Populonia

The only Etruscan city built right on the coast, Populonia grew rich smelting iron ore from Elba, and its slag once covered the shore of the Gulf of Baratti. The tiny village on the promontory today dates from the 15th century, when the Appiani lords of Piombino laid it out and built its fortress, with their dragon still set above the gate.

Highlights

• The Rocca, the 15th-century fortress of the Appiani (IT)
• The Baratti and Populonia archaeological park, with necropolises and the ironworking quarter
• The private Gasparri collection of finds from the city and the seabed
• Stretches of Etruscan walls and Roman remains, including a fish mosaic
• Views over the Gulf of Baratti, the city's ancient port (IT)

Summary based on Wikipedia and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA), written with AI assistance.