Area archeologica di San Martino – Frascole

About the museum

The archaeological area stands on the Poggio di Frascole, a hill surrounded by cypresses and oaks that overlooks the valleys of the Mugello and the Sieve. Excavations begun in 1978 with the support of the Gruppo Archeologico Dicomanese have yielded materials dating from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD, as well as the foundations of the small Romanesque church of San Martino a Poggio, built in the mid-thirteenth century.

The principal monument is the rectangular outline of an imposing Etruscan building, dating from the late 4th to the early 3rd century BC. Given its massive structure, it is thought to have been a defensive building controlling the road from the Casentino, perhaps the fortified residence of a large rural aristocratic family; it is not excluded that it was a large temple. The most recent excavations have also brought to light older structures and further rooms around the walls, suggesting a much more extensive settlement.

The Fiesole-type stele of the 6th century BC, a funerary monument with the figure of a bearded man, and the other finds are kept in the Museo archeologico di Dicomano, in the Palazzo comunale. In the summer months the area hosts the cultural programme “Estate Frascolana”.

Highlights

• Rectangular outline of a large Etruscan building (4th–3rd century BC)
• Remains of the Romanesque church of San Martino a Poggio (mid-13th century)
• The only Etruscan site open to visitors in the Mugello and the Sieve Valley
• View over the Sieve Valley from the top of the hill
• Summer programme “Estate Frascolana”

Permanent exhibition

• Scavi di Frascole – Foundations of the Etruscan building and of the church of San Martino a Poggio, with an open-air route across the hill.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Comune di Dicomano

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 excavations can be reached on foot along a pedestrian path or by car; the Florence tourism portal describes the site as accessible.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Educational workshops for children and adults by reservation.

Getting there & parking

The excavations can be reached on foot along a path or by car.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit