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Necropoli della Banditaccia - The Etruscans inhabited central-western Italy, between Tuscany and Lazio, from the 9th Century B.C., and experiencing a cultural climax around the 6th Century B.C. before completely disappearing - a result of the impact of Roman civilization, with which it merged in part. No definite answer exists as to this people’s origins, and neither does any trace of a similar community – in regards to its ethnic and social characteristics – between Europe and Asia.
Cerveteri Necropolis’ tombs have very different traits one from the other, depending on the construction period and technique. Those located in the vast archaeological site of Cerveteri are in the thousands. Organized according to an urban plan that resembles that of a city with streets, piazzas and quarters (or neighborhoods), their typology differs in relation to the historical period and the status of the family to whom they belonged. Among the most representative examples of these structures is the Tomb of the Greek Vases, dating back to the 6th Century, and accessible through a corridor that seems to imitate an Etruscan temple. The Tomb of the Cornice, rather, allows access by way of an incline walk that leads to two smaller rooms that hold funereal beds on each side. From there, the pathway continues to a large central room that itself connects to three other principal funerary rooms. Meanwhile, the Tomb of the Capitelli (or the Capitals of a column) owes its peculiarity to its flat roof that is an exact copy of that of the Etruscan home, with support beams of oak and reed. Still, the most famous tomb – of the thousands at Banditaccia – is the Tomb of Reliefs, completed in the 4th Century B.C. It is accessible by way of a long stairway dug into the rock and running to a large room. Here, the ceiling is supported by two columns with capitals unique to Etruria. Thirteen matrimonial funerary niches fill the space, and are painted with red pillows, domestic objects and animals. It is a perfect cross section of a well-to-do Etruscan family of the 4th and 3rd Centuries.
- Exclusive English-speaking tour escort
- Luxury transportation with private chauffeur, including all transfers
- Admission to ‘Monterozzi’ Necropolis in Tarquinia
- Access to ‘Banditaccia’ Necropolis in Cerveteri
- Expert private guide throughout the tour
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and Beverages
The Necropolises in Cerveteri and Tarquinia, which joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, stand as unique and exceptional evidence of the ancient Etruscan Civilization, the only urban civilization from the pre-Roman period. These burial mounds, or tumuli, mimic residential structures in their variety of designs; being constructed as replicas of Etruscan dwellings, they represent the only remaining examples of such anywhere. The twin necropolises of northern Lazio faithfully reproduce the urban layout of the Etruscans. The necropolis of Banditaccia in Cerveteri started taking shape from the 9th Century B.C., with expansion beginning in the 7th Century. The developmental timeline of the necropolis of Monterozzi in Tarquinia mirrors this pattern. Both the ornately painted tombs of the noble class and the simpler ones are unique and extraordinary records of Etruscan daily life, ceremonial practices, mythology, and artistic prowess.
- Child rate applies only when shared with 2 paying adults
- A small amount of walking is involved
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
