The Monterozzi Necropolis is a unique Etruscan archaeological site, with over 6,000 tombs and 200 frescoes depicting the daily life of the ancient Etruscans. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004, it is located in Tarquinia, in the province of Viterbo, and offers a walk through 22 tombs open to the public. The paintings, considered the first chapter of Italian painting, are also accessible via a virtual tour with a QR code.
Tomba dei Leopardi (Tomb of the Leopards) with a funerary banquet and dancers
Tomba della Caccia e Pesca (Tomb of Hunting and Fishing) with marine scenes and birds
Interactive virtual tour to explore details up close
Combination ticket with the National Etruscan Museum
Events nearby
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Monterozzi Necropolis in Tarquinia holds over 200 painted tombs depicting scenes of Etruscan life. Visit the Tombs of the Leopards, Hunting and Fishing, and the Jugglers, with a virtual tour available.
Good to know
Evocative Introduction
You walk among the barely raised mounds and almost feel you can hear the echo of Etruscan banquets. The Necropolis of Monterozzi in Tarquinia is not just an archaeological site: it is a journey into color. Over 200 painted tombs preserve vivid frescoes from two thousand years ago, so much so that archaeologist Massimo Pallottino called them “the first chapter of the history of Italian painting.” Since August 2023, you can also explore some hypogea with a virtual tour activated via QR code: a way to see details that escape the naked eye. The atmosphere here is unique, among meadows hiding burials and panoramas stretching to the sea.
Evocative Introduction
You walk among the barely raised mounds and almost feel you can hear the echo of Etruscan banquets. The Necropolis of Monterozzi in Tarquinia is not just an archaeological site: it is a journey into color. Over 200 painted tombs preserve vivid frescoes from two thousand years ago, so much so that archaeologist Massimo Pallottino called them “the first chapter of the history of Italian painting.” Since August 2023, you can also explore some hypogea with a virtual tour activated via QR code: a way to see details that escape the naked eye. The atmosphere here is unique, among meadows hiding burials and panoramas stretching to the sea.
Historical Overview
The necropolis stretches for about 6 km along the Monterozzi hill, with over 6,000 chamber tombs carved into the rock. The paintings span from the 7th to the 2nd century BC, depicting scenes of daily life, banquets, and games. In 2004, UNESCO inscribed the site on the World Heritage List together with Cerveteri. Unfortunately, in 1963 a theft damaged three tombs (Tomba dei Vasi dipinti, Tomba della Pulcella, Tomba della Porta di bronzo); only in 2021 were the lost paintings restored. Since 2023, a virtual tour has made even closed tombs accessible.
Historical Overview
The necropolis stretches for about 6 km along the Monterozzi hill, with over 6,000 chamber tombs carved into the rock. The paintings span from the 7th to the 2nd century BC, depicting scenes of daily life, banquets, and games. In 2004, UNESCO inscribed the site on the World Heritage List together with Cerveteri. Unfortunately, in 1963 a theft damaged three tombs (Tomba dei Vasi dipinti, Tomba della Pulcella, Tomba della Porta di bronzo); only in 2021 were the lost paintings restored. Since 2023, a virtual tour has made even closed tombs accessible.
The Most Famous Tombs
Among the 22 tombs open to the public, some are unmissable. The Tomba dei Leopardi (5th century BC) depicts a banquet with reclining couples and two felines facing each other on the pediment. The Tomba della Caccia e Pesca (6th century BC) is a gem: on one wall, a boy dives from a cliff, while above, hunters aim at birds. Then there is the Tomba dei Giocolieri, with a tightrope walker balancing on a rope and dancers twirling. Each hypogeum is protected by thermal-cut glass doors to preserve the colors.
The Most Famous Tombs
Among the 22 tombs open to the public, some are unmissable. The Tomba dei Leopardi (5th century BC) depicts a banquet with reclining couples and two felines facing each other on the pediment. The Tomba della Caccia e Pesca (6th century BC) is a gem: on one wall, a boy dives from a cliff, while above, hunters aim at birds. Then there is the Tomba dei Giocolieri, with a tightrope walker balancing on a rope and dancers twirling. Each hypogeum is protected by thermal-cut glass doors to preserve the colors.
An open-air museum
Not just tombs: the necropolis is an immersive experience. Walking among the 6,000 tombs, you notice that the mounds have almost disappeared due to agriculture, but the vastness of the site (130 hectares) is impressive. The virtual tour via QR code, available since 2023, allows you to enter tombs closed to the public, such as the Tomb of the Painted Vases, and see magnified details. It is designed for everyone, including those with mobility challenges (the path is accessible). The audio guides and captions help contextualize the scenes.
An open-air museum
Not just tombs: the necropolis is an immersive experience. Walking among the 6,000 tombs, you notice that the mounds have almost disappeared due to agriculture, but the vastness of the site (130 hectares) is impressive. The virtual tour via QR code, available since 2023, allows you to enter tombs closed to the public, such as the Tomb of the Painted Vases, and see magnified details. It is designed for everyone, including those with mobility challenges (the path is accessible). The audio guides and captions help contextualize the scenes.
Why Visit It
First: here you have the largest collection of Etruscan painting in the world, unique in quantity and state of preservation. Second: the combined ticket (Necropolis + National Etruscan Museum of Tarquinia) also gives you access to the famous detached frescoes, like those of the Tomb of the Triclinium. Third: since 2023, the virtual tour lets you explore otherwise inaccessible tombs – a bonus few sites offer. In short, an unparalleled dive into the Etruscan civilization.
Why Visit It
First: here you have the largest collection of Etruscan painting in the world, unique in quantity and state of preservation. Second: the combined ticket (Necropolis + National Etruscan Museum of Tarquinia) also gives you access to the famous detached frescoes, like those of the Tomb of the Triclinium. Third: since 2023, the virtual tour lets you explore otherwise inaccessible tombs – a bonus few sites offer. In short, an unparalleled dive into the Etruscan civilization.
When to Go
The best time? Late spring or autumn, when the low light highlights the burial mounds and temperatures are mild. Early morning, right after opening, the necropolis is nearly empty and you can enjoy the frescoes in peace. Summer is hot, but the site stays open until 7:30 PM, so you can aim for late afternoon. Avoid Mondays (closed) and months of heavy rain, as the ground can get muddy.
When to Go
The best time? Late spring or autumn, when the low light highlights the burial mounds and temperatures are mild. Early morning, right after opening, the necropolis is nearly empty and you can enjoy the frescoes in peace. Summer is hot, but the site stays open until 7:30 PM, so you can aim for late afternoon. Avoid Mondays (closed) and months of heavy rain, as the ground can get muddy.
In the Vicinity
A few steps away, in the center of Tarquinia, the National Etruscan Museum housed in Palazzo Vitelleschi (15th century) holds the most precious artifacts, including the winged horses and detached frescoes. With the same ticket you can visit both. Then, a stroll through the medieval village of Tarquinia: towers, alleys, and a view over the Maremma Laziale. If you have time, nearby Cerveteri with the Banditaccia necropolis completes the UNESCO itinerary.
In the Vicinity
A few steps away, in the center of Tarquinia, the National Etruscan Museum housed in Palazzo Vitelleschi (15th century) holds the most precious artifacts, including the winged horses and detached frescoes. With the same ticket you can visit both. Then, a stroll through the medieval village of Tarquinia: towers, alleys, and a view over the Maremma Laziale. If you have time, nearby Cerveteri with the Banditaccia necropolis completes the UNESCO itinerary.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
In 1963, a theft using a chainsaw damaged three tombs, removing frescoes. Only one fragment was recovered. In 2021, thanks to vintage photographs, the paintings were virtually reconstructed, but the tomb remains closed for conservation. A mystery that adds to the site’s allure.