Overview
Tarquinia is a small hilltop city in the province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio, roughly 90 kilometres north-west of Rome and close to the Tyrrhenian coast. It sits on a tufa plateau and retains a well-preserved medieval centre of towers, churches, and narrow streets alongside the remains of one of the most powerful cities in the ancient Etruscan world.
The city's principal draw is the Necropolis of Tarquinia, jointly inscribed with Cerveteri on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. Hundreds of rock-cut chamber tombs, many decorated with vivid frescoes dating from the 7th to 2nd centuries BCE, offer an unparalleled window into Etruscan life, religion, and art. The Museo Nazionale Tarquiniense, housed in the 15th-century Palazzo Vitelleschi in the town centre, holds an outstanding collection of Etruscan artefacts including the famous terracotta Winged Horses.
Beyond archaeology, Tarquinia is a quietly appealing town in its own right — a place where daily life carries on undisturbed by mass tourism. The surrounding countryside produces local wines and olive oil, and the nearby Lido di Tarquinia provides a stretch of coast popular with Italian holidaymakers in summer.
Before You Go
Visas
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Italian immigration authority or your nearest Italian embassy before travel.
Health
No specific vaccinations are required for travel to Italy beyond routine immunisations. European Union citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU visitors should arrange comprehensive travel health insurance before departure.
What to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip — the medieval centre involves cobblestones and uneven paths; the necropolis site involves dirt tracks
- Layers, especially in spring and autumn when temperatures can drop in the evenings
- Sun protection for summer visits to the open-air necropolis
- Cash — some smaller local businesses may not accept cards; verify locally
Getting There
By Train
Tarquinia has a railway station on the Rome–Pisa coastal line. Direct regional trains run from Roma Termini and Roma Ostiense; journey times are typically around 1.5 to 2 hours, though this varies. Check Trenitalia (trenitalia.com) for current schedules and fares. The station sits at the foot of the hill, a few kilometres from the town centre — local buses or taxis connect the two.
By Car
Driving is the most flexible option, particularly if you plan to visit the necropolis site, which lies outside the town walls. From Rome, the most common route is via the Via Aurelia (SS1) northward. Journey time from Rome is approximately 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Parking is available near the town walls; verify current restrictions locally.
By Bus
CoTral regional buses connect Tarquinia with Viterbo and other towns in northern Lazio. Check CoTral's official website for current routes and timetables, as schedules can be limited.
Getting Around
Tarquinia's medieval centre is compact and best explored on foot, though the hilly terrain and cobblestones require reasonable mobility. The necropolis site lies roughly 4–5 kilometres from the town centre and is not easily walkable; a car, taxi, or local bus is the practical option.
The Lido di Tarquinia coastal area is a separate settlement a few kilometres away; a seasonal local bus service typically connects it to the town in summer — verify current schedules locally. Taxis are available but should be arranged in advance given the small size of the town.
Things to See & Do
Necropolis of Tarquinia (UNESCO)
The necropolis is the single most important reason to visit. A selection of painted tombs is open to the public on a rotating basis to manage conservation; the number accessible at any given time varies. Tickets are purchased at the necropolis site or, for combined entry, at the Museo Nazionale Tarquiniense. Verify current opening hours and admission prices at the official Polo Museale del Lazio website or on-site before visiting.
Museo Nazionale Tarquiniense
Housed in the striking Gothic-Renaissance Palazzo Vitelleschi, this is one of the most important Etruscan museums in Italy. The collection spans pottery, jewellery, bronzes, sarcophagi, and reconstructed tomb chambers. The terracotta Winged Horses, originally from the altar of a major Etruscan temple, are among the finest surviving examples of Etruscan sculpture. Combined tickets with the necropolis are typically available — verify locally.
Medieval Town Centre
The historic centre retains several medieval towers (Tarquinia was once known as Corneto and is notable for its tower-houses), the Romanesque church of Santa Maria di Castello with its cosmatesque floor and 12th-century campanile, and the Piazza Cavour with its views over the surrounding countryside.
Lido di Tarquinia
A modest seaside locality popular with Italian families in summer, offering sandy beaches along the Tyrrhenian coast. It is a functional rather than spectacular destination but provides a relaxing counterpoint to the archaeological sites.
Surrounding Countryside
The Maremma landscape north of Rome — rolling tufa hills, vineyards, and chestnut forests — rewards slow exploration by car. The area produces Canino DOP olive oil and local wines worth seeking out.
Food & Drink
Tarquinia's food scene reflects the broader traditions of northern Lazio and coastal Maremma. Expect robust, unfussy cooking centred on local produce, dried pasta, legumes, wild game in season, and fresh fish given the town's coastal proximity.
Look for dishes built around local varieties of beans and lentils, acquacotta (a simple vegetable and bread soup with rural origins), and seasonal vegetables. The coast means grilled or stewed fish appears on many menus, particularly in summer.
The province of Viterbo produces Canino DOP extra-virgin olive oil, considered among Italy's finest, and you will find it used generously in local cooking. Local wine production is modest but regional Lazio whites and reds (including Est! Est!! Est!!! from nearby Montefiascone) appear on local lists.
The town has a handful of restaurants and trattorie concentrated in and around the historic centre and the Lido. Venues vary seasonally — confirm opening days locally, particularly outside the April–October period.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency (EU-wide): 112
- Police (Carabinieri): 112
- Ambulance: 118
- Fire: 115
Money
ATMs (Bancomat) are available in the town centre. Carry some cash for smaller establishments and the necropolis ticket office. Verify card acceptance before ordering or purchasing.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is generally adequate in the town centre; it may be spottier at the necropolis site and in rural areas. Free Wi-Fi availability is limited — do not rely on it.
Useful Contacts
- Official tourism information: verify current contact details for the Comune di Tarquinia or the Lazio regional tourism portal (visitlazio.com)
- Polo Museale del Lazio manages the museum and necropolis; check their official site for current ticketing
Accessibility
The necropolis involves uneven ground and is not fully accessible for visitors with limited mobility. The museum building has some access limitations typical of a historic palazzo. Contact the museum directly to discuss specific needs before visiting.
Safety
Tarquinia is a small, quiet provincial town with no particular safety concerns for visitors. Standard Italian travel precautions apply: be mindful of your belongings in crowded public spaces, keep copies of your travel documents separate from the originals, and avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars.
Road conditions on minor rural roads in the area can be narrow and unlit — take care when driving after dark. The necropolis site and surrounding countryside offer little mobile coverage in places; inform someone of your plans if walking in isolated areas.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Tarquinia has a quiet, traditional character typical of small Lazio hill towns. Visitors should dress modestly when entering churches — shoulders and knees covered is the standard expectation. The town observes the Italian midday pause; many smaller shops and some restaurants close for several hours in the early afternoon, particularly outside peak tourist season.
Etruscan heritage is a genuine point of civic pride, not merely a tourist hook. Engaging respectfully with the sites — not touching frescoes, following site rules around photography, and staying on marked paths in the necropolis — is both legally required and appreciated by locals and site staff.
