16. Tarquinia and the UNESCO World Heritage Site

It is a very beautiful coincidence that at the end of my journey, I found a stunning, culturally significant place: Tarquinia and the Necropolis of Monterozzi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On a hillside, numerous tombs from the Etruscan period have been uncovered and made accessible to visitors. These tombs were created nearly 3000 years ago. They were carved into the rock and equipped like small houses, featuring burial beds, grave goods, and wall paintings that are still remarkably well preserved. It is said that these tombs are the greatest testament to ancient painting before the Roman era.

In the Archaeological Museum in Tarquinia, one can view sarcophagi made of limestone depicting the buried individuals and other artifacts. Among them are also two terracotta winged horses from the 4th century BC. The depiction was part of a temple, with the 'Altar of the Queen,' whose foundations lie within the area of ancient settlement.

A walk through the medieval town is also enriching. The list of historical references and sights is long.