The southern Etruria area, seat of the Etruscan civilization, is commonly known as Tuscia; the name seems to come from the ancient name of the local inhabitants, the Tuscia.

Etruria is culturally and geographically homogeneous, and comprises the lands between Tirreno Sea, the tosco-emiliano Apennines, Umbria and the river Tiber on its way to the sea.

Etruscan and mediaeval ruins are still visible among the green of the woods and the yellow of the wheat fields, which are unexpectedly discontinued by deep and steep gorges cut in the volcanic bedrock by ancient and perpetual steams, symbol and origin of the wealth of this region.

In this uniquely beautiful context, the Etruscan culture contributed to what is now remembered as the "Civilization of the Tufo" (tuff).

VITERBO, THE CAPITAL OF THE PROVINCE

Viterbo is the administrative and cultural centre of Tuscia. Often referred to as the Town of the Popes, Viterbo is also known as the surprise city, because of the pre dominant feeling inspired by the
mediaeval urban structures.

San Pellegrino, Piazza del Gesil, Gallerie of Piazza della Morte, and the squares with their ancient foun tains, Palazzo Papale with its loggia, historical symbol of Viterbo, and the rooms where the first cono clave took place in 1270. Palazzo dei Priori (Prior.s Palace) with
paintings and frescoes dating back, from the sixteenth century also offers from its rooms the vista of the Faul valley, where in 1243 the citizens of Viterbo under siege fought against the army ofFederico the II.
Baroque is superb in Viterbo, with its Chiesa del Gonfalone and its Chiesa di Santa Maria in Gradi,
seat of Tuscia University.

The Romanesque churches and the cloisters of the monasteries are precious because of their stone "embroideringo", as for example in Santa Maria del Paradiso.

Out side the city walls, dating back from X-XI century A.D., washing troughs and drinking troughs can
be seen, one can sit and rest in a garden next to Etruscan sarcophagi, and hear water trickling from
the ancient spindle shaped fountains, made of peperino stone.

TOURIST TOUTES

The Etruscan route, or route of the tuff (so called because of its important role in the surrounding land scape), includes:

The necropolises. Witnessing the importance of the afterlife for the Etruscans, several necropolises in remarkable good condition have survived until today, some of the most important ones are: Tar quinia, rich in room tombs with decorations dating back from the IV to the II century B.C., and Cerveteri. Still many more sites were appointed as the last abode throughout Etruria: Norchia, Castel d.Asso, Musarna, Acquarossa (Viterbo), San Giuliano (Barbarano) San Giovenale (Blera), and many more in Tuscania, Vulci, Blera, Bisenzio, Bolsena, Falerii Novii (Civita Castellana) and the beautiful Selva
di Malano (Soriano).

The Etruscan towns. Many settle ments that used to be part of the "Etruscan nation" Dodecapolis
are today important towns, rising above ancient structures and origi nal town planning. Examples of the Etruscan urban culture are Barbarano, Sutri, Vulci, Tarquinia, Veio, Caere, Musarna.