Tomba della Scimmia
Painted Etruscan tomb in the Poggio Renzo necropolis near Chiusi, known for the frieze of funeral games and for the monkey that gives the tomb its name.
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About the museum
The Tomba della Scimmia is a painted Etruscan chamber tomb in the necropolis of Poggio Renzo, a few kilometres from Chiusi. It takes its name from a monkey with a chain around its neck, shown crouching in a bush in the frieze of the central chamber. It was discovered in 1846 by Alessandro François, together with the nearby Tomba della Caccia (Tomb of the Hunt).
Scholars date the paintings to the first half of the 5th century BC. The underground tomb lies about eight metres below ground and has a cross-shaped plan, with an atrium and three chambers; coffered ceilings appear in Etruria unusually early. In the frieze of the atrium the funeral games in honour of a deceased woman seated under a parasol are depicted, with chariot races, horsemen, wrestlers, boxers, a dancer and musicians. Subjects and style recall the painting of Tarquinia.
The tomb was open to the public until 1979 and was then closed to protect the paintings, because visitors were altering the microclimate. After restoration it was reopened only to small groups and for brief visits. Today the official pages of the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Chiusi list the tombs of Poggio Renzo as temporarily closed to the public.
Highlights
- Painted frieze of funeral games from the 5th century BC
- Cross-shaped underground tomb with coffered ceilings
- The monkey with the chain that gives the tomb its name
- Poggio Renzo necropolis near Chiusi
Permanent exhibition
- Tomba della Scimmia – Painted funerary chamber with the frieze of funeral games, in the Poggio Renzo necropolis.
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei nazionali della Toscana (Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Chiusi)
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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