Spectacular bronzes discovered last November in the spa town of San Casciano dei Bagni in Tuscany are getting a museum. The Italian Ministry of Culture has acquired a 16th-century palace in San Casciano for this purpose.
The palace from 1580 served as a residence for priests in San Casciano. “San Casciano will have an important museum, which should become an attraction for tourism in this beautiful region,” Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said, according to the media. It is still unclear when the museum will open.
On Friday, 20 statues from San Casciano will be shown to the world for the first time as part of an exhibition in the Quirinal, the seat of the Italian head of state. The finds can be admired from June 23 to July 25 and from September 2 to October 29.
Sheltered by the mud and boiling water of the thermal baths, excavations have uncovered a votive collection of 24 intact bronze statues, five of which are nearly three feet high. They date from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. Thousands of coins and votive offerings have also been discovered in remains of sacred Etruscan and Roman baths dating back more than 2,300 years.
Most likely local craftsmen made the statues. They were found in a shrine with a bubbling pool, sloping terraces, fountains and altars, dating back to at least the third century BC and in use until the fifth century AD.
The remains of the Etruscan thermal baths were discovered in the municipality of San Casciano, with about 1600 inhabitants, which is still known today for its thermal baths. The municipality has restored the thermal baths. The baths were also frequented by the Tuscan Medici ruling family in the 16th century. (aeg/sda/apa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
