The National Etruscan Museum of Tarquinia: A Journey into the Heart of Etruscan Civilization

Housed in the magnificent Palazzo Vitelleschi, an elegant Renaissance residence in Tarquinia (Viterbo), the National Etruscan Museum is an essential stop for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the history and art of the Etruscan civilization. Its priceless collections offer a unique insight into the life, rituals, and beliefs of this mysterious and fascinating people.

Palazzo Vitelleschi: An Architectural Masterpiece

The building itself is worth a visit. Constructed in the mid-15th century at the request of Cardinal Giovanni Vitelleschi, the palace represents a perfect blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements. With its graceful courtyards, panoramic loggia overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea (the “Sea of the Etruscans”), and richly decorated halls, Palazzo Vitelleschi is an attraction in its own right.

The Collections: Treasures from the Etruscan World

The museum’s exhibition unfolds over several floors, showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts from the nearby Monterozzi Necropolis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and from the ancient Etruscan city of Tarchna. Among the highlights:

• The Sarcophagi: numerous terracotta and stone sarcophagi, finely sculpted and decorated, bear witness to Etruscan funerary beliefs and their exceptional artistic skill.
• Ceramics: the museum preserves an extensive collection of pottery, including typical bucchero ware — the distinctive black Etruscan pottery — as well as Greek-imported vases, attesting to the vibrant trade networks of the period.
• The “Winged Horses” of Tarquinia: undoubtedly the museum’s masterpiece. This terracotta high relief depicts a pair of winged horses in mid-flight. Once adorning the pediment of the Ara della Regina Temple, it is an enduring symbol of Etruscan art.
• Detached Frescoes: to protect the extraordinary paintings found in Etruscan tombs, several frescoes have been removed and are now preserved within the museum. These vibrant works provide a “window” into daily life, portraying banquets, dances, games, and religious ceremonies.

Visitor Information

• Address: Piazza Cavour, 1a – 01016 Tarquinia (VT)
• Contact: +39 0766 856036
• Opening Hours: generally open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (last entry 6:30 p.m.); closed on Mondays.
• Tickets:
  • Combined Ticket: includes admission to both the museum and the Monterozzi Necropolis, for about €10.
  • Reductions: available for EU citizens aged 18–25.
  • Free admission: for visitors under 18.
• Access: the museum is located in Tarquinia’s historic center, easily reachable on foot. The nearby Monterozzi Necropolis is just a short drive away.

The National Etruscan Museum of Tarquinia offers an unforgettable journey through one of the most refined and mysterious civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean — a place where art, faith, and daily life come together to reveal the enduring legacy of the Etruscans.

Cover photo credits: louis-garden, licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0