Necropolis of Tarquinia

Tarquinia pittura muraleThe Etruscan Necropolis of Tarquinia, World Heritage Site since 2004, contains the biggest concentration of painted tombs of the Mediterranian area.

Large-scale wall-paintings, vivid coloured scenes covering entirely the inner side of the rock-cut tombs are direct evidences documenting aspects of life, death, and religious beliefs of the ancient Etruscans, the only urban civilization in pre-Roman Italy.

Many of the underground tombs are replicas of Etruscan houses, Eternal dwellings for the afterlife, made in the beginning for single couples of aristocratic families of the ancient Etruscan city of Tarchuna (7th century BC-1st century BC).

What You will see are frescoes depicting Etruscans banqueting, dancing and playing the double flute and the kithara, hunting and fishing, worshiping Bacchus in a sacred wood, accompanied by Etruscan winged deities towards the ‘Etruscan False-Door’. Tombs you will visit date back to between the 7th century B.C. and the 3nd B.C. spanning the time the City of Tarchuna has existed which name is linked to Myth and History.

The Etruscan National Museum of Tarquinia is housed in Palazzo Vitelleschi (1436-1439) located in the old town of Tarquinia, it considered one of the richest Collection of Etruscan Antiquities in the Mediterranian area. It displays on three levels precious grave goods proceeding from the princely tombs of the Necropolises surrounding the ancient town of Tarchna as well as materials brought to light during excavation campaigns in the Etruscan city’s area.

Amongst the most important archaeological evidences put on display you can see Etruscan sarcophagi sculpted in stone and painted, Etruscan inscriptions, finely decorated bronzes, splendid gold jewellery, Greek and Etruscan fine pottery, the famous Winged Horses terracotta plaque and also materials dating back to the 9th century B.C. of the so called ‘Villanovans’ who are considerate predecessors of the Etruscans. The rich collection gives a fascinating insight into language, burial culture, daily life, religious ceremonies and mythology as well as artistic skills of the Etruscans of Tarchna.       

Some kilometric distances: Rome-Tarquinia 84 kilometresPort of Rome, Civitavecchia – Tarquinia 18 kilometresViterbo-Tarquinia 41 kilometres

You can visit in the same day both, Necropolis and Etruscan Museum of Tarquinia and another place of the following ones: Viterbo TuscaniaVilla Lante, BagnaiaPark of the Monsters,BomarzoVulci, Archaeological Park – remains of the Etruscan-Roman city

Have a look on Viterbo area’s top sites! (click the images)

Booking and planning your Guided Tour 
info@artinvistaguideviterbo.com   mobile: + 39 3284248738 
Bolsena
Booking and planning your Guided Tour 
info@artinvistaguideviterbo.com   mobile: + 39 3284248738