Grotta Campana, Etruscan grave in Formello, Italy.
Grotta Campana is an Etruscan burial tomb in Formello that extends deep into Poggio Michele hill. The entrance leads to a wide corridor that opens into several chambers with stone ledges and ancient wall paintings.
The tomb was discovered in 1843 by Giampietro Campana and contained multiple human remains, including a warrior and his wife, along with decorated vases. The structure and objects within the burial chamber reveal early Etruscan burial traditions.
The interior walls display early Etruscan paintings showing horses, human figures, and mythological creatures that reflect burial customs of that time. These images offer insight into how people of that era lived and what they believed about the afterlife.
The site is located in the hills of Formello and is not easily accessible, so check opening times and access rules before visiting. The path to the tomb can be uneven and dark inside, so wear appropriate shoes and consider bringing a flashlight.
Stone lions stand guard at both the entrance and inner chambers of the tomb, serving as symbolic guardians of this ancient burial site. These carved sentinels were a common feature in Etruscan tombs, meant to protect the rest of the deceased.
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