The area where the Comano and Sieve Rivers meet in the Mugello is rich in archeological sites where both Etruscan and Roman relics have been found. The area around the town of Dicomano and the small fraction of Frascole has yet to be totally explored but throughout the years numerous relics have been found.
The Frascole area is particularly rich, offering the most finds over the years. Numerous excavations brought to light the foundation of the ancient Romanesque church of San Martino al Poggio and fragments of vases, necklaces and rings dating back to the Etruscan period. Many of these relics are housed in the Archaeological Museum in Dicomano.
From Dicomano head out to the top of the hill to visit the important Etruscan remains at Frascole. The walls are 1.6 - 2 meters high, made of large overlaid stone blocks in a similar technique used to erect the great Etruscan walls of Fiesole. It is still not clear what the area was for although the most credible theory is that it was a Etruscan fortification.
The most interesting find in the area is the stele which you see pictured above and found in the vineyards of the Frascole Farmhouse in Mugello estate. A stele is a stone slab used to mark graves, usually marked with the names of the deceased either through carvings or paintings. This one in particular dates back to the 6th century BC, is very well conserved so that the bas-relief of a bearded man is easily identifiable. The Etruscan Fiesole-style stele is currently housed in the Archaeological Museum in Florence.
In the area, visit the Church of San Jacopo a Frascole and the Villa di Poggio. The church, built in 1719, was restructed in 1923 and conserves a beautiful neo-medieval style belltower. The villa itself is an elegant 17th century home, with a curving double ramp on the facade that provides access to the central, elevated living space. The oratory dedicated to the Virgin of Purity next door merits a visit. In Frascole, we recommend visiting the tabernacle of San Martino a Frascole which was recently restored.
When you're done visiting the archeological area, you can do some Chianti wine tasting at Frascole wine estate and taste the local Chianti Rufina wines. If you're interested in staying in the area, the Frascole estate offers several farmhouse apartments perfect for your holiday in Tuscany near Florence.
The Frascole archeological area is open on Sundays and holidays.
Hours: from 10-12 and 15-18 from the Monday after Easter through the 3rd Sunday in October and from 10-12 and 16-19 in July and August.
On other days or other periods, guided visits for groups can be reserved by calling the Cultural Office in Dicomano's city council at 055-8385408 or through e-mail at: cultura@comune.dicomano.fi.it
