Piazza dei Priori
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Piazza dei Priori, the absolute center of Volterra’s public life for nearly a millennium. As you stand in the center of this medieval square, you are surrounded by stones that have witnessed the transition of power…
Listen in the app2The Palazzo dei Priori — The Fortress of Law
The Palazzo dei Priori stands as the undisputed masterpiece of the square. Built between 1208 and 1257, its massive stone walls and battlements were designed to protect the 'Priori,' the city’s chief magistrates, who were…
Listen in the app3The Palazzo Pretorio and the Piglet Tower
Directly opposite the Palazzo dei Priori sits the Palazzo Pretorio, once the residence of the 'Podestà,' the foreign-born official hired to manage the city's justice system. This building is a complex of several structures merged…
Listen in the app4The Bishop’s Palace and the Grain Measures
On the southern side of the square stands the Bishop’s Palace, or Palazzo Vescovile. This building represents the powerful religious influence that often competed with the civic authority of the Priors. …
Listen in the app5The Florentine Marzocco and the Medici Influence
In the corner of the square, perched atop a stone pedestal, stands the 'Marzocco,' a heraldic lion representing the power of Florence. This lion is a replica of the original symbol placed here after Florence conquered Volterra in…
Listen in the app6The Paving and the Underground Vaults
Take a moment to look down at your feet. The paving of the Piazza dei Priori consists of large, irregular stone slabs that have been worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. …
Listen in the app7The Sensory Experience — Wind, Bells, and Echoes
As we conclude our walk around the square, pause and engage your senses. Volterra is often called the 'City of Wind,' and the Piazza dei Priori acts as a natural funnel for the breezes coming off the hills. …
Listen in the app8Piazza dei Priori
Our exploration of the Piazza dei Priori comes to an end, but the stories of this square will surely linger in your mind. We have walked through centuries of civic pride, from the defiant construction of the Palazzo dei Priori in…
Listen in the app9Closing
Our exploration of the Piazza dei Priori comes to an end, but the stories of this square will surely linger in your mind. We have walked through centuries of civic pride, from the defiant construction of the Palazzo dei Priori in…
Listen in the app
What is Piazza dei Priori?
Piazza dei Priori is a place with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Activity |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 9 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 43.4034, 10.8591 |
| Last updated |
