Of Villanovan origin (8th century B.C.), Vetulonia was one of the richest and most powerful metropolises in Etruria, as can be deduced from the remains of the boundary wall - still visible in part between two mediaeval towers (Mura dell'Arce) - as well as by the extraordinary extent and richness of its necropolises (Poggio alla Guardia, Poggio alle Birbe, Poggio al Bello, Colle Baroncio, Poggio Valli, Le Dupiane, Poggio Pelliccia). Particularly worth seeing are the tombs known as Pietrera and Diavolino II.
Before entering the mediaeval village, where the new archaeological Museum is housed, the so-called "city" Excavations offer interesting finds of the 2nd-1st century B.C., whilst remains of buildings and mosaics that have surfaced in the area of "Le Banditelle" suggest the forum of Roman Veulonia was situated there.