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Like an upturned rounded beehive, the peaceful, historic hamlet of Castello di Murlo is right in the middle of Etruscan territory. Most of the dwellings, including Il Pozzo, form part of the walls, which enclose two squares, one with an important Etruscan museum in the ex -Episcopal palace, the other, smaller, with a huge well in the middle. The views are stunning, with cultivated hills of the Crete reaching as far as Asciano and Siena on one side, and the Maremma countryside on the other.
Accommodation
On the ground floor, entered from the piazza, is an old stable-storeroom with, at its far end, a table, a fridge, a cold tap and a barbeque, making it easy to enjoy eating and relaxing outside on the terrace. Another door from the piazza leads to the first floor, with a sitting room with a very large fireplace, a dining kitchen and a bathroom. On the second floor are a double bedroom, and a twin bedroom with WC and washbasin. Furniture is a combination of delightful antiques and high quality modern fittings. Below the terrace is a tiny patch of green and below that a path leads in about 900 metres across the valley to Vescovado di Murlo, where there is a wide variety of shops and services.
Around Il Pozzo
From 900 BC until the Romans squashed them around 350 BC, the mystical and fascinating Etruscans flourished in Tuscany and left influences that continue to be felt to day. Developing extraordinary skills in engineering, their artistic and metalworking abilities enabled them to trade all around the Mediterranean and across Europe. Overlaid by Roman and then medieval influence, often Etruscan sites were used by successive generations and civilisations. Castello di Murlo was a minor centre in Etruscan times. Subsequently developing as a medieval feud in the 3rd Century, it was later effectively cut off from surrounding developments. To day it is an intact, medieval hamlet set in extraordinarily beautiful countryside. Its tiny population looks so like the figures and faces on Etruscan portraits that the people were recently the subject of French genetic research, comparing their DNA with Etruscan; and found to match. The owner of the village pizzeria/restaurant has his photo portrait, dressed as an Etruscan, displayed on the walls. The numerous tracks and roads crossing the area are still the only way to reach secluded places of remarkable historical, artistic and naturalistic importance making Il Pozzo a particularly good base for walking, riding and exploring. Murlo occupies a strategic position in relation to other places of importance in Tuscany. Its hospitable and discreet Anglo-Italian owners live next door and provide every help you may need to enjoy the innumerable feasts for your eyes, mind and palate that Tuscany offers with such amiable generosity.
Prices
Prices are in British Pounds Sterling or Euro per property per week. Dollar prices shown are indicative only and will vary with the exchange rate.
| Low season | 2nd Jan - 7th May / 2nd Oct - 7th Jan | £798.00 / €838.00 Approx US $1204.00 |
| Mid season | 8th May - 25th Jun / 28th Aug - 1st Oct | £798.00 / €838.00 Approx US $1204.00 |
| High season | 26th Jun - 27th Aug | £798.00 / €838.00 Approx US $1204.00 |
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