National Etruscan Museum of Viterbo

Viterbo is an ancient city founded by the Etruscans, its name comes from the Latin Vetus Urbs, meaning Old Town, and has one of the largest medieval historical centers in Europe. Another very interesting city is hidden underground in Viterbo. In fact, among the tunnels and galleries, there are many finds that date back to the 7th century B.C., whose origin is due precisely to the Etruscans, who lived in this city before the Romans when it was called Surna.

The National Etruscan Museum of Rocca Albornoz is the archaeological museum mainly dedicated to the Etruscan civilization and the remains of that period, including the dense construction of underground cellars in the key points of the city. The Etruscans were great builders and architects and built a very effective system also as an escape route for the inhabitants in case of danger or siege of the city. A visit to the National Etruscan Museum will allow you to retrace an exciting history and relive an era of ancient splendor in the city of Viterbo, even before the Romans, the Middle Ages, and the Popes.

The seat of the National Etruscan Museum

The Etruscan Museum is housed in the Rocca Albornoz, built-in 1354 at the behest of Cardinal Egidio Albornoz. This fortress suffered a series of destructions and Pope Julius II decided to renovate the palace and enrich it with a courtyard with a central fountain. Bramante was commissioned to carry out these works. Rocca Albornoz is located in Piazza della Rocca, not far from the railway station. The Rocca visible today is very different from the original construction, precisely because each Pope wanted to add his own needs: Sixtus IV, for example, had a huge stable built next to the Rocca. Today the Rocca represents a suggestive location for the National Etruscan Museum, with a unique and priceless collection inside.

The Rocca Albornoz collection

On the ground floor of the Rocca, it is possible to admire pieces recovered from excavations, including numerous terracotta, and it is possible to admire reconstructions of archaic Etruscan houses. The objects and terracotta that decorated the houses have also been reconstructed inside the museum, along with finds of everyday furniture and utensils, all useful tools for understanding the daily life of the Etruscans.

The first floor is dedicated to the Etruscans of Musarna and Ferento. The second floor is dedicated to the exhibition of archaeological finds from southern Etruria, with material from the area of the rock necropolis and the area of Lake Bolsena. Finally, not to be missed is the section dedicated to the tomb of the chariot, discovered with the complete funerary equipment, including the chariot.