Overview
The Baratti and Populonia archaeological park is divided into two areas not far apart: an acropolis adjacent to the mediaeval nucleus of Populonia and a necropolis on the slopes of the headland, a few steps from the beach of the Gulf of Baratti. The route between the two excavation areas, combined with a visit to the mediaeval village of Populonia, allows us to observe the stratification of different eras, capturing the historical changes that have characterised the area. Populonia was the only Etruscan city directly facing the sea, and the reason for this was the need to quickly process raw iron from the nearby island of Elba. In the lower part of the archaeological park, it is possible to explore not only the necropolis of S. Cerbone and the Grotte, but also the industrial quarters where the transformation of iron took place. The acropolis stands on the top of the Piombino headland and provides beautiful panoramic views of the Gulf of Baratti and the Tuscan Archipelago. The ruins of Roman temples, buildings, mosaics and roads, built on the first Etruscan settlement, can still be seen here.
For children, the acropolis route is complemented by educational tools which include ten themed panels and a Game Map, leading children to discover significant aspects of ancient life, from religion and the use of baths to decorative techniques such as mosaics. Many of the objects found in the excavation areas are now kept in Piombino, in the Archaeological Museum of the Territory of Populonia, while in the village of Populonia you can visit the smaller Etruscan Museum of Populonia Gasparri Collection.
