“Where the Etruscans etched their enduring legacy into stone.”
Not the postcards. The stories even locals don't know — whispered in your ear, right where they happened.
The Etruscans, often less celebrated than the Romans, left behind a testament to their love of life, not in grand temples, but in their final resting places. What surprising details of their daily existence are preserved in these subterranean chambers?
Tarquinia's skyline is punctuated by numerous medieval towers, a feature often associated with another famous Tuscan hill town. What was the true purpose behind these imposing structures?
Beyond the painted tombs themselves, the museum holds a collection of artifacts that offer a deeper understanding of Etruscan beliefs. What unique artistic creation, once adorning a temple, now greets visitors inside?
Discover every secret of Tarquinia
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Tarquinia, a city in the province of Viterbo, offers a compelling journey through time, from its origins as a powerful Etruscan capital to its medieval incarnation as Corneto, and finally to its modern-day identity. D.H. Lawrence, in his 1927 work 'Etruscan Places,' described Tarquinia's towers 'pricking up like antennae on the side of a low bluff,' a striking image that still resonates. This welcoming destination provides a tranquil alternative to Italy's more bustling tourist centers, blending historic and natural attractions with a relaxed atmosphere.
Today, Tarquinia is known for its extraordinary Etruscan heritage, particularly the UNESCO-protected Monterozzi Necropolis, a vast underground city of the dead. However, the town itself, with its medieval walls, Romanesque-Gothic churches, and Renaissance palaces, presents a layered history waiting to be explored. From ancient artifacts to coastal beaches, Tarquinia offers a diverse experience for those seeking to delve into Italy's intricate past.
## From Etruscan Metropolis to Medieval Stronghold Tarquinia, originally known as 'Tarkna' to the Etruscans and later 'Tarquinii' by the Romans, possesses a history spanning over 3,000 years. Legend attributes its founding to Tarchon, a revered figure in Etruscan mythology, with roots potentially extending back to the 12th century BC. During its Etruscan apex in the 4th and 5th centuries BC, the city was fortified by five miles of substantial walls.
The Etruscans, a civilization that predated the Romans, significantly influenced the development of the Roman Republic, impacting its administrative structures and religious ceremonies. Tarquinia was a prominent member of the Etruscan League, a confederation of twelve city-states, and is considered one of its most important centers. The city's affluence was fueled by mineral resources and commerce, leading to the construction of impressive chamber tombs and a large temple in the 4th century BC.
After centuries of interaction and conflict with Rome and incursions from Celtic tribes, Tarquinia eventually fell under Roman domination. In 90 BC, its inhabitants were granted Roman citizenship. A millennium later, the city, then known as Corneto and situated in a slightly different location, became a stronghold of Matilda of Tuscany in the 11th century. Many of the distinctive medieval towers that still characterize Tarquinia's skyline, such as the Torre Barucci and Torre del Magistrato, date from this period. The name was officially changed back to Tarquinia in the 1920s, reflecting a Fascist-era desire to evoke Imperial Roman glories.
The primary draw of Tarquinia is the Monterozzi Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing approximately 6,000 Etruscan tombs, with about 200 of them adorned with vivid frescoes. These painted tombs, dating from the 7th century BC, offer unparalleled insights into Etruscan daily life, ceremonies, and mythology, depicting scenes of banquets, dancing, hunting, and sports. Visitors can explore a selection of these subterranean chambers, often viewing the frescoes through protective glass.
Complementing the necropolis is the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia, housed within the 15th-century Palazzo Vitelleschi. The museum showcases a vast collection of Etruscan artifacts unearthed from the necropolis and surrounding areas, including sarcophagi, pottery, bronze tableware, and detached frescoes from tombs. A highlight is the 'Cavalli Alati' (Winged Horses), a terracotta high-relief that once graced the pediment of the Ara della Regina temple.
The historic center of Tarquinia itself is worth exploring, with its medieval walls, narrow streets, and Renaissance-era palaces. Key architectural sights include the Tarquinia Cathedral, the Church of Santa Maria di Castello, and the Palazzo Comunale. For a change of pace, the dark sands of Lido di Tarquinia are just three miles away, popular with locals during the summer.
The most pleasant times to visit Tarquinia for comfortable weather are May, June, July, and September. During these months, temperatures are generally agreeable, ranging from 18°C to 30°C. Tarquinia experiences a distinct dry season from June to August, with July being the sunniest month, averaging over 11 hours of sunshine daily. While the archaeological sites and museum are enjoyable year-round, visiting outside of the peak summer heat can enhance the experience of exploring the necropolis.
Tarquinia is easily accessible. From Rome, you can take the E80 or SS1 by car (approximately 90 km) or a direct train from Roma Termini, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The train station is about 3 km from the city center, with local bus services connecting to train arrival times. Free shuttle buses operate within Tarquinia, with stops clearly marked on maps provided by the Tourist Office, located at Barriera San Giusto.
Parking is available at various locations outside the historic center, including near Porta Barriera San Giusto and by the elementary school, with some options for both cars and tourist buses. The train station also offers a car park. A combined ticket for the Etruscan Necropolis and the National Archaeological Museum costs €10 for adults, with concessions available. The sites are typically closed on Mondays.