Parco archeologico naturalistico e archeodromo di Belverde

About the museum

The Parco archeologico naturalistico di Belverde extends over the slope of Monte Cetona, in an area of woodland and travertine cliffs that was frequented by people from the Middle Paleolithic, when Neanderthals used some of the mountain’s caves. Between the second millennium BC and the Bronze Age settlement became very intense, with open-air huts, rock shelters and burials, so that Belverde forms the main nucleus of the collections of the Museo civico di Cetona.

The park was established in the early 1990s as part of the “Progetto Cetona”, launched in 1984 by the Comune together with the Soprintendenza archeologica della Toscana and the University of Siena after research at the site had resumed. Today it is run in an integrated way with the Museo civico per la preistoria del Monte Cetona, located in the centre of the village, which holds the finds from the excavations.

The route includes three cavities in the travertine, the Grotta di San Francesco, the Antro della Noce and the Antro del Poggetto, which are lit and equipped and were formerly used for funerary or cult purposes, as well as the remains of open-air settlements. The Archeodromo presents a full-scale reconstruction of part of a Bronze Age village, with huts and craft areas, and of a Middle Paleolithic cave settlement. The two sectors are linked by a woodland path along the rocky ridge, with views over the Valdichiana.

Highlights

• Full-scale reconstruction of a Bronze Age village
• Reconstruction of a Middle Paleolithic cave settlement
• Grotta di San Francesco, Antro della Noce and Antro del Poggetto
• Woodland path with views over the Valdichiana
• Experimental archaeology workshops and dig simulation

Permanent exhibition

• Parco archeologico e Archeodromo di Belverde – Open-air route through equipped prehistoric caves, remains of settlements and full-scale reconstructions of a Bronze Age village and a Paleolithic cave settlement.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Comune di Cetona

Visitors per year

approx. 8,667

Admission & discounts

The Museo civico di Cetona has its own ticket (standard €4, reduced €3). Booking by phone or email is recommended.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Archeodromo is accessible to people with disabilities, with the exception of the cave.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Thematic workshops, experimental activities and dig simulation at the Archeodromo, also for schools.

Getting there & parking

The park is located at Belverde, along the Strada della Montagna; the entrance is at the Service Centre, signposted by road signs.

Amenities & dining

The Service Centre has teaching rooms, an information point, a parking area and refreshments.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit