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Museo di San Mamiliano: Echoes of Etruscans and a Golden Hoard

Unearth Etruscan mysteries and glittering treasures at Sovana's captivating archaeological museum, a journey through millennia of history.

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Housed in a deconsecrated church in Sovana, the Museo di San Mamiliano displays Etruscan artifacts and a remarkable hoard of 5th-century gold coins, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.

A brief summary to Museo di San Mamiliano a Sovana

  • Via del Pretorio, 2, Sovana, Province of Grosseto, 58010, IT
  • Monday 10 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-1 pm
  • Friday 10 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Combine your museum visit with a walk around Sovana to fully appreciate its medieval charm.
  • Check for any special exhibitions or events that may be happening during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Museo di San Mamiliano is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Sovana. From the main square, Piazza del Pretorio, walk along Via del Pretorio. The museum is a short distance away, with clear signs indicating its location. There are no costs associated with walking to the museum.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving from nearby Pitigliano, take the Autolinee Toscane bus line 18P. The bus trip is approximately 10 minutes and costs €1-€2. From the Sovana bus stop, walk a short distance to Via del Pretorio and follow the signs to the Museo di San Mamiliano.

  • Driving

    When driving to the Museo di San Mamiliano, navigate to Sovana in the Province of Grosseto. Once in Sovana, follow signs for 'Centro' or 'Museo di San Mamiliano'. Limited street parking is available near Via del Pretorio, but be aware of parking regulations. Parking costs are not available.

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Discover more about Museo di San Mamiliano a Sovana

The Museo di San Mamiliano, nestled in the heart of Sovana, resides within the ancient Church of San Mamiliano. This unassuming structure gained significant historical importance in 2004 during an archaeological excavation. The excavation revealed a Roman thermal bath system and a stunning treasure of 498 gold coins dating back to the 5th century AD. The church was then transformed into a museum, showcasing a portion of the excavation site. The museum's collection spans from the Etruscan period to the early Middle Ages, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's past. Highlights include artifacts recovered from excavations in Sovana and surrounding necropolises, such as the Cavone votive deposit. Architectural terracotta pieces from a sacred building unearthed in Sovana in 1895, a collection of thin-walled vases, Lombard artifacts from the Villa Biagiola, and lead statuettes with inscribed names dedicated to underworld deities are also on display. The gold coins, likely hidden in the late 5th century during a period of invasions, are solidi aurei introduced by Constantine in 324 AD and used throughout the Byzantine Empire until the 10th century. These coins, minted under emperors Leo I and Anthemius, represent a significant archaeological find. Some believe this treasure is linked to the legendary "treasure of Montecristo" described by Alexandre Dumas. Following restoration work completed in 2020, the museum features a new layout with a broader range of artifacts and an improved lighting system, allowing visitors to explore the crypt of the ancient church.

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