The Museum is housed in the imposing Borgiano Fort, a prestigious military structure designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder at the behest of Pope Alexander VI Borgia. It was completed at the end of the 15th century by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger under Pope Julius II della Rovere. The monument, considered to be one of the most important military works of the Renaissance, has five bastions in a pentagonal plan with a high octagonal donjon. There is a large, quadrangular inner courtyard surrounded by a two-storey portico within the complex housing the papal apartments.

Since 1977, it has housed archaeological collections from the Faliscan territory. One can admire, in particular, important ceramic artefacts found in the burial areas that surrounded the main settlement of the ancient Faliscan territory, Falerii Veteres (today’s Civita Castellana). The oldest pieces are made in impasto with sgraffito and plastic decorations, while those dating to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC are examples of black paint, silver-plated, overpainting and red figure pottery. These are works, such as the Diespater Painter’s stamnoi, are examples of the highest quality. Alongside  these,  visitors can admire architectural and votive terracottas found in the town’s sanctuaries.

The artefacts on display testify to the great craftsmanship and refined taste of the Faliscan ceramists who traded at the time.

Museum images courtesy of Lazio Regional Museums Directorate