CORTONA | The archaeological sites of the area

The Archaeological Park of Sodo: the Etruscan traces in the area nearby

In the lower part of the hill of Cortona, in the village called Sodo, there is located the Archaeological Park of the area. Inside the park, there are two of the Etruscal burial mounds from the Archaic period: the Tumulo I and Tumulo II. These two burial mounds are called, for their silhouette, meloni (melons), because they remind the shape of a melon that comes out from the ground. The Etruscan graves of this area belonged to the princes of VI century BC, the most important members of the local Etruscan aristocracy. The structure of the burial mound rises on a wide round basis made by big stones. And on this base was erected a burial chamber. At the end of the construction, all was covered by the ground. This step created the typical shape of a little hill, so that the status symbol of the family was clear and recognisable. Among the two burial mounds, there is one that outstands: the Tumulo II. It has got a stunning steps-terrace decorated with sculptural groups and architectural elements orientalising style. Nowadays the original steps-terrace was brought to the MAEC, and in the archaeological park is placed a replica of the original. The archaeological park has got opening hours and days, so make sure to look at when they are open. If you come to this area you can't miss a visit to this archaeological site, because you can find unique findings.