Etruscan architecture
Model of an Etruscan temple.
It is believed that the Etruscan architectural tradition developed around the seventh century BC, perhaps as a result of Greek colonisation that took place in southern Italy. Very little Etruscan architecture survives, as many of the cities were destroyed by the Romans who built over them during the rise of the Roman Empire. Some of their city walls and characteristic masonry arched gateways remain.
Sketch of the Etruscan Arch, Perugia (also known as Porta Augusta).
Unlike the Greeks (and later, the Romans) who used stone, the Etruscans favoured building using wood, clay, brick and tufa (building blocks made from the region’s volcanic ash). Stone was reserved for city walls, building foundations and tombs. The traces of Etruscan architecture that have been preserved are primarily religious temples where stone was used for the foundations.
Reconstruction of an Etruscan Temple of the 6th century, according to Vitruvius.
There are ancient Roman descriptions (particularly those by Vitruvius) that remark upon rich facade decorations, but stocky elegance was the underlying characteristic of these structures.
The shape of Etruscan columns was influenced by the simplicity of the Greek Doric order. However, because they were placed widely apart, their ratios and proportions were more in line with the Greek Ionic order. Their wooden columns were decoratively painted. Sometimes they also featured bases and capitals adorned with painted terracotta decorations.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.