THE PARK OF THE ETRUSCANS
This area lies mid way between Rome and Tuscany and it boasts both the scenic countryside of the latter and the historical background of the first.
The Marturanum Park is a natural reserve of approximately 1000 hectares located next to the village of Barbarano Romano. It preserves an incredible variety of plants and animals. The scarce human presence contributes to the wild aspect of the park and hides a huge amount of Etruscan tombs, around 2000!
What is special here is that we do not only have burial places, which is usually the case when we talk of the Etruscans, but also some remains of their urban structures, in San Giovenale.
We suggest to reach this area by horseback ride, a very evocative excursion to enjoy the peculiar landscape of tuff rocks, streams, gorges and clayey hills. A hike is also a possibility. A grill lunch might be the perfect end to this jaunt, if you like rural and genuine experiences.
Complete your day trip:
archaeo fans and active travellers
For a full day dedicated to the Etruscans, we suggest to hike through the park in San Giuliano area. Endless burial sites of different periods and patterns, a Roman water tank, a medieval church… it’s really a journey through time in a three hour walk
archaeo fans and families
The centre of experimental archeology “Antiquitates” is available for some hands-on labs. You can try to paint on a vase or learn the fresco technique, like an ancient Etruscan artist. Or, you can experiment the bronze melting in a metallurgy activity. The simulation of an archaeologic excavation is also available and usually of great impact on the youngest.
curious wanderer
Vetralla is a nearby town which deserves a visit, especially for the gothic/romanesque church of St. Francis dating back to the XII century. The main work is a fresco of “St Ursula and the Virgins” by a follower of Benozzo Gozzoli. Interesting is also the crypt incorporating Roman elements, probably coming for the nearby location called Forum Cassii, two km away, next to the roman Via Cassia.
relax seekers
The beach is not distant, only 40 minute drive to reach Tarquinia Lido and relax in the summer days. When temperatures are cooler, the hot springs near Viterbo wait for us! If you prefer lakes, on the way back to Rome we can stop at Martignano or Bracciano.
