Vulci Castle and Fiora River

This vast area of archaeological remains includes those laid on top of the Etruscan and Roman city. Visiting it you can understand in full how the ancient centers architecturally articulated: an urban nucleus densely populated at the center, funeral necropolises all around, and a series of sanctuaries and worship locations were spread out along the route of the urban and extra-urban streets. The Etruscan city began to develop in the 10th century B.C. on the plain called the Voce Plain and over the turn of a few years it became a very active and flourishing commercial center. Then, in 280 B.C., the conquest of Tiberio Coruncanio made it Roman.
In order to not lose yourselves in the site, we recommend that you follow the Roman "Decumano Massimo", in polygonal "basolati", dating back to around the 2nd century B.C. Before passing under that which remains of the "Porta Ovest" (Western Door), be careful not to miss the aqueduct from the second half of the 1st century B.C. Then arrive in the area of the Forum, at the center of which dominates the enormous base (beyond 40 meters) of the "Tempio Grande" (Large Temple), constructed by the Etruscans in the 4th century B.C. and then also used by the Romans. We do not know to which divinity it was dedicated. On the other side are thermal baths and a late-Roman basilica. Continuing on, you'll arrive at Domus del Criptoportico, a rich residential complex named as such for the presence of underground areas. It is a classic example of a Roman aristocratic house, with a central atrium around which are bedrooms and a banquet room. In the northwestern section are thermal baths. To reach the underground portion of the house, the "criptoportico", you go through a hallway covered by a barrel vault. Here foodstuffs were conserved, especially oil and wine.
Among the multiple necropolises dug around Vulci, the most interesting is without a doubt the Necropolis of Ponte Rotto. To get here, continue along "Decumano Massimo" and exit the city by means of "Porta Est" (Eastern Door). Here you can visit the famous "Tomba Francois", named after the Florentine archaeologist who discovered it. You can comprehend the social hierarchy of the Saties family, buried here, by wandering around the numerous areas: a deep entry hall, 27 meters long, introduces a central atrium onto which seven burial rooms overlook seven burial rooms, including one in the back which is destined for the founder of the family. Precious frescoes decorate the walls. Thanks to the discovery of an amphora with pink figures, it is possible to date the entire sepulchre to the 4th century B.C. A peculiarity: the entire structure of this Etruscan tomb was probably imitated by Roman architects for...elegant houses! In the vicinity you'll also find the Burial Mound of Cuccumella, the largest ever found in Etruria with a diameter of 65 meters and a height of 18 meters, with sepulchres, one of which was proceeded by an area used to hold ceremonies and funeral games in honor of the deceased and the Tomb of Inscriptions, which owes its name to the presence of 17 Etruscan and Roman inscriptions. Unfortunately the excavations were prey for centuries of "grave-robbers", among which is the famous name: Luciano Bonaparte, Napoleone's brother, who in 1828 carried away two thousand Etruscan terracotta vases. A robbery that the inhabitants of the zone still have a hard time accepting.