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Necropoli Etrusca di Crocifisso del Tufo: An Etruscan City of the Dead

Explore an ancient Etruscan necropolis with over 200 tombs, offering a glimpse into their civilization's burial customs and social structure.

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Explore the Necropoli Etrusca di Crocifisso del Tufo, an ancient Etruscan necropolis located at the foot of the Orvieto rock. Dating back to the 6th century BC, this fascinating site features over 200 tomb chambers arranged in a grid-like pattern, offering a unique glimpse into Etruscan burial customs and society.

A brief summary to Necropoli etrusca di Crocifisso del Tufo

  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the necropolis involves walking on uneven ground.
  • Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Orvieto to see artifacts found at the necropolis.
  • Bring water, especially during the warmer months, as there is limited shade.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary depending on the season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Orvieto, the necropolis can be reached on foot. Follow signs towards Porta Vivaria near Piazza Pecorelli and Piazza del Popolo. Exit the gate and take the marked path of Paao. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes and involves a descent.

  • Public Transport

    From Orvieto train station (Orvieto Scalo), take a local bus towards the city center. Get off at a stop near Porta Vivaria. From there, follow the walking directions. A single bus ticket costs €1.30 and is valid for 90 minutes. Alternatively, a bus ticket purchased on board costs €2.00.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Orvieto train station to the Necropoli Etrusca di Crocifisso del Tufo will cost approximately €15-€20. The journey takes around 10 minutes.

  • Driving

    From the A1 highway, take the Orvieto exit and follow the signs towards Orvieto Scalo/Stazione. Continue towards the Necropoli, following the brown signs for 'Necropoli Etrusca'. There is a parking lot available near the entrance. Parking costs approximately €1.50 per hour.

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Discover more about Necropoli etrusca di Crocifisso del Tufo

The Necropoli Etrusca di Crocifisso del Tufo, or Etruscan Necropolis of the Crucifix of the Tufo, is a captivating archaeological site located just outside the historic city of Orvieto. This "city of the dead" dates back to the Etruscan civilization that thrived in this area between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC. The name of the necropolis comes from a crucifix carved in tuff, located in a rock chapel near the tombs. The necropolis comprises more than 200 tombs, primarily used between the mid-6th and mid-5th centuries BC. The tombs are constructed from tuff blocks and arranged in a grid-like pattern along a network of sepulchral streets, reflecting a structured urban plan. This layout suggests an egalitarian society where each family had their own designated burial plot. Each tomb is rectangular, measuring approximately 3 x 2 meters, and was originally closed with a tuff slab. The family name, inscribed in Etruscan, can still be seen on the entrance lintels of many tombs. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into Etruscan naming conventions and social organization. Inside the tombs, both inhumed and cremated remains were placed, accompanied by grave goods that reflected the deceased's social status. Artifacts discovered at the site, including bronze, terracotta, and bucchero vessels, are now housed in the archaeological museums of Orvieto. A visit to the Necropoli Etrusca di Crocifisso del Tufo offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the fascinating history and culture of the Etruscan civilization.

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