We've previously discussed the small town of Massa Marittima
in Southern Tuscany which is a bit of a hidden gem with gorgeous views due to its hilltop location and a rich cultural heritage. Its historic Etruscan centre and numerous museums, for which it has been nicknamed the “City of Museums” are two of its most distinctive features. However, once you've found a holiday rental in Massa Marittima, you might want to also venture out of the town once you've explored it a little bit. Just a few kilometres away is the beautiful Lake Accesa with its Etruscan Archaeological Park which, like the town, also offers stunning scenery and great historical value that is not to be missed!
in Southern Tuscany which is a bit of a hidden gem with gorgeous views due to its hilltop location and a rich cultural heritage. Its historic Etruscan centre and numerous museums, for which it has been nicknamed the “City of Museums” are two of its most distinctive features. However, once you've found a holiday rental in Massa Marittima, you might want to also venture out of the town once you've explored it a little bit. Just a few kilometres away is the beautiful Lake Accesa with its Etruscan Archaeological Park which, like the town, also offers stunning scenery and great historical value that is not to be missed!
Lake Accesa is horseshoe-shaped and has a depth that ranges from 20 to 70 meters. Its bank hosts a number of noteworthy archaeological sites and in the woods nearby, there is an ancient Etruscan mining site. Just a bit further from the lake, you’ll find also an abandoned hamlet called ‘Forni dell’Accesa’ where you can see the remains of old ovens used for metal working in the 18th century. The archaeological value of this area was first discovered in the 1920s when metal artefacts and Etruscan tombs were uncovered. Official digs, however, did not begin in earnest until the 1980s. During this period many daily objects like ceramics and weights were discovered which informed experts of what life was like for people in the area during that time.
To date, one hundred and four Etruscan tombs have been discovered at the Lago dell'Accesa site. It has now been established that the Etruscan civilization in the area was established from the 6th century BC as an industrial settlement for the extraction of mineral deposits of silver, lead, ferrous metals and gold from the surrounding hills. From this industry branched a community which occupied five distinct dwelling areas which have been discovered thus far though excavations of the settlements continue each August. The continued, active research in the area makes it all the more exciting and interesting for any history enthusiasts that might be in your party.
If you aren't particularly interested in history, however, you can still very much enjoy a visit to the area as the lake is beautiful. It is a freshwater lake and contains many species of fish that are readily visible in the clear blue waters. The woodlands which surround are also stunning and occupied by many different animals and plants. Whether you're there for the history or picnic and hiking opportunities, it's a part of Tuscany that you won't want to miss.
If you aren't particularly interested in history, however, you can still very much enjoy a visit to the area as the lake is beautiful. It is a freshwater lake and contains many species of fish that are readily visible in the clear blue waters. The woodlands which surround are also stunning and occupied by many different animals and plants. Whether you're there for the history or picnic and hiking opportunities, it's a part of Tuscany that you won't want to miss.
Photo credits
Picture 1: Markus Bernet / CC BY-SA 2.5;
Picture 2 Sailko / CC BY 2.5
Picture 1: Markus Bernet / CC BY-SA 2.5;
Picture 2 Sailko / CC BY 2.5
