En
Chiusi
Chiusi is a small and quiet town located at the southernmost edge of Tuscany and was, once, one of the most important cities of the Etruscan Empire in the period between the 7th and 5th centuries BC. The city today is an enchanting harmony of Etruscan ingenuity, Roman skill and medieval battles.
Discover
Chiusi is a town in the province of Siena, located in the Val di Chiana not far from Chianciano Terme and is best known for its important connections to Etruscan civilization. In fact, one of the first things to see in the town is the National Etruscan Museum, opened in 1901 and known for preserving inside enviable artifacts from all over the World dating back to the Bronze Age, Iron Age, as well as Hellenistic, Roman, and Longobard periods. Among the artifacts we have canopic jars, urns, sarcophagi, painted vases, and more. Once you arrive at the Museum it is also possible to book a visit to the Etruscan tombs which will take place together with a guide who will accompany the visitor to discover the customs and tombs of the Etruscan civilization among which we remember the famous Tomb of the Monkey, the Tomb of the Pilgrim and finally that of Leo. If you are passionate about Etruscan civilization, you can then also pay a visit to the Chiusi City Museum “The Underground City”. Here we will have the opportunity to visit the underground Chiusi which winds through numerous tunnels, to discover the Etruscan hydraulic system. While you continue in your visit of the town, stop by the Cathedral of St. Secondiano, dating back to the 6th century. The Cathedral Museum houses well-known frescoes painted with the “faux mosaic” technique, archaeological relics, reliquaries, and 22 illuminated codices. And it is precisely from the Museum that the Porsenna Labyrinth starts, a 20-minute journey which would lead to the well-known sarcophagus of Porsenna, an Etruscan king famous for having conquered Rome. The route can be done with the help of an experienced guide. At the end of the journey, we reach the Bell Tower, which originated as a defensive tower in the 13th century and became a church bell tower in the 16th century. If you are a nature lover then you should finally definitely visit the Lake Chiusi, an oasis located not far from the town center.
Historical events
Tria Turris (June)
Medieval festival offering musical, theatrical, fire-breathing shows, jesters, flag-wavers, archery competition and on the final day we have the procession with over 250 participants and fireworks.
Grape and Wine Festival (September)
Event with wine and typical food tasting accompanied by musical events and performances.
Festival Orizzonti (July/August)
Festival of new creations with performing arts, theatre, dance, opera, exhibitions, shows, meetings etc.
Ruzzi della Conca (August/September)
How to get to Chiusi
Chiusi is 15 km from Chianciano Terme and can be reached either by car, with extra-urban bus connections available on weekdays and holidays and finally it is also possible to get there with the service offered by the Valdichiana Gran Tour which is active however only during summer.