Pope Julius III’s 16th-century villa provides the charming setting for Italy’s finest collection of Etruscan and pre-Roman treasures. Exhibits, many of which came from burial tombs in the surrounding Lazio region, range from bronze figurines and black bucchero tableware to temple decorations, terracotta vases and a dazzling display of sophisticated jewellery.
Must-sees include a polychrome terracotta statue of Apollo, the 6th-century-BC Sarcofago degli Sposi (Sarcophagus of the Betrothed), and the Euphronios Krater, a celebrated Greek vase.
Further finds relating to the Umbri and Latin peoples are on show in the nearby Villa Poniatowski . You'll need to book to enter here, with Sunday visits restricted to guided tours run by the Coop Arteingioco. Call 06 4423 9949 for details.
