Murlo – Etruscan History and Nature

Murlo combines the history of a small borgo with Etruscan traces, medieval local history and experiences in the landscape of the Basso Merse Nature Reserve. If you are looking for accommodation in Murlo, choose a place where culture, a short circuit trail to an archaeological site and a permanent cycling route can be combined into a variety of travel ideas.

Etruscan History at the Antiquarium and in Poggio Civitate

An important cultural attraction is the Antiquarium di Poggio Civitate. It is housed in the former episcopal palace in the centre of Murlo’s small borgo and contains archaeological finds from the municipality, particularly from the important Etruscan site of Poggio Civitate. This allows the history of the area to be explored not only through its buildings, but also through the finds from its surroundings.

The excavations at Poggio Civitate uncovered the remains of Etruscan palaces in a ruling complex. An orientalising and an archaic building phase from the 7th and 6th centuries BC can be identified. The oldest building, also known as the orientalising building, is dated to around 630 BC. This gives your travel planning a clear focus: Murlo is particularly interesting if you would like to combine a stay in Tuscany with archaeology and early history.

Borgo, Castle and Pieve di S. Maria a Carli

The historic centre itself also gives your stay a distinct character. Castello di Murlo was the main centre of the episcopal fief and the seat of the Bishops of Siena. The walls surrounding the borgo, or Castello di Murlo, are still visible along almost their entire perimeter. There are two gates along the perimeter: one to the north and one to the south or west. Anyone interested in medieval settlement structures can trace the history here through the surviving parts of the townscape.

The Pieve di S. Maria a Carli in the village of Pieve a Carli near Murlo is also part of the area’s historical heritage. The church is documented as early as 1081 and was restored in 1767. Together with the castle and the walls, it broadens the cultural perspective beyond the Etruscan past to include the area’s later ecclesiastical and episcopal history.

Circuit Trail, Nature Reserve and Eroica Route

In addition to its historical attractions, Murlo also offers concrete opportunities for an active stay. The circuit trail to the excavations at Poggio Civitate is just under 5 km long and starts and ends in Murlo. This route is particularly straightforward for planning a day: you can combine the archaeological focus with a trail that returns to the starting point.

Part of the Basso Merse Nature Reserve lies within the municipality of Murlo. A path in this protected area leads to the Eremo di Montespecchio hermitage, also known as “Conventaccio”. This allows you to choose between local history, archaeology and a nature destination without straying from the thematic focus of your stay. Cyclists should also note that the permanent Eroica route runs through the municipality of Murlo.

Murlo as a Base for Your Accommodation Search

Murlo is well suited to a trip where you do not simply want to tick off individual sights, but consciously combine historical themes and the landscape. When searching for a hotel or other accommodation, consider which priorities you want to set: the Antiquarium, the borgo and the castle represent culture and history; the trail to Poggio Civitate, Basso Merse and the Eroica route complement this selection with paths and nature. This allows you to plan varied days without reducing Murlo to just one theme.

Other Local Pages for Orientation

For further orientation within the travel area, you can also visit the pages on Casciano, Bagnaia and Vescovado Di Murlo. Other pages in the same travel area lead to Isola D'arbia, Sarteano, Monticiano, Taverne D'arbia and San Casciano Dei Bagni.

For the higher-level travel overview: Siena.