Vulci is best known as one of the great cities of Etruria (covered in our page on the Etruscan city and in the one on the Ponte del Diavolo), but its archaeological park is also one of the best places in Tuscia to combine archaeology with hiking. The plateau of the ancient city is cut by the Fiora river, which flows between volcanic rock walls and vegetation, forming a surprisingly wild landscape. Trails cross urban remains, ancient roads and natural areas as they approach the river: within a few kilometres, you move from an Etruscan-Roman city to a genuine canyon environment.
Walking through the ancient city
The visit begins on the Vulci plateau, where remains of buildings, roads and structures from the city's various phases are visible. Walking the site on foot gives a far better sense of its scale than a visit limited to the main monuments. From here, some routes descend toward the Fiora valley, linking the archaeological area to the natural landscape.
The Fiora and the Pellicone lake
The river has deeply carved the volcanic rock, creating gorges and walls covered in vegetation. One of the best-known spots is the laghetto del Pellicone (Pellicone lake), also reached by hiking routes organised by the park. The Fondazione Vulci also offers archaeo-trekking routes combining the urban area, the necropolises, the river and more demanding stretches — some only accessible with a guide and booking.
Two complementary readings
Vulci rewards two complementary readings: the archaeological one, and the naturalistic one, centred on the trails and the Fiora valley. The great Ponte dell'Abbadia remains the most recognisable spot to end the day.
