CHIUSI
Thanks to the very fertile alluvial soil and the natural communication routes, both by land and by river, Chiusi-Clevsin became one of the most important cities of Etruria, as evidenced by the National Etruscan Museum, the tombs of the Colle, of the Scimmia, of the Leone and of the Pellegrina, and the epigraphic collection at the Civic Museum “La Città Sotterranea”.
The peak of its power was at the end of the 6th century BC when, under the leadership of King Porsenna, it besieged and briefly controlled Rome. In 89 BC, with the extension of Roman citizenship to its inhabitants, it entered fully into the political orbit of Rome.
Its prosperity continued in the Imperial Age, during which it remained an important transit point on the consular road Cassia and on the river Clanis, then navigable up to the Tiber. From the 3rd century AD the city became an important centre for the diffusion of Christianity, as evidenced by the Catacombs of Santa Mustiola and Santa Caterina, the Cathedral of San Secondiano and the finds in the Cathedral Museum.
WHAT TO SEE
Chiusi is a small town in the province of Siena, on the border between Tuscany and Umbria , famous for having been an important center of Etruscan civilization in the past, a status it maintained for several years even after the arrival of the Romans. In its period of maximum splendor, that is, around the sixth century BC, its territory extended to the current provinces of Grosseto, Siena, Terni and Perugia, well beyond the current surface of the historic center.
Visiting Chiusi also means discovering its underground city, where the tomb of the Etruscan king Porsenna is said to be hidden, the most famous historical figure associated with the ancient city-state: in addition to having held the position of ruler of Chiusi and inflicted a heavy military defeat on the nascent Roman republic, several historians agree on the fact that his influence extended to numerous other cities, so much so that he earned the title of king of Etruria.
GO TO CLOSED
Driving in central Italy offers an unforgettable experience, passing through rolling hills, vineyards and medieval hilltop villages. The route winds along scenic roads immersed in greenery, with spectacular views of sunflower fields, cypress trees and olive groves, with the Apennines looming on the horizon. The natural beauty blends with the rich history and culture of the region
