Museo Nazionale Etrusco (National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia), Rome

Museo Nazionale Etrusco (National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia), Rome

Villa Giulia, constructed in the mid-16th century for Pope Julius III, is home to the world's most remarkable collection of Etruscan art & artifacts. Notable figures involved in the planning and construction of the villa included Michelangelo and his fellow Florentine, Vasari; however, the majority of the actual work was carried out by Vignola and Ammannati. A highlight of the villa is its nymphaeum, a sunken sculpture garden that exemplifies the refined aesthetics of the late Renaissance, designed to provide princely enjoyment.

The exact origins of the Etruscans remain uncertain, but many scholars suggest they migrated from Asia Minor, arriving in Italy around 2000 BC and establishing a civilization that served as a dazzling prelude to ancient Rome.

Among the most striking treasures within the collection are the terra-cotta statues, such as the Apollo of Veii and the serenely beautiful Sarcophagus of the Spouses. Dating back to 530–500 BC, the latter depicts a couple (or Sposi) with almond-shaped eyes and archaic smiles, emanating an openness and zest for life rarely seen in Roman art.

Another noteworthy piece is the cinematic frieze from a later temple in Pyrgi (480 BC), resembling Etruscan equivalents of the Elgin marbles, crafted from terra-cotta. The extensive exhibition of Etruscan jewelry, including 8th-century BC fibulae (brooches) made of gold, amber, and bronze, adds to the allure.

The beautiful gardens surrounding the villa are also a sight to behold, making a visit to Villa Giulia truly worthwhile.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Museo Nazionale Etrusco (National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia) on Map

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Sight Name: Museo Nazionale Etrusco (National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Trastevere Walking Tour

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

Rome, the Eternal City, carries a legacy shaped by centuries of resilience, transformation, and cultural flourishing. The fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD marked the end of an era, plunging Western Europe into the dark Middle Ages. Yet, even amid the disarray, Rome endured as a beacon of unity, largely due to its status as the center of Catholicism. The papacy wielded spiritual influence,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Vatican Walking Tour

Vatican Walking Tour

Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

Filmed entirely in the heart of Rome, Roman Holiday is one of those timeless films that beckons you to hop on a Vespa and lose yourself in the intoxicating beauty of the Italian capital. Released in 1953, this beloved classic has captured hearts across generations, thanks to its irresistible blend of romance, adventure, and charm—anchored by two of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Audrey Hepburn...  view more

Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.5 Km or 5.3 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Often referred to as the Eternal City, Rome holds a unique place in the story of Western civilization. Its influence shaped European culture through language, governance, and monumental architecture.

The name “Rome” originates from Romulus, the mythical founder of the city, who, according to legend, was the son of the war god Mars and Rhea Silvia, the priestess of goddess Vesta. Both,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

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