A short way from Rome one can find Cerveteri, one of the great Etruscan cities in Italy, and Tarquinia, a medieval town that has adopted an Etruscan name. Visitors to these cities can see necropolises dating back to the Etruscan times and learn about fascinating burial practices used before the birth of Christ. These cemeteries are a glimpse into the Etruscan civilization, one of the earliest in the area and one that flourished for over nine centuries.

Necropolis of the Banditaccia. The Necropolis of the Banditaccia in Cerveteri was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. One of the most famous attractions in the region, the necropolis is spread out over 400 hectares and is known to be the largest necropolis in the Mediterranean region. Only 10 hectares can be visited by tourists and this area contains around 1,000 tombs housed in large mounds.