National Archaeological Museum, Archaeological museum in Palazzo Costabili, Ferrara, Italy
The National Archaeological Museum is housed in a Renaissance palace and displays extensive collections of Etruscan artifacts from the ancient city of Spina. The rooms contain ceramics, jewelry, tools, and everyday objects that reveal how life unfolded in this ancient port settlement.
The museum was established in 1935 to present findings from Spina, an Etruscan settlement that thrived between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC near present-day Comacchio. The city functioned as a major trading port before gradually being abandoned due to silting.
The exhibition displays Attic vases, gold jewelry, and bronze objects that reveal how Spina engaged in extensive trade with ancient Greece. These pieces show the everyday connections between Mediterranean cultures that shaped the region.
The museum is located in central Ferrara and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors should note that the collection spans several floors, and comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring thoroughly.
Two preserved Roman single-hulled boats from the 3rd-4th century BC discovered in 1948 in the Isola Valley are displayed on the ground floor. These rare ship remains offer insight into ancient transport methods and maritime technology.
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