Tarquinia Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Tarquinia, located in the Lazio region of Italy, is a city that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its Etruscan heritage, this charming destination is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a unique Italian experience.

The Etruscan Necropolis of Tarquinia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant archaeological sites in Italy. The necropolis is a vast complex of tombs dating back to the 7th century BC, showcasing intricate frescoes that depict scenes from Etruscan life. Exploring these ancient underground chambers is like stepping back in time and offers a fascinating insight into the Etruscan civilization.

Tarquinia's historic center is a treasure trove of medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets. The beautifully preserved buildings, adorned with colorful flowers, create a picturesque setting perfect for leisurely strolls. The 12th-century Tarquinia Cathedral, with its impressive Romanesque facade, is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

For art lovers, the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia is a must-visit. The museum houses an extensive collection of Etruscan artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Etruscan civilization and its artistic achievements.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the stunning countryside surrounding Tarquinia. The nearby Monti della Tolfa Natural Park offers hiking trails with breathtaking views of the rolling hills and Mediterranean vegetation. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, boars, and birds of prey, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

No visit to Tarquinia would be complete without enjoying the local cuisine. The city is renowned for its traditional dishes, such as wild boar stew, homemade pasta, and delicious seafood. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local wines, as Tarquinia is part of the Lazio wine region, known for its excellent production of white and red wines.

Alternative names: Population: 11.9 thous. (2020)Area: 107.85 mi²Elevation: 413 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°15'12"N, 11°45'25"E

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LazioItaly

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Tarquinia Top Attractions

Tarquinia Attractions - What to See and Explore

Tarquinia offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Tarquinia National Museum, Monterozzi necropolis, Tomb of the Leopards, Tomb of the Whipping. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

History museum • Museum • Archaeological museum
Tarquinia National Museum
Nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Tarquinia, Italy, the Tarquinia National Museum is a treasure trove of Etruscan history and art. Housed in the impressive Palazzo Vitelleschi, a 15th-century Renaissance palace, the museum is renowned for its extensive...
History museum • Archaeological site
Monterozzi necropolis
The Monterozzi necropolis is an Etruscan necropolis on a hill east of Tarquinia in Lazio, Italy. The necropolis has about 6,000 graves, the oldest of which dates to the 7th century BC. About 200 of the tomb chambers are decorated with frescos.
Tomb
Tomb of the Leopards
The Tomb of the Leopards is an Etruscan burial chamber so called for the confronted leopards painted above a banquet scene. The tomb is located within the Necropolis of Monterozzi, near Tarquinia, Lazio, Italy, and dates to around 470–450 BC.

Tomb
Tomb of the Whipping
The Tomb of the Whipping is an Etruscan tomb in the Necropolis of Monterozzi near Tarquinia, Lazio, Italy. It is dated to approximately 490 BC and named after a fresco of two men who flog a woman in an erotic context.
Tomb
Tomb of Hunting and Fishing
The Tomb of Hunting and Fishing, formerly known as the Tomb of the Hunter, is an Etruscan tomb in the Necropolis of Monterozzi near Tarquinia, Lazio, Italy.
Tomb
Tomb of the Triclinium
The Tomb of the Triclinium is an Etruscan tomb in the Necropolis of Monterozzi dated to approximately 470 BC. The tomb is named after the Roman triclinium, a type of formal dining room, which appears in the frescoes of the tomb. It has been described as one of the most famous of all Etruscan tombs.
Church
Tarquinia Cathedral
Tarquinia Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Tarquinia, Lazio, Italy, dedicated to Saint Margaret and Saint Martin. Formerly the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Tarquinia, previously known as the Diocese of Corneto, since 1986 it has been a co-cathedral of the Diocese of Civitavecchia-Tarquinia.
Church • Ruins • Historical place
San Pancrazio
San Pancrazio is a Gothic-style, Roman Catholic church located on Via San Pancrazio #11 in Tarquinia, province of Viterbo, Lazio, central Italy. Now deconsecrated, the church is used for cultural events.
Church • Forts and castles • Romanesque architecture
Santa Maria in Castello
Santa Maria in Castello is a Romanesque-style, Roman Catholic church located on Via di Porta Castello #35 in Tarquinia, province of Viterbo, region of Lazio, Italy. This church was built in 1121- 1208 atop the earlier Chapel of Santa Maria ad rupes. It served as Cathedral until 1435, when the role was assigned to the Tarquinia Cathedral.
Church • Romanesque architecture
San Martino
San Martino is a Romanesque-style, Roman Catholic church located on Via San Martino #48 in Tarquinia, province of Viterbo, region of Lazio, Italy.
Tomb
Tomb of the Blue Demons
The Tomb of the Blue Demons is an Etruscan tomb in the Necropolis of Monterozzi near Tarquinia, Italy. It was discovered in 1985. The tomb is named after the blue and black-skinned demons which appear in an underworld scene on the right wall. The tomb has been dated to the end of the fifth century BC.
Museum • Art gallery
Winged-Horses of Tarquinia
The high-relief of the "Tarquinia Winged Horses" is a fragment of the colonnade that supported the pediment of the most important temple of the ancient Etruscan city of Tarquínia, at the Ara della Regina, better known as the Major Temple of Tarquínia.
42°14'52"N • 11°45'54"E
Etruscopolis
History museum • Museum
42°14'59"N • 11°46'9"E
Tomba dei Caronti
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Day trips

Tarquinia – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Tarquinia, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Sacro Bosco (Bomarzo), Palace of the Popes (Viterbo), San Pietro Church (Tuscania).

30 milesNE
Park
Sacro Bosco, Bomarzo
Nestled in the picturesque town of Bomarzo, Italy, the Sacro Bosco, also known as the Park of the Monsters, offers a unique and enchanting experience for travelers. This whimsical park, created in the 16th century, stands out with its surreal and mysterious atmosphere...
21 milesNE
Vernacular architecture, Architecture, Historical place
Palace of the Popes, Viterbo
Nestled in the heart of the medieval city of Viterbo, Italy, the Palace of the Popes stands as a testament to the town's significant historical role during the 13th century. This majestic palace, with its imposing stone walls and Gothic architecture, was once the papal...
13 milesNE
Historical place, Church
San Pietro Church, Tuscania
Nestled in the heart of the enchanting medieval town of Tuscania, Italy, the San Pietro Church stands as a testament to the rich religious and architectural history of the region. This ancient basilica, dating back to the 8th century, is a captivating destination for...
26 milesSE
Museum of Italian military aviation
Italian Air Force Museum, Lake Bracciano
The Italian Air Force Museum is an aircraft museum at Vigna di Valle, on Lake Bracciano, in central Italy. It is operated by the Aeronautica Militare. The museum's collection has an emphasis on Italian machines and seaplanes.
23 milesNE
Vernacular architecture, Garden, Historical place
Villa Lante, Viterbo
Villa Lante is a Mannerist garden of surprise in Bagnaia, Viterbo, central Italy, attributed to Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola. Villa Lante did not become so known until it passed to Ippolito Lante Montefeltro della Rovere, Duke of Bomarzo, in the 17th century, when it was already 100 years old.

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Best Time To Visit Tarquinia

Learn when is the best time to travel to Tarquinia weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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April, June, August and December are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in January, October and November.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Best Ways to Experience the City

Food & drink

Cuisine

A guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.

Pasta
Pasta, a cherished dish originating from Italy, is primarily made from grain flour—usually wheat—combined with water or eggs. It comes in a multitude of shapes and can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, baking, or frying.
Food

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Tarquinia?

The top attractions to visit in Tarquinia are:

What is the best time to visit Tarquinia?

April, June, August and December are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Tarquinia Travel Guide

Facts and practical information

Tarquinia Attractions - What to See and Explore

Tarquinia – popular in the area (distance from the center)

Best Time To Visit Tarquinia

Best Ways to Experience the City

Food & drink

Pasta

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Tarquinia?

What is the best time to visit Tarquinia?