Tarquinia
Welcome to Tarquinia!
Hello everyone! Today I'll be talking about Tarquinia, a beautiful Italian town located in the province of Viterbo, in Lazio. My name is [name] and I am a passionate tour guide of this splendid Etruscan city.
Physical geography
Tarquinia is located in a very strategic position, not far from Tuscany and situated on a hill standing 133 meters above sea level, with a breathtaking view of the lower course of the Marta river. The Arrone stream and the Mignone river also flow within the communal territory. The climate is classified as zone D, with an average annual temperature of 1658 GR/G.
History
Ancient times
Tarquinia was one of the most important settlements of the Etruscan dodecapolis and one of the few cities that achieved the status of a city-state. Fun fact: the name derives from the mythical Tarconte, son or brother of Tyrrhenus, and from the infant oracle Tagete, who gave the Etruscans the Etruscan discipline. The city emerged as a commercial power already in the 8th century BC thanks to the control of the mining resources of the Tolfa mountains, south of the city and near the Caeretan port of Pyrgi.
Roman times
The city also played an important role in the history of Rome, as Tarquinio Prisco, Servio Tullio and Tarquinio il Superbo were part of the Tarquini dynasty and played a primary role in the Latin city's history, from the 7th to the 6th century BC. In 509 BC, Tarquinio il Superbo's family was exiled to Caere, after the overthrow of the Roman monarchy. However, he tried to regain the throne, first with the Tarquinian conspiracy and, when that failed, with the force of his army. Tarquinio il Superbo convinced the cities of Tarquinia and Veii to support him and led their armies against Rome in the Selva Arsia. Despite the victory of the Roman army, Tarquinia's forces fought well, initially repelling the Roman left wing.
Culture
Etruscan art
Tarquinia is famous for its treasures of Etruscan art, discovered in the many hypogeal tombs scattered throughout the territory. The Tomb of the Leopards and the Tomb of the Jugglers are among the most famous tombs, with magnificent frescoes depicting scenes of daily life and religious ceremonies. The Tomb of the Orc, decorated with frescoes of a banquet that brings together members of the Spurinna family, is also an extraordinary work of art.
Food and wine
The local cuisine is mainly based on fish and shellfish, thanks to the proximity of the sea, but homemade pasta, such as the famous tarquiniese tagliolini, is an absolute must! In addition, Tarquinia is famous for its wine production, particularly the Etrusco Rosso, a high-quality red wine that must be tasted.
Tourism
What to see
Tarquinia is an incredible place to visit! The city has perfectly preserved the ancient historic center and medieval fortress, surrounded by ancient walls. The Church of Santa Maria di Castello, the Church of San Pancrazio, and the Palazzo dei Priori are all worth a visit.
But the real attraction of Tarquinia are the hypogeal tombs: you can choose from a wide range of tombs to visit, from the frescoes of the Jugglers to the Tomb of the Olympics, to the Tomb of the Hunt and Fishing.
Events
If you visit Tarquinia between August 23 and 26, do not miss the International Folklore Festival, a unique occasion to discover popular traditions from all over the world.
But that's not the only interesting event! The Tarquinia Carnival, with its allegorical carriages, costumes, and masks, is a great spectacle, as well as the Patronal Festival of San Giuseppe, which takes place on March 19 and attracts thousands of faithful.
Beaches
Tarquinia is located about 10 km from the sea, with fine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The Marina Velca beach is one of the most beautiful, while the Tarquinia Lido beach has a livelier atmosphere.
Conclusions
Well, dear friends, I have given you a brief taste of the city of Tarquinia, which I hope I have made you know better. All that remains is to discover this wonderful Etruscan city, with its art treasures, delicious food, and fascinating history. Happy travels and see you soon!
