Sutri

Sutri is a city in the province of Viterbo in the Italian region of Lazio, about 50 km to the north of Rome. The town itself is situated on a narrow hill of tufo rock on the northern side of the Via Cassia but the main sights are to the south of that road. In ancient times Sutri was considered to have been a strategic location and was conquered by the Etruscans and Romans.

Sutri is on the Via Cassia, which connects Rome with Viterbo.

The amphitheatre

• Roman amphitheatre. This measures 40m x 50m and is excavated out of the tuff rock. It is believed to be 1st Century Roman. The layout suggests that spectators stood rather than sat while watching proceedings. It seems to be rarely open to the public but the amphitheatre is clearly visible through the gate.
• Etruscan necropolis. The area around the amphitheatre is surrounded by numerous tombs cut in the rock.
• Santa Maria del Parto. A mithraeum was a place of worship for the followers of Mithraism. It was often constructed in a cave to resemble the cave where Mithras is said to have slain a sacred bull. The word has come to be used to refer to any secret place used for rituals. The one at Sutri dates back to Etruscan times and began as a tomb before being adapted by followers of Mithras in Roman times. In the Middle Ages it was converted to a church.

Interior of the Concattedrale of Sutri

It is easy to drive down the Via Cassia, see the sights and drive on. But the village of Sutri, opposite, is an attractive place to linger for a coffee or more substantial refreshment.

• Viterbo, city of the Popes, is a short drive north.
• Calcata, an abandoned hill town taken over by hippies, lies to the east of Sutri.