Things to do in Tarquinia
The Etruscan city best known for its painted tombs: necropolis, museum, medieval centre and sea, all in one weekend.
The Monterozzi Etruscan Necropolis
On the hill east of the town lies the necropolis: about six thousand tombs, around two hundred of them painted, from the end of the 7th century BC into Republican times. Since 2004 it has been part of the UNESCO site «Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia».
Visitable painted tombs include those of the Leopards, Hunting and Fishing, the Blue Demons, the Flogging and the Bacchantes; the Triclinium, the Ship, the Olympics and the Chariots are in the Museum instead. Not all are always open: ask before you go. Full details on the page about the museum and necropolis of Tarquinia.
National Archaeological Museum
Housed in Palazzo Vitelleschi, built between 1436 and 1439, it holds finds from the necropolises and the famous Winged Horses, the terracotta group from the Ara della Regina temple, regarded as a masterpiece of Etruscan art.
Ara della Regina and the Civita
The Etruscan city of Tarchna stood on the Civita plateau. The Ara della Regina is the great temple that overlooked the settlement: today a quiet, panoramic archaeological area close to the necropolis.
The medieval old town
Walls, towers and Romanesque churches: the medieval town was called Corneto and only took back its ancient name, Tarquinia, in 1922. A stroll between Piazza Cavour and the tufa alleys is enough to see why people like to sleep in the centre.
The sea at Tarquinia Lido
A few minutes from the centre, the Lido has beach and bathing establishments: perfect to end a day of sightseeing with a swim in summer, or a walk along the seafront in other seasons.
Where to eat
- Cardo Social Lab (Piazzale Europa): breakfast, aperitifs and quick lunches.
- Lurmare: seafood restaurant by chef Emiliano Masala.
- Bacco per Bacco: restaurant and wine bar with over 300 labels.
- Gelateria Gambella (Piazza Cavour): ice cream with local flavours.
A one- or two-day itinerary
- Day 1. Morning at the Necropolis, lunch in the centre, afternoon at the Archaeological Museum and its Winged Horses, evening in the old town streets.
- Day 2. Ara della Regina and the Civita in the morning, then the sea at the Lido; an aperitif in the square to say goodbye to Tarquinia.
If you would like a guided visit to the Necropolis, the Museum and the old town with a certified guide, ask Roberto: he arranges it for guests of Il Butto, even after you arrive.
Looking for a place to stay? Discover Il Butto, in Tarquinia's historic centre. Coming from Rome? Read about the weekend one hour from Rome, or discover the Etruscans and their history.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see Tarquinia in one day?
Yes: a full day is enough for the Necropolis, the Museum and the old town. With two days there is time for the Ara della Regina and the sea.
Which are the most famous painted tombs?
Among the visitable ones: Leopards, Hunting and Fishing, Blue Demons, the Flogging, the Bacchantes. The Triclinium, the Ship, the Olympics and the Chariots are in the Museum. Openings vary, so ask beforehand.
What are the Winged Horses?
A terracotta high relief of a pair of winged horses that decorated the Ara della Regina temple. It is now displayed in the National Archaeological Museum, in Palazzo Vitelleschi.
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