Which Etruscan tombs to see in Vetulonia?

À Vetulonia, the two tombs to see are the Pietrera tumulus and the Diavolino II tomb, along the Via dei Sepolcri, the tomb road that runs down from the village. These are large tumulus tombs from the 7th century BC, the era when Vetulonia was one of the richest Etruscan cities, thanks to the mines of the surrounding hills.

The 16. Pietrera is the most impressive: a large mound covering a stone burial chamber, with an access corridor and a central pillar. The 18. Diavolino II is smaller but easy to read. As for the famous Mussolini's tomb, excavated in the 19th century by the archaeologist Isidoro Falchi, most of its rich grave goods are in the Florence Archaeological Museum: on site there is little to see. For the objects, the Isidoro Falchi museum, in the village, displays what has been found at Vetulonia.

The archaeological park is not open every day, and a tomb may be closed for works: the Diavolino II may, depending on the period, only be visible from the outside. Call or check the opening hours before coming, and start with the museum, which gives you the keys to understanding the tombs. All the practical information is on the Pietrera tumulus listing and in our article a day in Vetulonia.