Marsiliana: Plain, Mediterranean Macchia and Etruscan History

Marsiliana combines a vast, fertile plain with lush Mediterranean macchia and an unusually rich history. A trip here can be shaped around very different interests: the landscape and rural atmosphere, archaeological traces, the Festa Patronale and the Sagra della Fragola, or a guided tour of Tenuta Marsiliana.

The Landscape of Marsiliana

The landscape gives Marsiliana its own distinctive character.

Archaeological Heritage from the Necropolis to the Etruscan Settlement

Archaeological excavations uncovered a large Paleo-Etruscan necropolis in Marsiliana in 1908. It contained rich grave goods from the Orientalizing period. During this era, the society of Marsiliana had an aristocratic and warlike character. Marsiliana was probably the Etruscan settlement of Caletra. Among the well-known finds is the Corsini Fibula, an important discovery from the necropolis of Marsiliana. The Tavoletta di Marsiliana is kept in the Archaeological Museum of Florence. Those focusing on the Etruscan past can include the necropolis in Marsiliana and the Tavoletta kept in the Archaeological Museum of Florence in their travel plans.

Castles, Ruins and a Reconstructed Tomb

The medieval traces also form part of the historical character of the place. The first construction phase of the Castello Orsini in Marsiliana is attributed to the Middle Ages and the Lombards; the Castello Orsini was destroyed in 1384. The Museo della Fattoria contains a reconstruction of the Etruscan tomb “Tomba dipinta del Cancellone”. East of Marsiliana lie the ruins of the Castello di Stachilagi, also known as La Castellaccia, on a hilltop above the valley of the Torrente Elsa. The reconstruction in the Museo della Fattoria adds a distinctive element alongside the castles and ruins.

Guided Tours, Festivals and Trails

A private guided tour with tasting can be booked at Tenuta Marsiliana. As part of a guided tour, visitors can see the castle. The Festa Patronale of Marsiliana is a special event in the annual calendar: it takes place on the last Sunday in May together with the Sagra della Fragola. Route No. 9 on the Montemerano–Marsiliana trail is also relevant for getting your bearings between the towns. It ends below Marsiliana, near the remains of the old Fonte Leopoldina. Those planning to attend the Festa Patronale can schedule their stay for the last Sunday in May. Route No. 9 can also be noted as a separate trail section between Montemerano and Marsiliana.

Important Information about the Ruins of Stachilagi

The ruins of the Castello di Stachilagi are located on private property. Access is only via unpaved roads and paths, followed by a final section through the macchia. When planning the day, access must therefore be taken into account in several stages: unpaved roads and paths are followed by a final section through the macchia.

More Places for Your Travel Plans

Montemerano, Saturnia, Capanne, Poggio Murella

To the higher-level travel overview: Manciano.