Chiusi
Chiusi: discovering the beauties of this Tuscan municipality
If you are a lover of Tuscany and are looking for a small municipality to visit, Chiusi could be your ideal destination. Located in the province of Siena, this municipality of 8,158 inhabitants has been awarded the tourist-environmental quality brand of the Orange Flag conferred by the Italian Touring Club. Let's discover together the beauties of this place, where history and nature blend in a fascinating mix.
The geographical location of Chiusi
Chiusi is located in the southeastern sector of the province of Siena, on the border with Umbria, precisely in the province of Perugia. The city is located at an altitude of 398 m above sea level and is placed in the middle of the Valdichiana Senese. It borders Montepulciano, Castiglione del Lago, Città della Pieve, Cetona, Sarteano, and Chianciano Terme.
The territory and climate of Chiusi
From a seismic point of view, Chiusi falls within zone 2 (medium-high seismicity) according to the PCM Ordinance 3274 of 20/03/2003. While from a climatic point of view, it belongs to zone D, 2022 GR/G of the climatic classification. The atmospheric diffusivity was found to be high as confirmed by Ibimet CNR 2002.
The history of Chiusi
The first archaeological evidence of Chiusi dates back to the Iron Age, around the 8th century BC when the city was still an Etruscan settlement known as Clevsins. Later, the city was renamed Clusium and became of fundamental importance as it was located along the artery that connected Rome to northern Etruria, following the course of the Tiber and the Clanis river.
The first written evidence concerning Chiusi dates back to the Hellenistic era, a period in which the city was involved in Celtic invasions. In the following centuries, the city saw the presence of important figures such as Porsenna, a famous chiusino lucumon, and Arunte of Rome. According to mythology, the city was founded by Cluso, son of Tirreno, but other legends trace its origins back to Telemachus, son of Ulysses. The Etruscan settlement was located on the three hills on which the medieval and modern city arose. Its territory, the ager Clusinus, was huge, comprising a part of Trasimeno and the surrounding mountains.
The attractions of Chiusi
Today, Chiusi is a small town that preserves and brings to life the testimonies of its past. Among the attractions not to be missed, we find the National Archaeological Museum of Chiusi, which preserves numerous Etruscan and Roman artifacts from the area, including the famous tomb of the Lion.
But Chiusi offers much more: in the city and its surroundings, there are numerous churches, such as the Church of San Francesco and the Cathedral of San Secondiano, and ancient archaeological sites such as the Tombs of Poggio Renzo and the Bridge of Porsenna. In addition, the surroundings of Chiusi are perfect for naturalistic excursions on foot or by bicycle.
The gastronomy of Chiusi
You cannot talk about Tuscany without mentioning good food. Chiusi, in this case too, does not disappoint and offers a genuine and traditional cuisine. Among the local specialties, we find ribollita, Tuscan bread, braised wild boar, and homemade tagliatelle with meat ragù. To finish the meal, you cannot miss tasting Chianti wine, which originates precisely in this area.
In conclusion, Chiusi is a small town that deserves a visit, especially for those who want to discover the lesser-known beauties of Tuscany. The blend of history, nature, and good food make this destination a unique and unforgettable experience.
