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🕯️Barbarano Romano: between Etruscan necropolises and the Devil's Bridge

  • Writer: Giano di Vico
    Giano di Vico
  • May 19
  • 2 min read



In the heart of Tuscia, Barbarano Romano stands on a tuff plateau, surrounded by deep ravines and centuries-old woods. This village, inhabited since prehistoric times, holds stories and legends that are lost in time, among Etruscan tombs dug into the rock and bridges shrouded in mystery.



🏛️ The Etruscan Necropolis: A Journey into the Afterlife



The Marturanum Regional Park is home to the necropolis of San Giuliano, a complex of rock tombs dating back to the Etruscan period. Among these, the cube and semi-cube tombs stand out, dug directly into the tuff, which bear witness to the ancient civilization that inhabited these lands. It is said that, during full moon nights, whispers can be heard coming from the tombs, as if the spirits of the ancient Etruscans still watched over their resting places.



🌉 The Devil's Bridge: between human ingenuity and legend



One of the most evocative places is the Devil's Bridge, built in blocks of peperino without the use of mortar. Legend has it that the bridge was built in a single night with the help of the devil, in exchange for the soul of the first creature that would cross it. The inhabitants, cunningly, made an animal pass, thus deceiving the devil. Even today, the bridge is shrouded in an aura of mystery, and many avoid crossing it after sunset.



🏰 The three city walls: witnesses of a glorious past



Barbarano Romano is surrounded by three walls, evidence of the different historical eras that the village has gone through. The oldest dates back to the 11th century and protected the original nucleus of the “Castle”. The second, from the 13th-14th century, is characterized by square towers, while the third, built in the 15th century, has circular towers and incorporates the previous ones. These walls tell stories of sieges, battles and the resilience of the inhabitants in defending their land.



🌿 A village immersed in nature and history



In addition to its historical riches, Barbarano Romano offers breathtaking landscapes, with paths that wind through woods, streams and ravines. The Marturanum Regional Park is ideal for excursions, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and discover hidden corners where history and legend blend together.



Barbarano Romano is a place where time seems to have stopped, a village that tells ancient stories and fascinating legends. A trip here is a dive into the past, among Etruscan mysteries and folk tales that still fascinate and enchant today.

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