Besides the better known Necropoli del Crocifisso del Tufo, there is another interesting Etruscan Necropolis in the territory of Orvieto. This second necopolis is located south of the ancient city and is called Tombe Etrusche della Cannicella. The name derives from canna, the Italian word for arrow cane, which grew abundantly nearby.
Cannicella Necropolis Orvieto
Address, opening times and tickets
Address: Viale Crispi – Località le Conce – 05018 Orvieto. Tel: +39 0763 343611. Opening hours: 08.30 to one hour before sunset. Admission is free, but guided tours have to be paid for. Depending on the size of the group, the price is between 5 and 10 Euro. Children from 0 to 5 do not have to pay. For information about d er guided tours please call +39 3281811316.
History and description
The Necropoli di Cannicella is one of the two better known necropolises located at the foot of the rock on which Orvieto was founded. A solid wall was found here in 1884, made of blocks of tuff stone. This wall turned out to shield some structures and drains.
The most important find made at the Cannicella Necropolis is the so-called Cannicella Venus. This is an 80-centimeter high statue of a naked woman. It is made of Greek marble and from the style it can be seen that it dates from the end of the 6th century BC. It probably depicts Ceres, the Goddess of agriculture.
Other objects excavated at the Cannicella Necropolis include pottery and bronze figurines, ex voto’s and Roman coins. A model of a temple was also found near the tombs.
Most of the objects found at the necropolis are on display at the Museo Claudio Faina in Orvieto itself .