Volterra is a ‘magical and mysterious’ city rooted in over three thousand years of history.
For each period of its past you can find traces of what makes this city unique amongst the art cities. Remains from the Etruscan period include: the old city walls, the impressive ‘Porta all’Arco’ (arched door), the Marmini necropolis and the numerous archaeological finds exhibited in the ‘Museo Etrucso Guarnacci’ (Guarnacci Etruscan Museum) from the Ombra della Sera, or ‘Shadow of the Night’, an elongated Etruscan statue, to the cinerary urns and the elaborate jewelry.
The Vallebona theatre of the Augustan era is just one example of the importance Volterra held during the Roman empire.
But it was the Middle Ages which gave the city the blueprint we still find today, not just in the internal city wall but in the urban layout with its narrow streets, villas, towers and churches.
The Renaissance had an important influence on Volterra without changing the medieval atmosphere. Good examples of buildings of this era are Minucci Solaini, Incontri-Viti, Inghirami, the imposing Medicea Fortress and the convent of San Girolamo.
Volterra is a city of museums. Apart from the Etruscan Museum you will find the ‘Pinacoteca Civica’ with some remarkable examples of art from the Sienese and Florentine schools, for example the ‘Deposizione dalla Croce’ by Rosso Fiorentino. The ‘Museo dell’Opera del Duomo’ (Musuem attached to the cathedral) exhibits some important gold works and sculptures from the 1300s, from the Sienese school.
Alabaster craftmanship is woven into the history of this city and is of significant interest to the visitor. You can truly breath the magical atmosphere of Volterra as you visit the numerous exhibitions and workshops around the city and see the craftsmen at work on this fascinating stone.
But Volterra doesn’t just offer art and history. The breath taking surrounding countryside and views offer the perfect place for excursions on foot, on horseback or by bike, along miles of signed footpaths to really get the feel for this incredible place.
Volterra is famous too for its traditional Tuscan cuisine and the warm hospitality it offers visitors. Here there is something for everyone from the numerous hotels, agriturismos and holiday apartments to the excellent campsite and modern hostel.
During the summer months Volterra hosts many important cultural events for example, Volterra Theatre, Volterra AD 1398 – A Medieval Reconstruction, modern and classical concerts, art exhibitions and folk events guaranteeing the visitor not just a relaxing and peaceful holiday but an interesting and stimulating cultural experience.
Villa Etrusca, Volterra
