Cerveteri: Ancient Day Trip from Rome

Introduction

If you are looking for a day trip from Rome that combines history, culture and nature, Cerveteri is a great option. Cerveteri is a charming town in the region of Lazio, about 40 km from the capital, that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is famous for its ancient Etruscan heritage, especially the impressive necropolis that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cerveteri was once one of the most powerful and prosperous cities of the Etruscan civilization, which flourished in central Italy between the 8th and 3rd centuries BC. The Etruscans left behind a rich legacy of art, architecture and culture that influenced the Romans and the Renaissance. The necropolis of Cerveteri, also known as the City of the Dead, is a vast complex of tombs that reflects the social and religious life of the Etruscans. You can explore the tombs, some of which are decorated with frescoes and sculptures, and admire the artifacts displayed in the nearby museum.

Cerveteri is not only about ancient history, though. It also has a picturesque medieval center, where you can visit some beautiful churches and palaces, and enjoy the local cuisine. You can also relax on the sandy beaches of the nearby coast, or hike in the natural park of Bracciano-Martignano.

A day trip from Rome to Cerveteri is a perfect way to discover a different side of Italy, away from the crowds and the chaos of the city. You can reach Cerveteri by car or by public transport in less than an hour, and spend a full day immersed in nature and culture.

Distance and travel time from Rome: about 50 km, 45 minutes by car or 1 hour by public transport.

Getting There

By Public Transport

If you prefer to travel by public transport, you have two options to get from Rome to Cerveteri: by train or by bus.

• By train: you can take a regional train from Roma Termini or Roma Trastevere to Marina di Cerveteri, which is the closest station to Cerveteri. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs 3.60 euros one way. From Marina di Cerveteri, you can take a local bus (linea A) to Cerveteri centro storico (historic center), which takes about 15 minutes and costs 1 euro one way. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or walk for about 4 km.
• By bus: you can take a Cotral bus from Roma Cornelia (metro line A) to Cerveteri centro storico (historic center), which takes about an hour and costs 3.90 euros one way. The buses run every hour from Monday to Saturday, and every two hours on Sundays and holidays. You can check the timetable here.

By Car

If you have your own car or rent one, you can drive from Rome to Cerveteri in less than an hour. The fastest route is via A91 and E80, which is about 53 km long and has tolls. You can also take SS1 or SS148, which are shorter but slower routes. You can check the directions here.

Parking in Cerveteri is not difficult, as there are several free or paid parking lots around the town. You can park near the historic center, near the necropolis or near the museum. You can find more information about parking here.

Top Attractions at Cerveteri

The Necropolis of Banditaccia

The Necropolis of Banditaccia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive examples of Etruscan civilization. It covers an area of 400 hectares and contains thousands of tombs dating from the 9th to the 3rd century BC. The tombs are shaped like houses, temples, or mounds, and some of them have elaborate frescoes and sculptures. You can explore the necropolis on foot or by a small train, and visit the most remarkable tombs, such as the Tomb of the Reliefs, the Tomb of the Shields, and the Tomb of the Greek Vases.

The National Etruscan Museum

The National Etruscan Museum is located in the medieval castle of Cerveteri, which dominates the town from a hilltop. The museum displays a rich collection of artifacts found in the necropolis and other nearby sites, such as pottery, jewelry, sarcophagi, and bronze statues. You can learn about the history, culture, and religion of the Etruscans, who ruled this region before the Romans. The museum also offers guided tours, workshops, and educational activities for children.

More Attractions

• The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore: one of the oldest churches in Italy, built on the ruins of an Etruscan temple.
• The Church of Sant'Antonio Abate: a Romanesque church with beautiful frescoes from the 14th century.
• The Ruspoli Palace: a noble residence with a baroque façade and a secret passage to the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
• The Cerite Forest: a natural reserve with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a variety of flora and fauna.

Activities and Experiences

Wine Tasting

Cerveteri is part of the Etruscan Coast Wine Route, which includes several wineries that produce high-quality wines from local grapes. You can visit some of these wineries and taste their products, such as Malvasia, Trebbiano, Sangiovese, and Merlot. You can also enjoy typical dishes from the regional cuisine, such as cheese, salami, pasta, and meat.

Horse Riding

If you love nature and animals, you can join a horse riding tour that will take you through the scenic countryside around Cerveteri. You can choose from different itineraries and levels of difficulty, depending on your skills and preferences. You can ride along vineyards, olive groves, fields, and woods, and admire the views of the sea and the hills. You can also visit some historical sites along the way, such as ancient tombs and medieval castles.

Lesser Known Stories and Interesting Facts about Cerveteri

Cerveteri has a long and fascinating history that goes beyond its famous necropolis. Here are some lesser known stories and interesting facts about this town:

• Cerveteri was once a powerful city-state that had diplomatic relations with other Mediterranean civilizations, such as Greece, Carthage, and Egypt. It even minted its own coins and had its own alphabet.
• Cerveteri was involved in a naval battle against the Phoenicians in 540 BC, which was recorded by the Greek historian Herodotus. The battle took place near Sardinia and ended with a truce between the two sides.
• Cerveteri was sacked by the Romans in 273 BC, after a long siege that lasted for two years. The Romans destroyed most of the city and enslaved its inhabitants. They also looted many treasures from the necropolis, some of which are now displayed in the Vatican Museums.
• Cerveteri was reborn in the Middle Ages as Caere Vetus (Old Caere), under the rule of various feudal lords. It became part of the Papal States in 1198 and remained so until 1870.
• Cerveteri was visited by several famous artists and writers over the centuries, such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Piranesi, Goethe, Byron, and D'Annunzio. They were inspired by its ancient monuments and its picturesque landscape.