The Vulci Park represents a complete experience that combines the discovery of Etruscan history with a walk immersed in nature, offering an unforgettable journey into the past.
The ancient city of Vulci was one of the most powerful and largest city-states of Etruria.
The imposing ruins remain clearly visible, the city walls made of tuff blocks, the five access gates, the Great Temple dating back to the 4th century BC, the Domus with its splendid floor mosaics and the Necropolises including the famous François Tomb and the Tomb of the Inscriptions.
At the Archaeological Naturalistic Park, visitors can admire the archaeological excavations of the ancient Etruscan-Roman metropolis of Vulci, the noble Etruscan Tombs, the finds exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum, all immersed in a Nature with uncontaminated features, which offers ever-changing colors, sounds and emotions…
A fascinating Archaeological and Naturalistic site located in the Maremma Laziale, along the Fiora river, in the municipalities of Canino and Montalto di Castro, and partly also in Tuscany, near Manciano.
This park offers a unique combination of history, nature and tradition, making it an unmissable destination for archaeology enthusiasts and for those who love to immerse themselves in nature.
For nature lovers, don’t miss the Valle delle Farfalle, the path near the Porta Nord, where through the creation of “islands” that host plants useful for attracting small hymenoptera and educational panels, enthusiasts and others will be able to delve deeper into the theme.
It is also possible to visit independently, every day during the opening hours of the park, the Northern Necropolis, where following a path also accessible to people with reduced mobility, you can visit the Tomb of the Carved Ceilings and the Tomb of the Sphinx.
Also on the opposite bank of the Fiora, there is the Eastern Necropolis, with the François Tomb, the Tomb of the Inscriptions and the Tumulus of the Cuccumella. A guide is required to visit the tombs. Alternatively, the Park organizes – from Spring – guided visits to the Eastern Necropolis according to a calendar of events published in the diary.
History and Archaeology
The Vulci Park houses the remains of the ancient Etruscan-Roman city of Vulci, one of the most important metropolises of maritime Etruria.
Among the ruins, you can admire the Forum, the Temple, the Arch dedicated to Publius Sulpicius Mundus, a Roman senator of the 1st century BC, and the remains of an aristocratic Villa from the 2nd century BC, known as the Domus del Criptoportico.
In addition, the park includes a small Temple dedicated to Hercules and a Mithraeum from the 3rd century BC.
The François Tomb is one of the most important Etruscan monuments (340 – 330 BC[1]), especially for its very rich fresco decoration which makes it one of the most extraordinary manifestations of Etruscan painting.
It is located in the necropolis of Ponte Rotto in Vulci and was discovered in April 1857 by the archaeologist and Royal Commissioner of War and Navy of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany Alessandro François to whom it was named.
Nature and Landscape
The park is characterized by extraordinary naturalistic beauty, with paths and trekking routes that allow you to explore the territory of the Maremma Laziale.
The Fiora River flows along the perimeter of the park and flows into Lake Pellicone, an oasis of peace and relaxation. The Castello dell’Abbadia, dating back to the 12th century, hosts an Archaeological Museum that displays many of the finds discovered in the necropolis and the ancient city.
Activities and Services
The Vulci Park organizes guided tours, sports activities such as cycling excursions, horse riding and river trekking, as well as educational workshops for schools. Inside the park there are two refreshment points where you can taste typical dishes of the Maremma tradition.
Practical Information
To visit the park and the François Tomb (reservation required), it is advisable to contact the Vulci Foundation. The opening hours and updated costs can be verified on the official website of the park or by contacting the foundation directly.
Montalto di Castro (Viterbo)
Lazio – Italy
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