Archaeological Area of Pianezze

About this activity

Just three kilometers south of Grotte di Castro lies an extraordinary site, a bridge between past and present: the Archaeological Area of Pianezze. This Etruscan necropolis, in use between the 7th and 5th centuries BCE, is part of a vast funerary complex connected to the ancient Etruscan settlement on the Civita hill. Here, nestled in the evocative tuff landscape, visitors can admire chamber tombs carved directly into the rock, silent witnesses to a civilization that shaped the history of the Mediterranean.

An Eternal Architecture: The Chamber Tombs

The heart of the necropolis consists of chamber tombs, characterized by a long open corridor (dromos) leading to a main atrium. From this central space, secondary chambers branch out, designed for burials. The Etruscans, masterful at adapting to nature, shaped each tomb according to the geological conditions of the terrain or the patrons’ specific requests, giving each burial site its unique character. Among the twenty-four monumental tombs discovered so far, the renowned “Red Tomb” stands out as a true jewel of the 6th century BCE. This tomb provides a unique glimpse into Etruscan domestic architecture. Its sculpted and painted details, such as the Tuscan column and decorations mimicking roof beams, testify to the artistic and technical sophistication of this ancient civilization.

The Largest Necropolis of Civita

The Necropolis of Pianezze is the largest among those surrounding the Etruscan center of Civita, now visible only through traces such as tunnels, cisterns, and remnants of defensive walls. Excavated between the 7th and 3rd centuries BCE, the tombs of the necropolis display remarkable evolution: from simple “casket” tombs, designed for a single individual and made with tuff slabs, to monumental chamber tombs intended to house entire families. These tombs, with their grand corridors and underground spaces, often replicated residential dwellings, adorned with architectural decorations that reflected the social prestige of their owners.

The “Red Tomb”: A Masterpiece of Art and Engineering

Dating back to the 6th century BCE, the “Red Tomb” captivates with its elegance and historical significance. The large rectangular atrium, adorned with sculpted and red-painted columns, faithfully replicates an Etruscan dwelling. Burial pits for other family members are located on the floor, while the red-painted details of roof beams illustrate the profound connection between the world of the living and the dead. This extraordinary tomb stands as a vivid testament to the ingenuity and culture of the Etruscans.

A Journey Through Time: The Archaeological Park

Today, the Archaeological Area of Pianezze is part of an Archaeological Park that offers visitors the opportunity to explore these marvels within a unique natural setting. The experience is further enriched by the Civic Archaeological Museum of Grotte di Castro, which houses artifacts that unveil the secrets of Etruscan daily life and funerary art.

Access methods

The archaeological area is not accessible to people with mobility challenges.

Address

Località Pianezze, Grotte di Castro VT, Italia

Opening hours for the public

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM / 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM / 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM / 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM / 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM / 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Contacts

Telephone Museum Civita : 0763 796983 Telephone : 0763 797173 Email Museum Civita: museogrottedicastro@simulabo.it