The next time you’re in Tuscany and you’re looking for a unique day trip, head to Murlo. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never heard of Murlo.
Heard of Siena? Sure. Tuscany? You probably saw the movie. But, Murlo? Probably not. And that’s through no fault of your own! Murlo is so off-the-grid and Untouristy that its website doesn’t even have an English-language option. Now, that’s local!
Murlo is a beautifully quaint little village in Italy – it’s in the region of Tuscany in the province of Siena, to be exact. This gorgeous town is 30 minutes from the city of Siena, 90 minutes from Florence and just around the corner from the 7th Century BC. According to the Tuscany Tourism site, Etruscan ruins excavated from the hills have revealed the remains of a royal residence dating back over 2,500 years.
Speaking of history, if you’re going to Murlo, you must check out the Museo Antiquarium Poggio Civitate. This museum, founded in 1988 and restored and expanded in 2002, houses tons of ancient artifacts including terracotta reliefs, sculptures, ceramic tools and more. What’s best is that they all come from the hill (poggio) right in town, not some crypt halfway across Europe. The history of this place is astounding.
As far as Tuscany day trips go, you’d be hard pressed to find something more off-the-beaten path (and interesting!) than Murlo. So, go to Murlo and be the envy of your friends for finding such a rare gem in a countryside filled with breathtaking beauty.
A LITTLE EXTRA: Although they don’t make merlot in Murlo, you can stay at our Le Chiuse apartments in Montalcino and sip on award-winning Rosso di Montalcino from the Le Chiuse vineyard.
What are your favorite Tuscany day trips?