The archaeological area of Montereggi is found on the hill of the same name next to Limite, where numerous archaeological digs have found evidence of an Etruscan settlement between the 5th and 1st century BCE, probably linked to the port facilities for the large number of imported amphorae that were found.
The seaport, located on the ancient Arno river, lending to the position on the slopes of Montalbano, allowed for Pistoia to be reached overland. Ruins of buildings indicate areas that served different purposes: the slopes are reserved for houses, the flat land at the top is a place for worship. Archaeological samples from the south/southwestern slopes of the hill have identified parts of a home and several pieces of pottery for domestic use. At the top of the hill, the findings have revealed a large building made up of two rectangular rooms, of which the sandstone and river pebble foundations have been preserved. With the arrival of the Romans in the 1st century BCE and lack of defence in place, the settlement was abandoned.
Nowadays, the archaeological park situated on the Montereggi hill is free to visit and the excavated material is on display at the Pottery Museum in Montelupo Fiorentino, comprising mostly different shapes of crockery, equipment for spinning, domestic containers, painted pottery and metallic objects.
Info: museomontelupo.it
