Just a few kilometres from central Viterbo, the Castel d'Asso necropolis preserves dozens of tombs carved straight into the tuff cliff face, dating from the 4th to the 1st century BC. The dominant style is the cube tomb: squared architectural facades cut into the rock that imitate the houses of the living, complete with false doors, cornices and Etruscan funerary inscriptions.
Why it's worth the visit
Unlike the better-known coastal necropolises (Tarquinia, Cerveteri), Castel d'Asso is open, quiet, and often free of other visitors: you walk along the tuff valley reading the carved facades as if walking down the street of an ancient city.
Outdoor trail, not fully accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. Light hiking shoes recommended.
