Necropoli Etrusca del Crocifisso del Tufo, Etruscan necropolis and archaeological site in Orvieto, Italy
The Necropoli Etrusca del Crocifisso del Tufo is an Etruscan burial ground containing more than 200 tomb chambers cut from tuff stone blocks arranged in straight rows. These chambers line gridded pathways that run across the entire site.
The site dates to the 6th century BC when it served as a burial ground for Etruscan families and remained in use for several centuries. The carved inscriptions provide evidence of continuous occupation and social change throughout this long period.
The tomb chambers display family names carved in the Etruscan language using Greek letters, revealing how ancient families identified themselves. These inscriptions offer a window into the social structure and naming customs of the time.
The site is easy to explore on foot and allows for a self-paced walk through the tomb chambers at your own speed. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn months when temperatures are mild.
The chambers host an ecosystem of mosses and ferns that thrive in the constant darkness and cool temperatures inside. These green growths tell the story of the unique environment created within the stone chambers.
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