The Populonia Archaeological Museum which is closely connected with the Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park, is situated in the 19th-century Palazzo Nuovo within the fortified stronghold of Piombino's historic centre.
The museum focuses on the relationship between man, land and resources; naturally, mineral deposits and their exploitation were of primary importance among these. Scale models of various particularly significant items (protohistoric kilns, Etruscan kilns, tombs, and the hold of a ship, evocative of the wrecks found in nearby waters) enhance the exhibition.
Prehistoric artefacts are on display, including a bowl engraved with the figure of a bison, artefacts from excavations at Populonia's Etruscan necropolis, and Roman finds which include the famous silver amphora found in 1968 in the sea between Baratti and San Vincenzo. It is decorated with 134 ovals with figures in relief depicting devotees of the goddess Cibele (Great Mother, goddess of fertility and life-force) and is dateable to the end of IV AD.
The museum contains an experimental archaeological centre; archaeologists from the Baratti and Populonia Park demonstrate how ancient ceramics and stone were worked. Archaeological digs are also simulated, with special programmes for children and schools.
Ph: +39 0565 221646
Opening hours:
Weekday times: July-August: 17:00-23:00
Sundays and holidays: July-August: 17:00-23:00
For further informations:
Costa degli Etruschi
