Museo Etrusco Murlo MuseumAngels

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Etruscans at Museo Etrusco Murlo MuseumAngels in Murlo

Nestled in the heart of the charming medieval village of Murlo, the Museo Etrusco Murlo MuseumAngels offers a captivating journey into the ancient world of the Etruscans. This archaeological museum, also known as L'Antiquarium di Poggio Civitate, is housed within the historic Palazzo Vescovile, overlooking the picturesque Crevole stream.

Discovering the Etruscan Civilization

The Museo Etrusco Murlo MuseumAngels is renowned for its collection of unique artifacts that shed light on the Etruscan civilization. The exhibits showcase treasures from the surrounding area, including the orientalizing necropolis of Poggio Aguzzo, dating back to the 7th century B.C. However, the museum's most significant finds come from the ancient settlement of Poggio Civitate, particularly the opulent princely palace located on the hill.

Unraveling the Secrets of Poggio Civitate

Poggio Civitate, one of the most important Etruscan settlements, thrived along the trade routes connecting the coastal Etruscan cities with those inland. Archaeological excavations at Poggio Civitate, initiated by an American mission in the 1960s with the encouragement of Ranuccio Bianchi Bandinelli, have provided invaluable insights into Etruscan residential architecture.

The palace at Poggio Civitate, with its two distinct construction phases from the orientalizing (7th century B.C.) and archaic (6th century B.C.) periods, has played a pivotal role in understanding Etruscan architectural techniques and the ideology of power during that era. Notably, the discovery of terracotta elements used for roof decoration, such as acroteria, slabs, gutters, and antefixes, has provided precious information about the period's construction techniques and symbolic representations.

Exploring the Museum's Treasures

The first floor of the Museo Etrusco Murlo MuseumAngels houses a remarkable collection of finely crafted artifacts, some imported from other Etruscan cities and Greece. These exhibits offer a glimpse into various aspects of daily life, from banquets to personal grooming. Additionally, a section on the first floor is dedicated to the nearby artisan workshop, where exquisite ceramic, bronze, ivory, and bone objects were crafted.

On the second floor, visitors can marvel at the remains of the palace's architectural decoration. A reconstructed portion of the roof, adorned with extraordinary terracotta statues dating back to the early 6th century B.C., and frieze slabs depicting banquets, assemblies, processions, and horse races, takes center stage. Among the acroterial statues, the renowned "Cappellone" stands out, with its unique seated male figure sporting a wide-brimmed hat and a high pointed crown, reminiscent of a Mexican sombrero.

The third floor of the museum showcases a selection of everyday objects, primarily used for cooking and food consumption, as well as unique bucchero pottery and small bronze sculptures. Finally, a section dedicated to the significant funerary finds from the nearby necropolis of Poggio Aguzzo concludes the museum's journey through Etruscan history.

When to Visit and Practical Information

The Museo Etrusco Murlo MuseumAngels is open to visitors throughout the year, allowing you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Etruscans at any time. The museum also features a restoration laboratory and regularly hosts conferences, exhibitions, and seminars on ancient art and craftsmanship techniques, including goldsmithing, bronze casting, and sculpture.

To make the most of your visit, it is advisable to check the museum's opening hours and any temporary exhibitions or events taking place during your stay. Murlo itself is a picturesque village worth exploring, with its medieval castle and the enchanting surroundings of the Crevole stream. So, plan your trip to Murlo and uncover the mysteries of the Etruscans at the Museo Etrusco Murlo MuseumAngels.

Note: The information provided in this article is based on my own knowledge and the background information shared with me.