Chiusi, The Etruscan City where Time rises from the Earth

Just a few kilometers from Podere Grotta Antica, Chiusi is a small treasure chest of history that holds the ancient soul of Tuscany.
Founded by the Etruscans, it was one of the twelve great cities of their confederation, and walking through its streets you can still feel the echo of that past beneath your feet.
From the main square — with its Cathedral and panoramic bell tower — you descend into underground tunnels carved in tufa: crypts, tombs, and museums tell the story of a refined and mysterious civilization.
Then, lift your eyes again and find peace in the rolling hills, the calm waters of the lake, and the quiet rhythm of a town that still lives at a human pace.

✨ Curiosities about Chiusi

Chiusi is a place where history and legend intertwine.
Some say that hidden somewhere beneath the city lies the Tomb of King Porsenna, the Etruscan ruler who defied Rome — a labyrinth of tunnels said to guard a vast treasure.
Fragments of that legend live on in the National Etruscan Museum, home to beautifully carved urns, bronzes, and frescoes.
Don’t miss the Cathedral Museum with the Labyrinth of Porsenna, entered beside the Duomo: an underground journey ending with a stunning view from the bell tower.
Just outside the town, the Lake of Chiusi offers golden reflections and herons gliding across the calm water at sunset.

✨ Tips from the Podere

After exploring Chiusi’s ancient lanes and underground passages, here are a few local tips — places we genuinely recommend and small experiences that reveal the soul of the area:

🍽️ Where to eat

La Solita Zuppa — A warm, rustic osteria serving honest, seasonal Tuscan food. Simple, genuine, and full of character.

Osteria Etrusca — A cozy, welcoming place with traditional dishes revisited with a delicate personal touch. A lovely stop for a relaxing dinner.

🌿 What to do

Walk around Lake Chiusi — At sunset, silence turns golden. Herons, reeds, and a peaceful path along the water make it one of the most serene, non-touristic places in the area.

The Bell Tower Viewpoint — A short climb for a beautiful panorama: rooftops, rolling hills, and the lake appearing softly on the horizon.

Chiusi feels like home — from Podere Grotta Antica, it’s less than a ten-minute drive away, ideal for an evening stroll or a morning exploring history and horizons.