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Archaeological site · Orvieto, Úmbria
Necropoli del Crocifisso del Tufo
Etruscan cemetery from the 6th century BC at the foot of Orvieto's rock, with more than 200 tombs made of tuff blocks arranged along streets, many with the deceased's name carved on the entrance.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Necropoli del Crocifisso del Tufo
The Necropoli del Crocifisso del Tufo lies at the foot of Orvieto's rock on the north side. It was used mainly between the mid-6th and mid-5th centuries BC, when the Etruscan city of Velzna, which many identify with Orvieto, was one of the richest in Etruria.
The tombs are chamber tombs, built with tuff blocks and covered with earth, aligned along streets that intersect at right angles, like in a town. There are over 200, almost all of similar size, each intended for one family, which suggests a society with fewer differences than that of other Etruscan cities.
Above the door of many tombs the name of the deceased or the family is carved in Etruscan. Inside there are stone benches where bodies or ashes were placed, alongside vessels, weapons and jewelry. Many of these objects are now in the Museo Claudio Faina and in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Orvieto.
The name comes from a crucifix carved in the tuff, in a chapel hewn into the rock just above. The pedestrian path that circles the rock, the Anello della Rupe, passes nearby.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, because the site is outdoors and has little shade in summer.
How to get there
It is located on the road that runs around the base of the rock on the north side. By car or taxi, a few minutes from the center; on foot, go down via the Porta Maggiore and follow the Anello della Rupe path, about 20 minutes.
Tip
Bring water and a hat in summer. To understand the finds, visit the Museo Claudio Faina before or after, in front of the Duomo. There are combined tickets with other sites in the city.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Necropoli del Crocifisso del Tufo
What is the Necropoli del Crocifisso del Tufo?
An Etruscan cemetery from the 6th century BC with over 200 tuff tombs aligned along streets at the foot of Orvieto's rock.
Can you walk there from the center?
Yes, by walking down via the Porta Maggiore and following the path along the base of the rock, in about 20 minutes. The return is uphill.
Where are the objects found in the tombs?
Some of them are in the Museo Claudio Faina and in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, both in the center of Orvieto.