Cerveteri
Cerveteri, Between History and Natural Beauty
Cerveteri is a town in the Metropolitan City of Rome, with a population of around 37,251 residents. It is located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, 42 km away from Rome and approximately 65 km from Viterbo. The city dates back to the Etruscan-Roman era and is known for its natural beauty and rich history.
Physical Geography
Territory
Cerveteri stretches along the Tyrrhenian coast and provides access to the Etruscan Necropolis of Sorbo and the Necropolis of Banditaccia, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 along with the Tarquinia Necropolis.
Climate
Cerveteri has a climate classified as zone D, with 1450 GR/G and a climate zone of 9a (USDA). The climate is warm-temperate according to the Köppen classification.
History
Cerveteri was built on the site of the ancient Etruscan city of Agylla, later called Caere. In ancient times, it was known by other names, including Cisra and Caise, and had a longstanding rivalry with Rome, although it remained a Roman ally for a long time.
The city played an important role in the conflicts between Greek and Etruscan cities and later between Etruscans and Rome. In the 5th century BC, it fought alongside Etruscan forces allied with the Carthaginians against the Phocaeans in a naval battle known as the Battle of Sardinian Sea. Although the battle ended with a victory for Phocaea, the Etruscans and Carthaginians managed to block Greek expansion in the western Tyrrhenian Sea.
In 387 BC, during the Gauls’ attack on Rome, Cerveteri provided refuge for the vestals and those who had fled from Rome, later attacking the Gauls themselves on their way back to Rome and depriving them of the loot they had taken from ancient Rome.
After Etruscan cities had been brought under Roman rule in the 4th century BC, the city declined.
Natural Beauty
Etruscan Necropolis of Sorbo
Located 14 km from the centre of Cerveteri, the Etruscan Necropolis of Sorbo is one of the most important archaeological sites in Italy. More than 200 camera tombs in excellent condition have been discovered here. Visitors can tour the underground Etruria path that allows entry to 10 chamber tombs decorated like villas.
Necropolis of Banditaccia
The Necropolis of Banditaccia offers visitors the opportunity to admire over 2000 Etruscan tombs carved into the tuff in high relief. This archaeological site represents one of the best-preserved Etruscan sites and presents fascinating evidence of the culture of this ancient people.
Other Places of Interest
Cerveteri also offers several places of historical and cultural interest, such as the Pal castle, dating back to the 13th century, the Churches of San Francesco and Santa Maria, and the Flavia Tower, an 18th-century Saracen tower overlooking the sea.
Conclusions
Cerveteri is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Its location on the Tyrrhenian coast provides beaches and charming villages, making it an ideal destination for tourists wanting to discover Italy's ancient history along the Etruscan itinerary. A city where, among the remains of the past, one can admire the traces of the great Etruscan civilization and discover the charm of its necropolises.
