We tagged along with UA students studying in Orvieto today, and went on a field trip led by Claudio, the UA Study Abroad in Orvieto’s professor in residence and archaeologist, to Tarquinia, one of the most ancient and important Etruscan cities. Tarquinia is within a few kilometers of the Mediterranean Sea and emerged as a trading power as early as the 8th century BC. Tarquinia is known for its unique tombs in the necropoli, with about 6000 tombs in the main necropolis, at least 200 with wall paintings. The painted scenes are unrivaled in the Etruscan world and the necropoli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
About 30 minutes before we arrived in Tarquinia, we drove through a rainstorm, so Claudio made the decision to visit the Tarquinia National Museum instead of the neocropoli. The museum is home to archaeological finds from the nearby neocropoli, and housed in Palazzo Vitelleschi, built 1436-1490. The museum was exceptionally interesting and the Palazzo was stunning! We went to the nearby seaside for lunch and the students spent time on the beach. It was a good day!
About 30 minutes before we arrived in Tarquinia, we drove through a rainstorm, so Claudio made the decision to visit the Tarquinia National Museum instead of the neocropoli. The museum is home to archaeological finds from the nearby neocropoli, and housed in Palazzo Vitelleschi, built 1436-1490. The museum was exceptionally interesting and the Palazzo was stunning! We went to the nearby seaside for lunch and the students spent time on the beach. It was a good day!
