The town of Volterra has a unique charm, becoming one of the favorite destinations in Tuscany, not only for its heritage.
Its historic centre dates back to the Etruscan era and is now characterized by its immersive medieval character, alongside substantial Roman remains.
It is located in the heart of Tuscany, 40 km from the coast and 55 km from Siena. There are about 11,000 inhabitants. It has long been known for its alabaster production, and recently as a filming location for Twilight. For all these reasons, it has become a very tourist destination.

Volterra was one of the main city-states of the former Etruria. The Romans made it a municipium before it became an influential episcopal seat from the 5th to the 12th century, very powerful in the Middle Ages. During the Renaissance, it was for a long time under the rule of Florence and the Medici.

Top sights in Volterra

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  • The Piazza dei Priori, one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Italy, with its palaces, including the Palazzo dei Priori and the Pretorio Palace.
  • Piazza San Giovanni with the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista.
  • The Renaissance palaces, including the Minucci Palace (now Solaini) which houses the Civic Art Gallery and the Incontri-Viti Palazzo, linked to the history of alabaster in the Ecomuseum of Alabaster
  • The fortress-houses belonging to rich families of Volterra who defended themselves and their property with these practically inviolable houses, including that of Buonparenti, on the other side of Piazza dei Priori and the Casa Toscano
  • The Roman Theatre
  • Etruscan Volterra: the Fiume Park with the rest of the Acropolis, the important Etruscan Museum Guarnacci, the Arch Gate, one of the best preserved Etruscan arches
  • Walls, gates and the Medici Fortress
  • The Civic Museum with the pinacoteca and the adjacent The Alabaster Eco-museum
  • Vitti Palace with the diocesan museum
  • The beautiful panoramic promenade that starts from the Piazza Martiri della Libertà and offers a magnificent view of the landscape up to the sea.

→ See also Things to see and do in Volterra

The Volterra Card can be advantageous, offering access to several places: Palazzo dei Priori, Etruscan Museum Guarnacci, Pinacoteca and civic museum, Ecomuseo dell’Alabastro, Archaeological Area of the Roman Theatre and Archaeological Area of the Etruscan Acropolis (valid for 72 hours for 16 euros).

Where is Volterra, map

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Ideas for guided tours in Volterra

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Articles about Volterra

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