Tuscania, known also as the Pearl of Etruria: a place rich with history, breathtaking panoramas, romantic views, a magical place that you absolutely must visit. Its location is privileged, a few kilometers from the city of Viterbo, and halfway between Lake Bolsena and the Tyrrhenian coast. Its medieval, historic downtown offers jewels to observe in all their glory.
The Medieval Churches
The Chiesa di San Pietro, dating back to 1,000 years ago faces a closed natural area between the Palazzo dei Canonici and three defense towers. On the façade, you can admire the intricately decorated rose window, formed of three concentric circles which recall the Holy Trinity. Unfortunately, most of the frescoes and paintings on the inside have been lost. At the foot of the San Pietro hill stands the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, consecrated in the XIII century. Here you can see the combination of styles making make it difficult to establish the its age.
The Etruscan Necropolis and the Archeolgical Museum
There are five Etruscan burial grounds around the San Pietro hill, inside of which you can find every type of tomb and countless sarcophagi. This is the very reason that Tuscania is known around the world as the “City of Etruscan Sarcophagi”. You can admire in interesting collection of these in the National Etruscan Museum located at the end of the stroll, outside the city walls. Even though still under construction, it is fascinating place which conserves the extraordinary testimonies of the Etruscan history.
Parco Tor di Lavello
In the heart of this fascinating historic downtown, at the feet of the Torre del Lavello, stands Parco Tor di Lavello, a natural terrace from which you can overlook the valley below the walls. From here you can see the two of Tuscia’s Medieval churches, and the landscape from of typical Maremma contours. There is a sundial and a small amphitheater in the park, a meeting place for the people of Tuscia throughout of the year, especially on sunny days.
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