Italy is a place where history is very much still alive – in her preserved towns, her exceptionally rich museums, her active traditions, and much more besides. And, despite the wealth of sites, architectural gems, museums and galleries stuffed with works of art and archaeological finds, that one would need lifetimes upon lifetimes to even put a dent in, discoveries continue to happen and new finds continue to be uncovered. The latest discovery, in fact, was made only this week in a thermal bath in the small town of San Casciano, in the province of Siena, where some 24 bronze statues dating back to the ancient Romans were uncovered! Those with any sort of interest in art and history, really would be advised to plan a vacation in Tuscany – you never know what you might find on your trip!
Okay, so you’re pretty unlikely to find a hoard of ancient, precious sculptures yourself while on holiday in Tuscany but those who book one of our Tuscany villas can certainly see such incredible pieces with relative ease throughout their trip as there are endless museums and attractions to choose from. From famous spots like the Uffizi Museum to local galleries and institutions that you have likely never heard of in tiny towns all over the region boasting collections with famous names from the history of art among their holdings, you’ll never be far from your next chance to see the most extraordinary objects from throughout history.
One of these museums is a new one in San Casciano, where these latest discoveries will eventually be housed once restoration works on them are completed. This museum is being fed by a rich source at the site of the baths, where an intensive archaeological dig has been taking place for several years now. Though you likely have never heard of it before, it is well-worth a visit should you find a villa in Siena and end up in this part of the world – especially once these extraordinary pieces are on display.
Described as among the most, “significant bronzes ever produced in the history of the ancient Mediterranean,” by Massimo Osanna, the director-general of Italy’s museums, part of the Ministry of Goods and Cultural Activities, this new collection of bronzes are thought to date from between the second century BC and the first century AD and will be magnificent additions to the museum and to the history of art as we know it.
Some are whole, some are in parts and there are a variety of figures and subjects depicted, including votive statues of pagan gods as well as images of young men, elderly matrons, and emperors. All are rich and detailed and several are so well-preserved that they boast inscriptions of the names of eminent local Etruscans. One of the leaders of the excavation, Jacopo Tabolli, a professor at the Università di Stranieri di Siena, reported to the Italian media when the discovery was revealed to the world on Tuesday the 8th of November 2022 that, “It is a discovery that will rewrite history,” and is one of the, “largest deposit[s] of statues from ancient Italy, and the only one affording us the possibility of reconstructing the entire surrounding context.”
Restoration of the bronzes has now been made a priority and the excavation has been temporarily paused until spring of next year while that work is done. But who knows what yet might be uncovered in a place as rich in history and culture as Tuscany? Delve into it all for yourself and discover a whole new world with your next vacation in Tuscany with us!
