Tomba della Sirena: An Etruscan Enigma

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Explore the mysteries of the Tomba della Sirena, an ancient Etruscan tomb in Sovana's necropolis, featuring intriguing carvings and a glimpse into the past.

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Tomba della Sirena

The Tomba della Sirena, or Tomb of the Siren, is an ancient Etruscan tomb dating back to the 3rd-2nd centuries BC, located in the Sopraripa necropolis near Sovana, Italy. Carved entirely from tufa rock, the tomb features a unique facade with a false door and a controversial relief possibly depicting Scylla, a sea monster from Greek mythology, rather than a siren.

A brief summary to Tomba della Sirena

Sorano, Province of Grosseto, 58010, IT

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain around the tomb can be uneven.
Bring water, especially during the warmer months, as there are limited facilities nearby.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Cattedrale di San Pietro

Cattedrale di San Pietro: A Romanesque-Gothic Masterpiece in Sovana

Church of Saint Mary

Church of Saint Mary: A Glimpse into Sovana's Medieval Soul

Pretorio Palace

Pretorio Palace: A Glimpse into Sorano's Past

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Sovana, the Tomba della Sirena is located approximately 1.5 km to the west within the Sopraripa Necropolis. Follow the signs for the Parco Archeologico Città del Tufo. The walk is mostly along a paved road, but the final approach involves some uneven terrain. Allow about 20-30 minutes to walk from Sovana's main square to the tomb. There is no admission fee to enter the necropolis, but a ticket is required to enter the Archeological Park (€7 full ticket).
Public Transport

While there is no direct public transport to the Tomba della Sirena, buses connect Sorano and Sovana. From Sorano, take a bus to Sovana's main square. From there, follow the walking directions to reach the tomb (approximately 1.5 km). Bus tickets cost around €1-€3 each way. Check local bus schedules for accurate timings.
Driving

From Sorano, follow the road towards Sovana. Once in Sovana, follow signs for the Parco Archeologico Città del Tufo. Limited parking is available near the entrance to the necropolis. Parking costs approximately €1-€2 per hour. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season. From the parking area, the tomb is a short walk along a dirt path.

Discover more about Tomba della Sirena

The Tomba della Sirena, nestled within the Sopraripa necropolis near Sovana, is a captivating testament to Etruscan artistry and beliefs. Dating back to the 3rd-2nd centuries BC, this 'a edicola' (a niche) tomb is entirely carved from tufa rock. The tomb's name, 'Tomb of the Siren,' originates from a relief on the fronton, which may depict Scylla, a marine monster from Greek mythology, rather than a siren. Some scholars suggest the figure could also be a two-tailed siren, connecting it to the Etruscan deity Voltumna. The facade features a false door, inside which is a carving of the deceased as a banqueter. Two figures, possibly Charun and Vanth, Etruscan underworld demons, guard the door. An inscription above the deceased figure reads 'Vel Nulina,' meaning 'son of Vel'. A narrow dromos (entrance passage) leads to the burial chamber, which is offset from the facade. The chamber's small size suggests it was intended for a single individual. Discovered in 1843 by Samuel James Ainsley, the tomb has undergone restoration, revealing other archaic tombs beneath it. The monument may have been used as a rural sanctuary in later periods, evidenced by a cross carved on the banqueting couch. Visiting the Tomba della Sirena offers a glimpse into the Etruscan civilization and their elaborate funerary practices.

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