Monuments

Strolling through the alleys and narrow streets of the old town of Tarquinia, visitors can admire wonderful monuments from different historical periods. The perfectly preserved medieval walls still defend the town and welcome tourists with their imposing towers. The Barriera di San Giusto (the monumental entrance to Tarquinia), dating back to the early 20th century and offering a panoramic view of the Tarquinia coastline, is certainly worth a visit. Inside the walls, visitors can admire historical buildings including the Palazzo Comunale, the current seat of the town hall, which houses the sumptuous Sala degli Affreschi (Hall of Frescoes) with paintings dating from the 16th-17th century.

The 15th-century Palazzo Vitelleschi houses the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia. The building’s facade features a perfect blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, reflecting the change of style that was taking place at the end of the 15th century. Palazzo Bruschi, with remarkable paintings inside, is more recent. It is a building of Renaissance style but dates back to the 19th century. There are also 20th-century fountains and springheads, built as a result of a water reclamation project.

Churches

There are many religious buildings in the town of Tarquinia dating mainly from the Romanesque period.
The church of San Martino, of Romanesque architectural design but often modified over the centuries, is probably the oldest in the town: in its style, it shows influences from Pisa, the south, the Arab world and the north.
This last feature is also found in other local churches, including the church dedicated to Santa Maria in Castello, a Romanesque church with transalpine, Lombard and Arab influences, which was chosen as a cathedral until 1435.

There are also examples of Baroque religious architecture, such as the Chiesa del Suffragio (Church of the Suffrage) or the former religious building of the Cappella della Croce (Chapel of the Cross), now used as a centre for parish activities.
There are also convent buildings, among which is the Convent of St. Francis, late 13th-early 14th century, which includes a Gothic-Romanesque church, a cloister and a Renaissance well.
A must-see is the church of St. Margherita, the town’s cathedral since 1435, which houses remarkable 16th-century frescoes depicting stories of the Virgin.

Towers

Tarquinia‘s defence system, perfectly preserved and visible around the town, dates back to the medieval period and it is one of the artistic treasures the town offers to its visitors.
The town walls are made of ashlars arranged in horizontal courses bonded with lime, sand and pozzolan.
It features a series of watchtowers that are also found within the circuit.

In the medieval period, the towers had different functions: defence, service and sighting. These include the circular tower known as the Matilda of Canossa tower, due to the presence of the countess in the area in 1080. Restored in 1439, it is flanked by a fortified bayonet gate. On the other hand, the 11th-century Barucci tower, now owned by the municipality, has a square plan and crenellations.

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