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Basilica di San Pietro
Begun in the 8th century in Lombard-Romanesque style and renovated in the 11th-12th centuries the Church of Saint Peter has a central nave and two aisles divided by low Roman columns and pilasters incorporating half-columns, with antique and mediaeval capitals. On the front, visitors will find three intricately decorated doorways while inside and underneath there is a hidden magnificent crypt with cross vaults supported by 28 Roman marble columns. Damaged during a recent earthquake, the apse has been partly rebuilt with work continuing on seriously damaged frescoes of the Roman school from the 12th -13th century.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore
The Romanesque church of Santa Maria Maggiore, built in the Lombard-Romanesque style, sits atop of a pre-existing pagan temple and was constructed during the 8th century and later enhanced and modified in the 12th-13th century. With three decorated doors, the interior of the church is made up of three central isles, a gothic frescoed ciborium, a large octagonal font from the 13th century, as well as frescoes dating from that same period and on into the 14th century.
Etruscan Necropolises
Throughout the area surrounding Tuscania there are several Etruscan burial grounds, some of which are freely accessible, while others require paid admission at specific hours due to their archaeological significance. Important historical finds have been unearthed in the Peschiera area on the road to Marta, and at the necropolis of the Olivo, with the tomb of the Queen, famous because for its labyrinthine complexity.
Museo Archeologico, hosted in the former convent of S. Maria del Riposo, the Archaeology Museum is comprised of four rooms exhibiting funerary artefacts from the tombs of the Etruscan Curunas and Vipinana families dating from the 4th to 2nd centuries BC. Family sarcophagi depict persons in typical banqueting position. Also on display are photographs dating to the first excavation of the necropolis. The rooms above have finds stretching back to the 8th century BC along with some information panels in English.
Torre di Lavello
The belvedere of the Tower of Lavello is the focal point to the entrance of the Torre di Lavello Park. This picturesque greenspace offers one of the most beautiful views over the historic centre of Tuscania and the splendid valley of the Marta river.
Fontana delle Sette Cannelle
The city's Fountain of the Seven Spouts dates back to the Etrusco-Roman period and is a short distance away from the historic lavatoi (public laundry). A neighbourhood lavatoio was a focal point in villages where women would gather, talk and clean to the soothing music of running water freely flowing into the basins.
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Tuscania guide
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