A journey into Etruscan civilization

The National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia tells the story of the Etruscan people room by room: their daily life, their art and their religion. Here are the masterpieces you can't miss on your visit.

The Sarcophagus of the Spouses

The undisputed masterpiece is the Sarcophagus of the Spouses (6th century BC): a large terracotta funerary urn portraying a married couple reclining on a banquet couch in a gesture of affection and serenity. Their smiling faces and the easy naturalness of the scene make it one of the most beloved images in ancient art and a symbol of the equality between men and women in Etruscan society. We've devoted a separate guide to it: the Sarcophagus of the Spouses.

The Apollo of Veii

Another masterpiece is the Apollo of Veii, a life-size terracotta statue (late 6th century BC) attributed to the great master Vulca. Recovered from the temple of Veii, it depicts the god in mid-stride, with an archaic smile and a cloak that heightens his forward motion. It ranks among the highest achievements of Etruscan terracotta sculpture.

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The Pyrgi Tablets and the goldwork

Among the most precious treasures:

  • The Pyrgi Tablets, thin sheets of gold inscribed in Etruscan and Phoenician, essential to the study of the Etruscan language.
  • An extraordinary collection of Etruscan goldwork, exquisitely crafted (granulation, filigree).
  • Ceramics, bucchero (the typical Etruscan black pottery), bronzes and engraved mirrors.

The Ninfeo and the Renaissance villa

It isn't only about the Etruscans: the villa that houses the museum is a Renaissance masterpiece, built for Pope Julius III. Don't miss the Ninfeo (nymphaeum), a refined architectural garden set across several levels, with fountains, statues and loggias, the work of architects such as Vasari, Ammannati and Vignola. It's an elegant, cool oasis and an integral part of the visit.

How to plan your visit

In about 1.5 hours you can see the best of it:

  1. The Sarcophagus of the Spouses
  2. The Apollo of Veii and the temple terracottas
  3. The Pyrgi Tablets and the Etruscan goldwork
  4. The Ninfeo and the Renaissance villa

Frequently asked questions

What should you see at the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia? The Sarcophagus of the Spouses, the Apollo of Veii, the gold Pyrgi Tablets, the Etruscan goldwork and ceramics, and the Ninfeo of the Renaissance villa.

What is the Apollo of Veii? A life-size terracotta statue (late 6th century BC) attributed to Vulca, from the temple of Veii: one of the highest achievements of Etruscan sculpture.

What are the Pyrgi Tablets? Thin sheets of gold inscribed in Etruscan and Phoenician, essential to the study of the Etruscan language and among the most precious finds in the museum.

What is the Ninfeo of Villa Giulia? A refined architectural garden set across several levels, with fountains and loggias, a Renaissance masterpiece (Vasari, Ammannati and Vignola all worked on it), located inside the villa.

How much time do you need to see everything? About 1.5 hours for the masterpieces, the goldwork and the Ninfeo.

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Article #430 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026