ATTENTION
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Things to do in Tarquinia
Located between Lazio’s Maremma hills and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tarquinia is one of the most fascinating art cities in the region — the cradle of Etruscan civilisation and a treasure trove of medieval and natural heritage. Here is a specially curated itinerary to help you discover its marvels, whether you're in the area for just one day or a longer stay.
DAY 1
IN THE WORLD OF THE ETRUSCANS
A trip to Tarquinia simply has to begin with a deep dive into thousands of years of Etruscan history. Visit the extraordinary Monterozzi Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its painted tombs that depict the lives, ceremonies and myths of the ancient Etruscans.
Continue by exploring the archaeological area of Civita, the ancient Etruscan centre in the heart of Tarquinia. Make sure to stop off at the monumental ruins of the Ara della Regina, one of the largest Etruscan temples ever to be discovered.
End your day with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum in the majestic Palazzo Vitelleschi, where you can admire unique artefacts, including the famous Winged Horses.
DAY 2
THE MEDIEVAL HEART OF TARQUINIA
On day two, head straight into the medieval heart of the city, with its churches, towers and picturesque views.
Begin at Tarquinia Cathedral, dedicated to Saints Martin and Margaret, which houses precious works of art and testimonies to Tarquinia’s religious history.
Continue to the magnificent Church of Santa Maria in Castello, one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Lazio.
Climb the Torre di Matilde di Canossa to enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding area and as far as the sea. From here, you can head to the Belvedere della Ripa, the perfect location for a refreshing break.
If you have time, you can learn more about the local history by consulting the Historical Archives and visit some of Tarquinia's most charming churches: San Giacomo, San Francesco and San Giovanni, each with its own unique charm and historical value.
DAY 3
TARQUINIA’S HIDDEN TREASURES
Dedicate the third day of your trip to places that are less well-known but rich in beauty and meaning.
Discover the MAST – Museum of Sacred Art in Tarquinia, housed in a former convent, where you can admire sacred artworks, artefacts and testimonies of the city's spiritual heritage.
Continue to the Palazzo Comunale, where you can visit the splendid Hall of Frescoes, decorated with symbolic and historical scenes.
Don’t miss the Church of San Leonardo and the Church of the Suffrage, two small architectural gems in the heart of the city centre.
To conclude, explore two historic buildings: Palazzo dei Priori, home to the Museum of Domestic Ceramics in Corneto, and the elegant Palazzo Bruschi, which houses the Municipal Library.
DAY 4
SEA AND NATURE
After three days of art and history, it is time to relax in nature or by the sea.
Enjoy a day at Lido di Tarquinia, with its golden beaches, water sports and excellent fish-based cuisine.
For closer contact with nature, visit the Oasi Naturale delle Saline, a nature reserve that is perfect for birdwatching and nature photography. Alternatively, you can unwind in the green surroundings of Marina Velca, between the countryside and coastline.
Prefer something more active? Venture into the Tarquinian countryside and embark on a walk to Roccaccia, with its trails, woods and panoramic views, or explore the archaeological area of Farnesiana, where the remains of the Medieval town of Leopoli-Cencelle can still be seen.
Intro
Cradle of Etruscan civilization, the Tarquinia and Cerveteri area is home to two extraordinary UNESCO sites, renowned worldwide for their frescoed necropolises, monumental tombs, and a landscape that recounts 3,000 years of history.
Here, culture intertwines with nature, myth with tradition: amidst hills, waterfalls, medieval villages, and ancient flavors, each itinerary is an immersive journey into the heart of Etruria. Alongside the wonders of the past, new paths open up: those of flavor, craftsmanship, wine, and the outdoors, including sports, trekking, and discovery.
T a r q u i n i a
The Sacred Dawn
The "Sacred Dawn" itinerary offers a trek that begins at the Barriera San Giusto information point, along the Viterbo CAI (Italian Alpine Club) route 103, and leads to the Pian di Civita archaeological site, located approximately 3 km from the historic center of Tarquinia. In this evocative location, you can witness the sunrise illuminating the remains of the Etruscan temple known as the "Ara della Regina."
The route continues with a visit to the Etruscan quarter of Porta Romanelli and the community nature reserve of the Tarquinia acropolis, characterized by the presence of native plant species such as ferula, milk thistle, wild barley, wild olive tree, mastic tree, and common fig. The itinerary concludes on a panoramic esplanade overlooking the "Ara della Regina," where you can enjoy a picnic featuring typical local produce and local organic wines. During the excursion, visitors will also be able to observe, weather permitting, paragliders in flight from the nearby take-off area.
This itinerary offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Tarquinia's millennia-old history, combining archaeological experiences with exploration of the surrounding natural heritage.
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In the footsteps of the Etruscans
This itinerary offers a fascinating journey through the most significant remains of Etruscan civilization. The starting point is the Necropolis of Calvary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to 22 visitable hypogea, known for the extraordinary frescoes that decorate the tomb walls and recount myths, rituals, and scenes of daily life.
The route continues through the Scataglini Necropolis until reaching the Via dei Principi, home to some of the last and most impressive burial mounds of Tarquinia's nobility: the Tumulus of the King, the Tumulus of the Queen, and the Tumulus Luzi, majestic examples of sepulchral architecture.
The itinerary concludes with a visit to the so-called Tombs of the Kings, including the evocative Tomb of the Orcus and the Tomb of the Shields, which house important artistic and symbolic treasures. During certain times of the year, it's also possible to visit the Second Arches Necropolis, home to other important tombs, such as those of the Panthers, the Bulls, the Augurs, Giustiniani, and Giglioli. Along the way, there are breaks dedicated to discovering the local flavors, with tastings of olive oil, honey, and local products, in a dialogue between archaeology and food and wine culture rooted in Etruscan heritage.
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Etruscan Necropolis of Calvario
King's Tumulus and Queen's Tumulus
Tarkna, Corneto, Tarquinia
The itinerary guides visitors to discover Tarquinia's three historical identities: ancient Etruscan Tarkna, medieval Corneto, and the contemporary city. The tour begins at the National Etruscan Museum, housed in Palazzo Vitelleschi, where the archaeological collections recount the daily life of the Etruscans through vases, bronzes, oriental ceramics, and the characteristic black bucchero ware.
The tour continues into the heart of medieval Tarquinia, among the churches, towers, and palaces of the historic center. Inside the Town Hall, the Hall of Frescoes comes to life thanks to augmented reality: by framing the works with their smartphone, visitors can access interactive content that recounts the origins and protagonists of medieval Corneto.
The journey continues at the Ceramics Museum, which traces the city's transformations through ceramic production, from the Etruscan era to contemporary artists. The museum also offers workshops to experiment with coiling techniques and decoration with natural clays.
The final stage leads to the Church of Santa Maria in Castello and the Torrione della Contessa Matilde, which offers one of the most evocative panoramic views of the city.
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National Etruscan Museum - Palazzo Vitelleschi
C e r v e t e r i
The line between the city of the dead and the city of the living
This itinerary offers a fully immersive trek into the world of the Etruscans, crossing the natural beauty of the Ceriti Mountains overlooking the city of Cerveteri. The shaded and picturesque route winds past waterfalls, fords, and ancient ironworks.
We begin at the Banditaccia Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to discover the archaeological area with the famous Via degli Inferi, rich in Etruscan tombs and burial mounds. Continuing, we cross the Manganello Valley, a wild area that marked the boundary between the city of the dead and that of the living.
Along the way, you can admire spectacular waterfalls, including the Cascata dell'Arenile, the Braccio di Mare waterfall, characterized by a large basin, and the Cascata della Mola or Castel Giuliano waterfall, the highest in the area.
In the afternoon, the itinerary includes a visit to the historic center of Cerveteri, with stops at artisan workshops and the ancient wood-fired oven, where you can participate in a guided tasting of local wines and typical baked goods, concluding an authentic and engaging experience.
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The Villages of Ceri and Cerveteri
The itinerary begins with a guided tour of the picturesque village of Ceri, a place steeped in history and tradition. Among the main sites to visit are the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Ceri, a place of devotion and a reference point for the local community, and Palazzo Torlonia, a historic building of great architectural significance.
During the visit, you can taste olive oil and appreciate the authentic flavors of the area.
Next, the tour moves to the medieval town of Cerveteri, where you can visit the charming Piazza Santa Maria. Here, you'll find important places of interest such as the National Archaeological Museum, home to artifacts that testify to the area's cultural richness; the Church of Santa Maria, an example of religious architecture; and Palazzo Ruspoli, a symbol of local aristocratic history.
The day concludes with a visit to the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, located in the immediate vicinity of Cerveteri's city walls, offering the perfect conclusion to this itinerary of art, history, and spirituality.
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Sanctuary of the Madonna di Ceri
Heritage returned: i tombaroli
Questo percorso propone un approfondimento storico-archeologico sul tema dei “tombaroli”, predatori che fin dall’antichità hanno saccheggiato il territorio alla ricerca di tesori etruschi. Si visitano importanti siti funerari come le Tombe del Comune, la Necropoli delle Greppe di Sant’Angelo, la Tomba delle Cinque Sedie, i Grandi Tumuli, la Necropoli del Laghetto, la Bufolareccia e la Via degli Inferi.
Durante il percorso si approfondisce il recupero di capolavori etruschi restituiti al Museo Nazionale di Cerveteri e si visita uno spazio espositivo con reperti recuperati grazie all’attività del Nucleo Carabinieri.
La giornata si conclude con un trasferimento alla spiaggia “Sabbie Nere”, dove si può osservare l’area archeologica di Pyrgi, antico porto di Cerveteri. Da qui, una breve escursione in Stand Up Paddle permette di ammirare il fondale tra il Castello di Santa Severa e il santuario di Pyrgi, godendo di un suggestivo tramonto accompagnato da un calice di vino.
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Podcast
Where to eat
Where to sleep
What to do in Tarquinia and Cerveteri
Useful numbers
Tarquinia Info Point
I.A.T. Tourist Information and Welcome Office
Barriera San Giusto – 01016 Tarquinia (VT)
Tel: 0766849282
Email: info.turismo@tarquinia.net
National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia
Piazza Cavour 1 – 01016 Tarquinia (VT)
Tel: 0766856036
Monterozzi Necropolis
Strada provinciale Monterozzi Marina
01016 Tarquinia (VT)
Tel: 0766856308
Cerveteri Tourist Information Point
Tourist information center
Piazza Aldo Moro, 00052 Cerveteri (RM)
Tel: 0630321659
National Archaeological Museum of Cerveteri
Piazza Santa Maria, 00052 Cerveteri (RM)
Tel: 069941354
Banditaccia Necropolis
Via della Necropoli, 43/45, 00052 Cerveteri (RM)
Tel: 069940001
