Chiusi

The Etruscan king Porsenna lived here, and the city was subsequently ruled over by Ancient Rome, and then the Kingdom of the Lombards. Visitors to Chiusi can also explore the area's Paleo-Christian heritage: the unique catacombs are open to the public. Thousands of archaeological finds exemplifying the rich cultures of the various epochs are on display in the National Etruscan Archaeological Museum, one of the world's most important Etruscan institutions, which gives the chance to visit the Etruscan Tombs.

The Porsenna Cathedral-Labyrinth Museum offers tours of the remarkable Etruscan water distribution systems under the city streets, an entrancing underground excursion leading to an Etrusco-Roman cistern that in turn leads up to a bell tower, where visitors can climb the stairs to the top. The Underground City Civic Museum exhibits a suggestive collection of Etruscan funerary urns, tiles with inscriptions, and also an underground lake, itself of Etruscan origin, situated 30 metres below street level. Opportunities to explore the history of Etruscan civilisation continue outside the city walls, with guided tours of tombs featuring intricately painted murals.

The tombs are not far from the calm waters of lake Chiusi, situated in a protected area of outstanding natural beauty. The lake is ideal for nature lovers: visitors can explore the area on foot, by mountain bike, on horseback, or by boat. There is a 40-mile footpath/cycle path, the Sentiero della Bonifica, leading from Chiusi train station to Arezzo.