Volterra

Welcome to Volterra, a city that stands as a 'medieval treasure in Tuscany' and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Italy. Perched on a dramatic, wind-swept ridge overlooking the Cecina Valley, Volterra’s…

Our exploration begins at the Porta all'Arco, the most significant remnant of the city's mighty four-mile-long Etruscan wall. Built of massive tuff stones, this gate has stood for over two thousand years, surviving the Roman…

We now enter the vibrant heart of the city: the Piazza dei Priori. This square has been the center of Volterra's political life since the early 13th century. …

Descending from the medieval center, we encounter one of the most significant Roman monuments in Tuscany: the Teatro Romano. Built at the end of the 1st century BC during the era of Augustus, this theater could seat up to two…

To truly grasp the sophistication of the pre-Roman world, one must visit the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci. This museum is 'filled top to bottom' with artifacts excavated mostly from local tombs, providing an intimate look at the life…

At the city's highest point stands the Fortezza Medicea, an imposing fortress built by the Medici family in the late 15th century to consolidate their control over the city after the 'Sack of Volterra.' This structure is a…

To understand the soul of Volterra, one must investigate its relationship with alabaster. This soft, translucent stone has been mined in the surrounding hills for three millennia and remains the city’s most important artisanal…

As we conclude our exploration of Volterra, we are left with a profound appreciation for the 'layers upon layers' of history that define this ridge. We have stood at the Etruscan gate where three-thousand-year-old heads watch…

Our journey through the ancient streets of Volterra comes to an end here on the edge of the Tuscan ridge. We have seen the 'mighty Etruscan gate,' the 'emblem of civic pride' at the Piazza dei Priori, and the 'architectural…