Viterbo Italy - The Etruscan Museum

Image of Etruscan artifact from Etruscan Museum in Viterbo with text overlay - Etruscan Museum, Viterbo Italy

Kid Friendly Viterbo, Italy

Just north of Rome (about 80 miles, but only 1 hour by train from Roma Termini) is Viterbo. The name just rolls off your tongue! Viterbo is known for being a lively, university town and has an active art scene. Compared to Rome, it’s a sleepy little town! But, it holds so much history, art and artisan designer shopping. Don’t miss Viterbo, Italy, especially if your family wants to see Italy but avoid the crowds! Grab your passport. Let’s go to kid-friendly, Viterbo, Italy!

The Etruscan Museum

The Etruscan Museum is a small museum (compared to most in Rome, especially), but it does an excellent job of explaining the history of the Etruscans. You’ll learn;

Why the Romans decided the Etruscans needed to be conquered.
How the Etruscans built those fancy roof tiles with their unique ornamentation.
All about the local and regional archaeology digs of the 20th century.

There are plenty of ways for the kids (and you) to learn about archaeology and the many digs that have taken place (and continue today) in nearby places like Lago Bolsena.

Etruscan Archaeology

If you (or your kids) are overwhelmed by the crowds and the massive amounts of displays often found in large museums, then this museum is the perfect size and pace for your family. It’s easily seen in a morning but is possibly best saved for the hot afternoons as it might be a bit cooler inside the walls that are (I kid you not! Did you see the picture?) at least 2 meters thick. There’s no air conditioning (like most of Italy), so plan your day wisely, if your family won’t tolerate the heat.

Learn On Location

The Etruscan Museum has an awesome gift shop! Often times it’s easy to skip the gift shop with kids in tow, but this little shop has some great kid gifts! And, since the kids got in free, Why not splurge a bit on a history sticker book even a teenager can enjoy? Let’s reinforce all that learning on location. It’s a perfect investment for the next long train or plane ride. They also have an excellent selection of gifts and books for all ages. Museum tickets are about 12 euros for adults (free for kids under 18).

Viterbo Italy Is Super Kid Friendly

Italy’s small towns, like Viterbo, have so much to offer home school, traveling families. It seems like there is a teachable moment around every corner! The museums are cheaper and less crowded. And, the streets are so quaint! I truly felt safe letting my kids go on ahead or down to the market to grab a soda. Don’t miss Viterbo as you plan your kid-friendly Italy itinerary!