Archaeological Museum of Portus Scabris - Scarlino - Le colline metallifere

Address

Via delle Collacchie 1 - Puntone

Museum

The Museum of Portus Scabris was established in 2009 to disseminate scientific data relating to underwater archaeological excavations conducted between 2000 and 2001, prior to the construction of a tourist marina in the bay of Portiglioni. The excavations brought to light the extensive deposition of artefacts accumulated over the centuries on the seabed of the area of Puntone di Scarlino. The high geographical concentration of these finds reveals an intense traffic of merchant ships as early as the third century BC. The discoveries represent important and clear evidence of the presence in this area of the famous Roman port known as “Portus Scabris”, as cited by a number of ancient sources. Among the archaeological finds are objects which accidentally fell into the sea during the loading and unloading of ships, amphorae and pottery damaged during trips and thrown into the sea to free up the ship holds and the wrecks of sunken ships. Through artefacts conserved under the sea for centuries, the exhibition aims to reconstruct the life of the port and reinstate knowledge of a piece of local history. The museum offers an opportunity to dive into the past of the area and to accompany the underwater archaeologists in the work of excavation and documentation, via observation of their practices and tools used. Educational workshops and tours are routinely organized.

Activities

educational workshops and excursions

Bookshop

Yes

Accessibility disabled

Accessible

Schedule

1 July - 15 September: Tuesday - Sunday 10-13, 17-20, with guided tour of the Rocca Pisana archaeological site - tours depart from the Info Point at Rocca Pisana; 15 September - 31 October; 1 - 4 November; 26 December - 6 January, April - June: Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10-13, 16-19 with guided tour of the Rocca Pisana archaeological site - tours depart from the Info Point at Rocca Pisana; at other times and dates, opening on request for groups at agreed times, call 0566/844381