Tarquinia: Day Trip from Rome

Introduction

If you are looking for a day trip from Rome that combines history, culture and nature, you might want to consider visiting Tarquinia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the legacy of the ancient Etruscans. Tarquinia is located about 100 kilometers northwest of Rome, in the region of Lazio, and it is famous for its necropolis, where you can admire hundreds of painted tombs dating back to the 6th-1st centuries BC. Tarquinia also has a charming medieval town center, where you can explore its churches, museums and palaces.

Distance and travel time from Rome: Tarquinia is about 100 kilometers away from Rome, and it takes about 1.5 hours to get there by car or by train. By car, you can take the E80 highway and exit at Tarquinia. By train, you can take a regional train from Roma Termini station to Tarquinia station, and then take a free shuttle bus to the necropolis.

Getting There

By Public Transport

If you prefer to travel by public transport, you can take a regional train from Roma Termini station to Tarquinia station. The train journey takes about an hour, and the ticket costs around 7 euros. You can check the train schedule and buy tickets online at Trenitalia. From Tarquinia station, you can take a free shuttle bus that runs every 30 minutes to the necropolis. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes, and you can find the bus stop in front of the station.

By Car

If you have your own car or you want to rent one, you can drive to Tarquinia from Rome in about 1.5 hours. You can take the E80 highway and exit at Tarquinia. The road is well signposted and easy to follow. You can park your car at the necropolis parking lot for a fee of 2 euros per hour. Alternatively, you can park your car in the town center and walk to the necropolis in about 20 minutes.

Top Attractions at Tarquinia

The Etruscan Necropolis

The main reason to visit Tarquinia is to explore the ancient tombs of the Etruscans, a civilization that flourished in central Italy before the rise of Rome. The necropolis, or city of the dead, contains over 6,000 graves, some dating back to the 9th century BC. The most impressive ones are the painted tombs, which feature colorful frescoes depicting scenes from Etruscan life, mythology and religion. You can access some of the tombs by walking down a staircase into the underground chambers, where you can admire the vivid paintings and the sarcophagi of the deceased. The necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Etruscan art and culture.

Visitor tips:

• Buy your ticket at the museum, which is located in the town center, and then take the free shuttle bus to the necropolis.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the necropolis covers a large area and can get hot in summer.
• Respect the silence and the sacredness of the place. Do not touch or damage anything.

The National Museum of Tarquinia

The National Museum of Tarquinia is housed in the former Palazzo Vitelleschi, a 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance building that overlooks the main square of the town. The museum displays a rich collection of artifacts from the Etruscan civilization, including pottery, jewelry, bronze sculptures, coins and inscriptions. The highlight of the museum is the wing dedicated to the painted tombs, where you can see reproductions of some of the most famous frescoes from the necropolis, as well as original sarcophagi and urns. The museum also offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding countryside from its rooftop terrace.

Visitor tips:

• The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm. The ticket costs 8 euros and includes access to the necropolis.
• You can rent an audio guide for 4 euros or join a guided tour for 10 euros per person.
• Don't miss the temporary exhibitions and events that are often organized by the museum.

More Attractions

Besides the Etruscan heritage, Tarquinia has other attractions to offer, such as:

• The medieval town center, where you can stroll along the narrow streets and admire the churches, palaces and fountains.
• The Cathedral of Santa Maria di Castello, which dates back to the 12th century and features a Romanesque facade and a Gothic interior.
• The Church of San Francesco, which houses a fresco cycle by Lorenzo da Viterbo depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis.
• The Church of San Martino, which contains a crypt with frescoes from the 13th century.
• The Botanical Garden, which showcases a variety of plants and flowers from different regions of Italy.

Activities and Experiences

Cycling Tour

A great way to explore Tarquinia and its surroundings is by bike. You can rent a bike from one of the local shops or join a guided cycling tour that will take you along scenic routes and hidden paths. You will discover the natural beauty of the Maremma region, with its rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards. You will also visit some of the historical and cultural landmarks of Tarquinia, such as the Etruscan necropolis, the medieval town center and the castle. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to taste some of the local products, such as wine, cheese and honey.

Beach Day

If you are looking for some relaxation and fun in the sun, you can head to one of the beaches near Tarquinia. The closest one is Lido di Tarquinia, which is about 10 km away from the town center. It is a long sandy beach with clear water and several facilities, such as umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and bars. You can also enjoy water sports, such as surfing, sailing and kayaking. Another option is Marina Velca, which is about 15 km away from Tarquinia. It is a more secluded and quiet beach, surrounded by pine trees and dunes. It is ideal for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.

Lesser Known Stories and Interesting Facts about Tarquinia

Tarquinia has a long and fascinating history that spans over three millennia. Here are some of the lesser known stories and interesting facts about this ancient town:

• Tarquinia was one of the 12 cities of the Etruscan League, a confederation of city-states that ruled over central Italy from the 8th to the 3rd century BC.
• Tarquinia was the birthplace of two of the legendary kings of Rome, Tarquinius Priscus and Tarquinius Superbus, who were both deposed by a popular uprising that led to the establishment of the Roman Republic.
• Tarquinia was the first city in Italy to have a public library, founded by Pope Clement XII in 1737.
• Tarquinia was the setting of a famous novel by D.H. Lawrence, called Etruscan Places, in which the author describes his visit to the Etruscan necropolis and his admiration for the Etruscan culture.
• Tarquinia hosts an annual festival called Tarquinia in Fiore, or Tarquinia in Bloom, which takes place in May and features a parade of floats decorated with flowers and a competition among the different districts of the town.