ANCIENT AND SPLENDID ETRUSCAN CITY, VULCI IS NOW A MARVELOUS ARCHEOLOGICAL AND NATURALISTIC PARK. IT IS LOCATED IN THE TERRITORY OF TUSCIA VITERBESE, BETWEEN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF CANINO AND MONTALTO DI CASTRO ON THE BANKS OF THE FIUMA FIORA RIVER.
The park built around these ruins covers a vast area of 120 hectares and is open year-round (except for the period from December 25th to January 1st). The entrance to the park costs 8 euros. The city of Vulci was one of the most important city-states in all of Etruria and played a significant role in trade with Greece and other regions of the Mediterranean Sea. It was destroyed by the Romans in 280 B.C. Today, imposing ruins remain from the ancient city, many of which are well-preserved, both from the Etruscan and Roman periods. The city’s city walls, built from tuff stone blocks with five access gates (three of which are still visible and in excellent condition), the Roman aqueduct, the large temple dating back to the 4th century B.C., and the Domus are just some of the wonders that can be admired. In the park, there are also some necropolises, among the most famous are those of Cavalupo, Poledrara, Campo Maggio, the François Tomb (the most famous), and the Tomb of the Bulls.
Visit the Museum
In the castle of the park, dating back to the 12th century, an interesting museum is set up, which displays many of the findings from the necropolis and the ancient city from the 3rd millennium B.C. to the Roman era. Born as a Benedictine abbey dedicated to San Mamiliano, the Castle of Vulci is located near the Devil’s Bridge. The museum is divided into two floors, with a particularly interesting collection of ceramics that tell the productive activities and trade of the city in Etruscan and Roman times. Trails, trekking routes among the beauties and history of this part of the Tuscan Maremma, the Archaeological Park of Vulci is another gem that is absolutely worth a visit.
Vulci Thermal Baths
A few kilometers from the archaeological park (about 6), we find the Vulci Thermal Baths, which are one of the main attractions of the Tuscia Viterbese. A relaxing corner surrounded by nature with natural pools that perfectly blend with the olive groves surrounding the area. The thermal waters of the four pools start at a temperature of 42 degrees and reach 30 degrees, making them ideal for the treatment of arthrorheumatic and dermatological diseases. The thermal baths, equipped with all services, are open every day and have a price of 17€ on weekdays and 25€ on holidays.