Latest news with #Etruscan
Condé Nast Traveler
8 hours ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
My Favorite Airbnb: A Panoramic Penthouse in a Medieval Tuscan Town
In a country with as much rich and easily accessible history as Italy, it can be hard to know where to start. Early this summer, my girlfriend and I planned a week-long Italian jaunt, beginning in Rome and winding our way up to Verona, with a stop in the medieval city of Siena to see the Palio—a famed, centuries-old biannual horse race. In search of a window into a different (less crowded) side of Italy's history, I took to perusing Airbnb listings in Pitigliano, a southern Tuscan town a Pisan friend had recommended. I stumbled across the Attico Panoramico Nell'antico Borgo—a panoramic penthouse in the ancient city. Lying halfway between Rome and Florence, this apartment was supposedly in one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Looking at photos had me giddy with excitement, but nothing could have prepared me for the sight that opened up before me as our tiny rented Fiat whipped around the hairpin turns of the Tuscan hills and Pitigliano came into view. While the archaeological record shows evidence of a pre-Roman Etruscan town on the same site, the current incarnation of Pitigliano has existed since around the 11th century, when it quickly rose to prominence as a regional cultural and political capital. Known as the 'Citta del Tufo' in reference to the ubiquitous volcanic tuff stone used in its construction, Pitigliano is perhaps the quintessential Tuscan hilltop town: a labyrinth of clifftop walls, towers, houses, and churches that could easily have been ripped from the background of a Bellini painting. After parking outside the city walls—no cars allowed in the centro storico—we traversed the ancient stone bridge that led to the old city, which is perched on top of a rocky outcropping (a strategic decision dating back to the days when the town regularly found itself at war with its neighbors). Despite (or perhaps because of) its imposing defensive exterior, the inside of the town is peaceful; its tiny size concealing a seemingly endless maze of winding alleys and idyllic squares, strewn with marble fountains, pots of flowers, and stray cats. The Airbnb's exterior Courtesy Airbnb The wooden staircase in the Airbnb Courtesy Airbnb After picking our way through the stone streets to the central Piazza della Repubblica, we spotted the ancient stone building we were to call home. Inside, under the huge beams of the gabled ceiling, the apartment seemed as labyrinthine and storied as the town itself, with each of its cozy rooms containing a treasure trove of tasteful, eclectic decor, from original oil paintings to Etruscan-style pottery. Small, quirky, and full of life, it's the kind of space that could easily feel cramped or cluttered if it weren't so thoughtfully designed at every turn. A wealth of south-facing windows filled the home with warm Tuscan sunlight, from the delightfully spacious king bedroom (there's also a charming daybed in the adjoining room that sleeps a third traveler) to the compact but attractive kitchen. As pleasant as the interiors were, we spent most of our time at the highlight of the penthouse: its two (two!) clay-tiled terraces. Stepping outside, I understood why they called it the 'panoramic penthouse', with views across the entire town and down into the forested ravine below.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Opened a 2,600-Year-Old Tomb—and Found 4 People Who Time Forgot
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: A team of archaeologists scouring central Italy uncovered a fully intact Etruscan chamber tomb. The sealed chamber is likely around 2,600 years old and contains more than 100 grave goods. Bronze ornaments and delicate silver hair spools are highlights of the find. A rare discovery of a fully sealed Etruscan chamber tomb in Italy came with a bonus: more than 100 grave goods from the seventh century B.C. Located at San Giuliano—about 43 miles northwest of Rome in the hilly region of central Italy—a team of archeologists working on the San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project called the discovery one of the most significant finds in recent decades related to our understanding pre-Roman civilization, according to a statement from Baylor University. 'This completely sealed burial chamber represents a rare find for Etruscan archaeology,' Davide Zori, a professor of history and archaeology at Baylor and a principal investigator on the project, said in a statement. He added that a 'preserved chamber tomb of this age has never before been excavated with modern archaeological techniques' in the region. Once the team entered the 2,600-year-old undisturbed tomb, they found four skeletons on carved stone beds surrounded by more than 100 well-preserved grave goods, including ceramic vases, iron weapons, bronze ornaments, and delicate silver hair spools. The research project has been active in the region since 2016, uncovering over 600 tombs in the necropolis surrounding the Etruscan town, which sits atop the San Giuliano Plateau. So far, though, every other chamber tomb—defined as a tomb carved out of the rock into the shape of a small house with a pitched roof—had been previously looted. Some had been emptied of their valuables as early as the start of Roman occupation in the late third century B.C. Inside the sealed tomb, preliminary analysis suggests the four individuals buried there could be two male-female pairs, but the researchers await more conclusive results. 'The SGARP team has completed the excavation of the tomb, but the study and analysis of the archaeological data yielded by this incredible discovery is just beginning,' Zori said. The research project is a collaboration between a Baylor-led consortium of universities and Virgil Academy in Rome in partnership with the town of Barbarano Romano. The program aims to reconstruct the long-term changes in the human occupation of the plateau and surrounding hills. The team believes that the hundreds of rock-cut Etruscan tombs encircling the plateau were likely associated with the town. 'SGARP seeks to investigate the Etruscan occupation and understand the transitions that followed, including incorporation into the Roman Empire, transformation into a medieval castle, and the final abandonment of the site sometime before 1300 A.D.,' according to a project statement. Along the way, Baylor students remain intertwined in the process. 'Being part of a project that uncovered an unlooted tomb was extremely surreal,' Kendall Peterson, a senior anthropology major from San Antonio, said in a statement. 'It is something that archaeologists hope for their entire careers, and it was incredibly emotional to witness not only our professors' reactions but also the pride and excitement of the local community of Barbarano. It reminded me that we aren't just studying artifacts, we're contributing to a shared cultural heritage that still deeply matters to the people who live there today.' You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life? Solve the daily Crossword
NZ Herald
19-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Where to experience cowboy culture around the world
Australia Stockmen, also known as ringers, are part of Australia's cultural fabric. For generations, they've worked the country's craggy landscapes and vast outback. Stockmen first arrived on the scene in the early 19th century, when European settlers established cattle and sheep ranches. Their adept rustling skills were passed down through the generations and are still in use today. To see modern Australian cowboys put their roping techniques to the test, head to the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in northwest Queensland. The Birdsville Races , held each September, also have a distinct stockman flair. Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. Photo / Tourism and Events Queensland Italy Italy's cowboys, the butteri, have worked the land between southwestern Tuscany and northern Lazio since Etruscan times, tending long-horned Maremmana cattle. The butteri employ an elegant, quick riding style and carry the traditional mazzarella, a hand-carved wooden staff used to open gates, herd cattle and train horses. While the butteri still ride the open land across central Italy, their numbers are dwindling, leading lawmakers to kick off training programmes to bring new wranglers into the fold. The six-room Tenuta Di Alberese , located in the Maremma region of Tuscany, offers visitors horseback tours with the butteri who live and work nearby. Italian butteri have been riding since Etruscan times, making them Europe's oldest cowboys. Photo / Unsplash Mexico When the Spanish first came to Mexico in 1519, they knew they'd need vaqueros, or cowboys, to wrangle the cattle they brought with them. They quickly trained indigenous men to ride horseback on the range. Those Mexican vaqueros eventually took their skills with them throughout North America, developing the art of lasso (from the Spanish lazo, or rope) and later inspiring their American counterparts. Visitors to the popular tourist town of San Miguel de Allende can get an authentic vaquero experience with a full-day ride at Rancho Xotolar , a working ranch. Bonus: During the tour, you'll also spy ancient Toltec pyramids. Spain Without Spanish vaqueros, there wouldn't be 'cowboy culture'. These original ranch hands worked the Iberian Peninsula's haciendas during medieval times and were responsible for rounding up livestock and branding the animals to aid in identification. Their horseback skills proved so useful that conquistadors often brought them along as they expanded the Spanish empire around the world. Today, you can get a modern-day vaquero fix during the annual El Rocío Saca de las Yeguas. During the event, held every June 26, hundreds of mares are brought to the shrine of the Virgin del Rocío for a special blessing. The animals are then driven to nearby Alamonte for a livestock fair and sale. Saddle up for global adventures as cowboy culture takes centre stage in travel. Photo / Getty Images The Philippines You might not consider Southeast Asia a hotspot for cowboy culture, but in the Philippines, rodeo reigns supreme. Each spring, hundreds of contestants flock to the Mastabe City Rodeo Festival to show off their lasso skills, ride bulls, and take part in the carambola, an attempt to restrain rowdy cows by hand. Many more come out to watch the spectacle, all dressed in their western best. As with many other cowboy hotspots, the Filipino tradition took shape when Spanish colonisers arrived on the scene and brought cattle and horses with them. Locals learned to manage and herd cows and steer by horseback, and that tradition still remains strong. United States
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
2,600-year-old tomb — untouched by looters — found at park in Italy. Peek inside
Not too far from Rome sits the rock necropolis of San Giuliano, a site promising a unique glimpse into the ancient culture that dominated Italy before the Romans. But accessing the site hasn't always been easy. Visitors had to trek into a ravine, navigate the overgrown forest and locate the ruins. Recently, while working to improve the site, archaeologists unearthed a 2,600-year-old tomb that sat unopened — until now. Heritage officials began a yearslong project to clean up the archaeological park in Barbarano Romano and restore some of its more than 500 tombs. The effort started in 2023 and is continuing this summer, the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria said in a July 4 news release. As archaeologists were excavating a section of the park, they unearthed a stone entranceway built into a massive mound. The underground pit-like entryway had a door sealed with a rock slab, photos show. The team carefully removed the slab, lowering it to the ground to reveal a rectangular opening. Photos show this arduous yet delicate process. Peering inside, archaeologists realized they were looking into an Etruscan stone tomb dating back about 2,600 years, officials said. Unlike many of the park's other tombs, the newfound grave was untouched by looters. Officials also shared photos of the find in a June 27 Facebook post. Archaeologists did not enter the tomb but, from the doorway, could see a burial chamber, the department said. On the threshold sat several delicately painted pots and jars. A large pile of pottery was visible on the ground further inside, photos show. On either side of the doorway were funeral beds, one of which had several bronze ornaments sitting on it, officials said. Archaeologist Barbara Barbaro described the find as extremely rare and exceptional, offering deeper insights into Etruscan culture. The Etruscans were an ancient civilization located in modern-day Italy and reached their peak in the sixth century B.C. 'Many features of Etruscan culture were adopted by the Romans, their successors to power in the peninsula,' according to Britannica. The team is currently documenting the 2,600-year-old tomb and will eventually excavate it, the department said. Work is ongoing at the rock necropolis of San Giuliano. The site is in Barbarano Romano and about 30 miles northwest of Rome. Google Translate was used to translate the news release and Facebook post from the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria.
Business Insider
07-07-2025
- Business Insider
I'm from Italy and love visiting this small, breathtaking village that's less than 2 hours from Rome
I was born and raised in Italy and love visiting Civita di Bagnoregio, a village north of Rome. The small village has been nicknamed "The Dying City" due to its fragile infrastructure. However, from the delicious food to the stunning views, I think it's livelier than ever. As someone who was born and raised in Rome, I know firsthand that there's nothing more enjoyable than the city's vibrant atmosphere and friendly community. However, if you're looking for a hidden gem where you can reconnect with nature and enjoy a more peaceful environment, you'll need to look beyond the typical tourist areas. That's why I love visiting Civita di Bagnoregio, a charming village just an hour and a half north of Rome that overlooks the badlands. To get there, visitors have to cross a 984-foot bridge Strongly affected by earthquakes and erosion, the hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio has been nicknamed "The Dying City" due to its fragile infrastructure. Today, it's home to only a handful of residents, but in my opinion, it feels more alive than ever. Part of its charm is that the only way to get there is via a 984-foot pedestrian bridge from Bagnoregio, a neighboring city that residents rely on for resources. Fortunately, crossing this peaceful bridge and looking out at the gorgeous views is one of the best parts of the journey. With so few people around, I like to truly romanticise my stroll, looking out at the historic houses and the stunning landscapes of northern Lazio. And once I arrive in the village, there's so much to explore. I love stopping at the town's small restaurants In my opinion, Civita di Bagnoregio is the perfect village to experience a traditional Italian meal. Once in town, I always have lunch at Osteria al Forno di Agnese. This charming restaurant with a welcoming staff serves up everything from homemade pasta to fresh salads. I especially enjoy the pincinelle with pistachio pesto and the mixed salad with strawberries and mozzarella. In the afternoon, I stop for an aperitivo at Wine Bar d'Andrea, where I enjoy a charcuterie board, taralli, and a wine tasting. There are lots of wonderful places to stop in Civita di Bagnoregio I'm never bored when I visit Civita di Bagnoregio. In my opinion, the best place to start is at the Church of San Donato, which is home to gorgeous religious artifacts like a wooden crucifix, Etruscan sarcophagi, and relics of saints. However, one of my favorite places to visit is Giardino del Poeta, a garden filled with roses, tulips, and ornamental plants. The panoramic view of the surrounding landscape is truly breathtaking. Within the garden, there's also a cute little spot to buy organic foods like jams, which I always pick up before heading home. I always make time to browse the local shops Before leaving Civita di Bagnoregio, I always like grabbing a few souvenirs as a reminder of my time in the village. I enjoy stopping by Acqua di Civita, a small store set in the main square that sells cosmetics, fragrances, soaps, and candles. I particularly like the donkey milk soap and snail mucin lip balm. There's also a little shop that sells lovely ceramic plates and vases, each adorned with painted religious scenes or Etruscan symbols. Overall, visiting Civita di Bagnoregio is the perfect way to escape the crowds in Rome Although I enjoy walking through Rome's busiest areas, I feel most rejuvenated when hiking through Civita di Bagnoregio. Even though the village welcomes many visitors during the high season, there's always a profound silence that inevitably comforts me. From the delicious restaurants and local shops to the stunning views from above, I'd definitely recommend a trip to Civita di Bagnoregio to anyone that's in the area.
