Murlo
Murlo is a small municipality in the province of Siena, Tuscany, set among hills that slope gently toward the Maremma
Updated 21 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Murlo now
The story
The story of Murlo
Introduction and Location
Murlo lies in the province of Siena, Tuscany, in a hilly area that bridges the Sienese hills and the Maremma of Grosseto. The municipality includes several hamlets, among them Vescovado di Murlo, the administrative seat, and the ancient hilltop village of Murlo, still encircled by its stone walls. Tucked away from the main tourist routes, the territory preserves an unspoiled landscape of woods, cultivated fields and small settlements, within easy reach of both the city of Siena and the thermal springs and coastline of Tuscany.
History and Origins
Murlo's origins date back to Etruscan times, as shown by the renowned archaeological site of Poggio Civitate, one of the most studied Etruscan complexes in Italy, which has yielded the remains of a monumental building and numerous artifacts now housed in the local Antiquarium. During the Middle Ages the territory came under the control of the Bishop of Siena, which is why the main hamlet is called Vescovado, and it was dotted with castles and fortified villages built to defend the borders of the Sienese Republic. Among these, the castle of Crevole stands out for its artistic and religious history.
Nature and Landscape
The landscape around Murlo is shaped by gentle hills planted with olive groves and vineyards, alternating with oak and holm-oak woods that slope down toward streams feeding the Ombrone river. Country lanes link the various hamlets and invite walks and cycling trips through the quiet Tuscan countryside, with panoramic viewpoints stretching from the Sienese hills to the Maremma highlands. Limited urban development has preserved a genuinely rural environment, appreciated by travelers seeking slow tourism, close contact with nature and a rhythm dictated by the changing seasons.
What to Do and See
Visitors to Murlo can wander through the lanes of the walled village, admiring stone houses and small panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, and stop at the Antiquarium of Murlo, the museum housing Etruscan finds from Poggio Civitate. Nearby, other hamlets and the ruins of medieval castles, such as Crevole, can be reached for an itinerary combining archaeology, history and scenery. Nature lovers can follow paths across hills and woodland on foot or by bicycle, while those seeking quiet will find the village an ideal place to slow down.
Flavors and Traditions
The cuisine of Murlo is rooted in Sienese country tradition: extra-virgin olive oil, wine, unsalted Tuscan bread and pulses form the base of many local dishes. An important role is played by the Cinta Senese, the ancient native pig breed of these hills, which yields highly regarded cured meats. In autumn, chestnuts and mushrooms enrich the table, reflecting the close relationship between the wooded territory and local eating habits. Village festivals and local markets offer the chance to sample these products directly in the hamlets of the municipality, in an authentic and little-touristed setting.
Not to be missed
- The walled historic village of Murlo, with its stone houses and scenic lanes
- The Antiquarium of Murlo, displaying Etruscan finds from Poggio Civitate
- The Etruscan archaeological site of Poggio Civitate
- The castle of Crevole and the remains of the area's medieval fortifications
- The olive- and vine-covered hills, with trails for walking and cycling
To see
What to see in Murlo
Routes · Trovido Route
