Tarquinia - the rock Necropolis

Discover the magic of the Etruscan civilization. Here is a studied itinerary for a full understanding of the role of ancient Etruscan life in Italy and the development of later civilizations!

Tuscany's name derives from Etruscan and this whole region, including nearby Umbria and upper Latium, is where the highest concentration of Etruscan states (lucumoniae) existed. Here you can encounter the fascinating Etruscan civilization, seemingly, at everu steps you take. Still not much is known about these people, although new findings have increased our knowledge of their civilizzation. We know, of course, that they were great artisans and seemed to care as much about the afterworld than about earthly life. Hence the magnificent tombs, exquisitely decorated with wall paintings and stocked with household goods. The most interesting places to visit on this itinerary (but not all of them, by all means) arel isted here.

THE ITINERARY:
An important itinerary with the combination of the "Rock Necropolis" and the splendid tombs of Tarquinia. Starting from Viterbo drive to the archaeological center of Castel d'Asso (about 70 tombs) then to the archeological complex of Norchia and Blera, an area full of tombs and Etruscan remains. Via S. Giuliano you continue to the archaeological area of S. Giovenale (Luni sul Mignone) and Tarquinia with its important Museum (one of the major Etruscan Museums in the world) and Tombs. Exit Tarquinia towards the sea to visit Gravisca, once site of the Etruscan port of Tarquinia

Tarquinia 
Visit the National Museum of Tarquinia (Museo Nazionale Tarquinense - Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Tarquinia), housed in a 15C palace with an incredible collection of Etruscan art featuring material dating mostly from the 6th to 3rd century BC, including a few pieces from Greece and Egypt. Here you will find stone sarcophagi from the 7-3C BC, carved in low relief, sometimes with a reclining sculpted figure of the deceased on top, beautiful chronologically displayed collection of Etruscan, Corinthian and Attic ceramics, coins and jewelry, the famous Two Winged Horses, (3 or 4C BC) a terra-cotta sculpture excavated on the steps of the nearby temple of the Queen's Altar and several reconstructed tombs. Near Tarquinia are the Necropolis in a vast and eerie landscape, the site of the original ancient city. Only a few of the painted tombs of Tarquinia are open to view at one time and will give us not just a look at the Etruscan aesthetic and way of life, but also a glimpse of the tradition of Greek painting. 

Viterbo 
In the Museo Civico you will find sarcophagi and  inscriptions. There is also and Etruscan bridge in town, the Ponte del Castello.

Norchia 
Your you can visit the necropolis, rock tombs with temple facades.

THE VISITS:
Visit the important  "Rock Necropolis" and the splendid tombs of Tarquinia along with the archeological complex of Norchia and Blera.