The Church of Santa Maria
Maggiore in Cerveteri
The Church of Santa Maria
Maggiore in Cerveteri is an
important source of history and
culture. Built on the remains of an
ancient Etruscan temple, the
church has undergone many
transformations over the
centuries. Initially, it consisted of
a single nave, but it was expanded
with the addition of two more
naves. The major transformation
took place around the year 1100,
when the church was adapted to
the canons of the prevailing
Romanesque style and provided
with a bell tower.
The church also has a long
history as an episcopal seat, with
eight bishops of Cerveteri
mentioned in the first Liber
Censuum compiled by Honorius III.
Until 1029, Cerveteri was an
episcopal seat, and the church
was restored in some parts in 1492.
The Church of Santa Maria
Maggiore is a symbol of the
history and culture of Cerveteri, a
place of worship that has evolved
over time to meet the needs of the
community.
Historic Centre of Cerveteri
The historic centre of Cerveteri is
a fascinating medieval village
characterized by narrow cobbled
streets and ancient houses. In
addition to Santa Maria Square
and Palazzo Ruspoli, there is the
Grifoni Tower (heritage site). The
centre developed in the upper part,
with the ancient district of the
Boccetta.
From the Belvedere of the ancient
walls, especially near the Rocca,
you can enjoy a panoramic view
that stretches all the way to the
sea.
The historic centre mainly
developed around Piazza
Risorgimento.
Among the archaeological sites
there is the Necropolis of the
Banditaccia, a complex of
Etruscan tombs. It is one of the
most important necropolises for
the beauty and grandeur of its
tombs and for the importance of
the artifacts discovered. Of
particular value is the
Sarcophagus of the Spouses,
which is now kept in the National
Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia in
Rome.
Typical products of Cerveteri
include:
• artichokes
• cheese
• extra virgin olive oil
The local cuisine is influenced
both by Roman tradition and by
the rural tradition of the Tolfa
Mountains. It is also well known
for its festivals dedicated to local typical products.