museoetrusco@libero.it – www.museoetrusco.it –
