POPULONIA

Populonia, a hamlet in the municipality of Piombino, is an ancient and very important Etruscan city, one of the twelve cities of the Dodecapoli, the main city-states that were part of Etruria, governed by a Lucumone. From the top of Poggio del Telegrafo, Populonia, overlooking the Baratti Gulf and the sea on three sides, a strategic position that allows an excellent view of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago. Thanks to the proximity to the iron minerals of the island of Elba, together with Volterra, the village of Populonia was one of the centers of greatest mining and metallurgical industry since ancient times.

At the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia today, some of the city necropolises of the different historical phases are visible. In addition, the private Gasparri Collection can be visited in the village, which preserves finds from the city area and from the underwater finds of the stretch of sea in front, while in the historic center of Piombino there is the Archaeological Museum of the territory of Populonia.
Do not miss a visit to the Rocca di Populonia, imposing is the tower overlooking the castle: a crenellated ravelin, a military architecture from the fifteenth-century Appiani who, in the Middle Ages, attempted to revive the glory of Populonia. The coat of arms of the Appiani is still visible on the entrance arch to the village.
In the woods nearby, recent archaeological excavations have restored dignity to the Benedictine monastery of San Quirico. This religious center, built around the year one thousand in the deepest spot of the promontory, is the historical ring that connects the times of the Etruscans and Romans of Populonia to the Middle Ages of Piombino.

Products and typical dishes

Local cuisine is based on freshly caught local fish, and hinterland products such as Chianina beef, the violet artichoke, extra virgin olive oil and wine.