The blood of the Etruscans endures to the present day.
The town of Murlo, surrounded by beautiful walls made of terracotta (‘muruluis’ is Latin for ‘walled place’), is located on the top of a hill from where it overlooks the Crevole valley, an area rich in lush forests.
Located on the border between the Val di Merse and Val d’Arbia valleys and boasting a beautiful view of the valley of the Ombrone River, the town of Murlo has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by findings in Poggio Civitate and Poggio Aguzzo.Today, these findings are preserved in the Etruscan Museum inside Palazzo Vescovile..
This small town has been able to preserve the past and spectacularly bring it back.
The blood of the locals is also being studied to see if it can be linked to the DNA of the Etruscans.
Murlo Castle dates back to the 12th century and was the main centre of the fiefdom of the bishops of Siena (Vescovado). After the fall of the Republic of Siena at the end of the sixteenth century, at the behest of Emperor Henry III these territories remained a fief making Murlo an isolated town with its own statute and privileges.
That is why it still lacks a real centre and the scattered settlements have been transformed into the two main agglomerations (Vescovado and Casciano); but many small picturesque villages and castles remain, surrounded by forests, olive groves, and vineyards.
Near Murlo, don’t miss the Hermitage of Montespecchio, located in the village of the same name. The walls of the building, built in the early Middle Ages, have a greater inclination than that of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Despite its small size, Murlo is developing an intense cultural calendar. In the summer in Murlo, there is Bluetrusco, the only festival dedicated to Etruscan culture, which takes place at the castle and always turns the past into a contemporary spectacle.
The event also emphasizes the natural beauty of the area with walks along the hills surrounding the town, contemporary photography exhibitions, film screenings and discussions. Alongside Bluetrusco, are the excavations of the Amherst University of Massachusetts that fills the calendar with events year-round.
