Municipality of Tuscania
Lat. 42.41694 Long. 11.86891
Piazza F. Basile, 5
01017 Tuscania (VT) Italy
Tel. ++39 0761443374
(208,03 square km with 7669 inhabitants: Tuscanesi)
It is located at the borders of the Maremma Viterbese, at about 24 km from Viterbo, in a flat territory. Surrounded by the Monti Cimini, Volsini and the
Monti of Canino, the area is one of the most fertile in the Tuscia and it is rich in streams. There are many legends on the origin of the town:
According to the most reliable it was founded by Ascanio, EneaÕs son or by Tusco , son of Ercole and Araxe, legendary queen of the Shiites.
However, the origins are very ancient, with proofs dating back to the Bronze Age. Tuscania was a very powerful Etruscan town and later became a
Roman municipium and a mediaeval village. The town has kept the remains of its circle of walls, of the towers and of the characteristic entrances.
The Etruscans made Tuscania prosperous and powerful, exploiting the good geographical position: they put it in the middle of an important network which
connected the coastal towns to those of the hinterland.
PLACES TO VISIT
St. Peters Church
The building is located on the ancient Etruscan acropolis, the faade dates back to the beginning of 1200 . It has three portals, the central one is particularly characteristic. The inside dates back to the 11th century and it has been built by Lombard masters.
The church of St. Maria Maggiore
It was built in the 8th century at the foot of St. Peters hill, on a pre-existent pagan temple and was later modified in the 12th century. The building is of clear Romanesque style and the three carved portals dating back to 1200 are a particular example of this style.
The church of St. Maria del Riposo
It was probably built on a pre-existent Benedictine abbey, restored in the 12th century and modified in 1700. On its inside a national museum is being prepared and it will house some rare sarcophaguses which belonged to rich Etruscan families.
The cathedral
It is located in a characteristic small square embellished by a fountain designed by Vignola. It was rebuilt in the 18th century and only the faade dates back to the 16th century. On its inside it is possible to admire, in the chapel at the bottom of the left aisle, an excellent marble tabernacle dating back to the 15th century.
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