the Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri

This large Etruscan cemetery has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site together with the necropolis in Tarquinia. It covers an area of 400 ha, of which 10 can be visited, encompassing a total of 1000 tombs often housed in characteristic mounds. It is the largest ancient necropolis in the Mediterranean area. The tombs date from the 9th century BC to the late Etruscan age (3rd century BC). The tombs are organized in a city-like plan, with streets, small squares and neighbourhoods. The site contains very different types of tombs: trenches cut in rock, tumuli and some in the shape of huts or houses with a wealth of structural details. These provide the only surviving evidence of Etruscan residential architecture.