Overview
A testament to Etruscan Painting
With its 6,000 tombs, some dating back to the 7th century BC, it is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The Etruscan Necropolis of Tarquinia is a must-see for anyone visiting northern Lazio. It stretches out parallel to the Tyrrhenian coast in an area called Monterozzi, a name derived from the presence of tumuli that form small mounds.
The Necropolis is world-famous for the numerous archaeological finds, some of which are housed in the National Museum of Tarquinia in Palazzo Vitelleschi, and for the unique presence of pre-Roman paintings. There are about 200 tombs decorated with frescoes, 22 of which can be visited. The tombs have been named according to the themes of the decorative ensembles. Among the most beautiful examples are the Tomb of the Warrior, the Tomb of the Lionesses, the Tomb of the Leopards and the Tomb of the Bacchae.
The sophistication and beauty of these paintings make this site unique, a true underground museum where you can breathe in an atmosphere frozen in time. It is no coincidence that the Necropolis has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2004.
