Sovana, Archaeological park with Etruscan necropolis in Sovana, Italy
Sovana is an archaeological park where multiple tombs are carved into tufa rock, ranging from simple structures to elaborate burial chambers with interior decorations. The site spreads across several sections, each containing monuments from different periods of Etruscan civilization.
The necropolis holds burials starting from the 7th century before Christ, showing development across multiple centuries as the Etruscan civilization changed. The Ildebranda Tomb represents the advanced architectural knowledge of the later Etruscan period.
The tombs display detailed carvings with human figures, mythological beings, and floral patterns that reveal how the Etruscan people viewed death and the afterlife. These artworks show what mattered to them spiritually and socially.
Visit during warmer months when the paths are dry and easier to walk through safely. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and some passages are steep or narrow.
The site is known for the Vie Cave, ancient sunken roads carved into the tufa that connect burial areas and can reach depths of nearly 20 feet (6 meters). These pathways, shaped by water and constant foot traffic over centuries, offer a rare glimpse into how people actually moved through the landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
