Tarquinia - Monterozzi Necropolis

Situated 90 km north-west of Rome on top of a hill in the surroundings of Tarquinia, Monterozzi Necropolis was declared a part of UNESCO heritage in 2004, together with the Necropolis of Banditaccia. It comprises over 6000 graves, many of which monumental and finely painted with representation of daily life and mythological scenes including hunters, dancers, athletes, jugglers and fishermen. In the same way that the interior of the graves in the Necropolis of Banditaccia were used to discern the interiors of the Etruscan houses, the paintings in Tarquinia helped historians to trace a profile of daily life and beliefs at Etruscan time. The oldest painting still visible dates back to the 7th century BC.

The name ‘Monterozzi’ refers to the mounds of the tombs, partly buried by sediments, but still visible on the surface of the hill. The best way to get to Tarquinia by public transportation is to first reach the sea town of Civitavecchia by train or bus, before hopping on a local bus. It's also possible to reach Tarquinia directly by train, but the daily options might be just a few. From the town free shuttles are available to reach the necropolis.