Chiusi Attractions
The town of Chiusi lies in eastern Tuscany at the south end of the Val di Chiana, some 20km/12.5mi southeast of Montepulciano.
History
Chiusi is believed to have originally been an Umbrian settlement, but in the sixth century B.C., under the name of Chamars, it became a considerable Etruscan city, a member of the Etruscan league of twelve cities and equal in status to such major centers as Tarquinia, Populonia and Vetulonia. A King of Chiusi named Porsenna (Macaulay's "Lars Porsena of Clusium"), in alliance with Tarquinius Superbus, was strong enough to attack even Rome, which made efforts to shake off Etruscan dominance. After its defeat by Rome it became known as Clusium. In the fifth century A.D. it became the see of a bishop, and after being held by the Goths and the Lombards it passed into the hands of Orvieto, Siena and finally Florence during the later Middle Ages.
History
Chiusi is believed to have originally been an Umbrian settlement, but in the sixth century B.C., under the name of Chamars, it became a considerable Etruscan city, a member of the Etruscan league of twelve cities and equal in status to such major centers as Tarquinia, Populonia and Vetulonia. A King of Chiusi named Porsenna (Macaulay's "Lars Porsena of Clusium"), in alliance with Tarquinius Superbus, was strong enough to attack even Rome, which made efforts to shake off Etruscan dominance. After its defeat by Rome it became known as Clusium. In the fifth century A.D. it became the see of a bishop, and after being held by the Goths and the Lombards it passed into the hands of Orvieto, Siena and finally Florence during the later Middle Ages.
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Etruscan Tombs
Hundreds of Etruscan Tombs can be found in the Chiusi area, some of which can be visited.
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National Etruscan Museum
Discoveries from the nearby Etruscan tombs are displayed at the National Etruscan Museum, including sarcophagi, masks, and vessels.
Monte Cetona
Monte Cetona (1,148m/3,767ft), at the foot of which is the source of the River Orcia, is a limestone hill, mostly bare and devoid of vegetation. From the summit, to which a number of footpaths lead, panoramic views can be enjoyed. There are remains of buildings belonging to the Camaldolese Order. Recently traces of prehistoric occupation have been discovered on the slopes of the hill, in which there are numerous caves.
