Located in the heart of Tuscia Romana, just over 15 kilometers from our hotel, Cerveteri is one of the most important cities in Lazio from an archaeological, artistic, and naturalistic point of view. Walking through its streets means immersing yourself in a glorious past, where funerary monuments of exceptional beauty alternate with medieval views and breathtaking landscapes.
Anciently known by the name of Caere, it reached its maximum splendor between the 7th and 6th centuries BC, establishing itself as one of the most powerful and wealthy city-states of Etruria. In its territory, in fact, lies one of the main treasures of Etruscan civilization, the surreal and magnificent Banditaccia Necropolis, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Extending over an area of about 20 hectares, it is an authentic city of the dead, with streets, small squares, and neighborhoods. The site contains different types of tombs that offer a glimpse into the life, customs, and beliefs of this mysterious people: tumulus tombs, excavated in earth, carved in rock, and shaped like huts or small houses. The most famous tomb is the Tomb of the Reliefs, which displays on its walls a rich parade of everyday objects rendered in stucco and painted. Other notable tombs include those of the Alcove, the Sarcophagi, the Triclinium, and the Tamsnie, which testify to the exceptional funerary architecture of ancient Caere. In addition to Banditaccia, Cerveteri also hosts the Etruscan necropolises of Sorbo, Greppe Sant’Angelo, and Monte Abatone.
For archaeology enthusiasts, another fundamental stop is the Cerite National Archaeological Museum. Inaugurated in 1967, it is housed in the castle that belonged to the Ruspoli family, a thirteenth-century fortress built in tuff, lava, and brick masonry, characterized by several towers, a rectangular body, and sections of Etruscan walls. The museum traces the ancient history of the city and its inhabitants through a precious collection of artifacts from local necropolises (burial goods, vases, sarcophagi, ceramics, etc.). Among the exhibited pieces stand out: the Euphronios krater, a large red-figure decorated vase, dating back to the early 6th century BC, depicting some scenes from the Iliad; and the kylix (monumental cup), also by Euphronios, which illustrates final moments of the Trojan War. Both artifacts arrived in Cerveteri from American museums after a fortunate recovery of stolen art.
Beyond the Etruscan testimonies, Cerveteri boasts an equally fascinating historic center of medieval origin. It preserves an authentic and tranquil atmosphere, with evocative views that open between ancient arches and stone houses, some of which are adorned with frescoes under the cornices. The historic center develops around the marvelous Piazza Santa Maria, overlooked by the Ruspoli Castle (home of the Cerite National Archaeological Museum) and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the main ecclesiastical complex of Cerveteri. The building consists of two distinct churches, the oldest dating back to around 1100, and the new one built in the 1950s, which is inserted into the first. Among other things to see in the historic center, we highlight: the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, presumably erected in the 11th century, inside which you can admire valuable works of art; and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, rebuilt in Renaissance style in the 17th century, and dedicated to the patron saint of Cerveteri.
The territory of Cerveteri also includes picturesque hamlets, such as the Borgo di Ceri and the Borgo del Sasso, which represent precious testimonies of local history and identity. The Borgo di Ceri, perched on a tuff cliff, preserves intact its medieval charm, with ancient houses and narrow streets carved into the rock. The Borgo del Sasso, nestled on the slopes of Monte Santo, guards a rich historical and cultural heritage that makes it an unmissable stop for those who wish to discover the most authentic soul of Cerveteri.
There is no shortage of opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor activities. The territory is crossed by numerous naturalistic trails that wind through pastures, lush woods, and spectacular tuff walls rich in gorges and ravines greened by ferns and periwinkle carpets. Among the most fascinating destinations are the five waterfalls of Cerveteri (della Mola di San Giuliano, dell’Ospedaletto, del Vaccinello, dell’Arenile, and del Braccio di Mare), which offer a refuge of peace and natural beauty.
Cerveteri is only 15 km from Bracciano. Visiting it for the day is easy if you stay at our hotel: leave in the morning, return in the evening, and you have a comfortable base in the historic center of Bracciano to explore the entire area.
