5 reasons to visit Visit Volterra Italy
Whether you want to have a look at the New Moon sights, or just dive into a medieval atmosphere, visit Volterra Italy. The origins of this small city in Tuscany date back to the ancient Etruscans. The Etruscan walls surrounding the city center are still visible and well preserved. In the Middle Ages, Volterra was home to the Bishop, then fell under the domain of Medici Family of Florence and later fell under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Volterra is situated on a hill and besides being an historical city, it’s also remarkable for its beautiful landscapes, for cooking traditions and good wine.
Here are 5 good reasons why you should visit Volterra Italy:
- historical heritage
- breathtaking Tuscany landscapes
- New Moon sights
- cooking traditions and gourmet restaurants
- world renowned wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
Volterra: a small Tuscany village with a great personality
The small town of Volterra represents an irresistible attraction for tourists from around the world, as much as other wonderful places in Tuscany like Pisa or Florence.
This town, with its rich history and beautiful surroundings, is indeed a diversified reality, full of attractions and immersed in a natural and panoramic environment of great value.
Today’s Volterra retains a medieval appearance and it is almost completely enclosed within its 13th century walls.
Museums
Within the city lies an impressive artistic heritage that can be admired along the streets of its old town center and its numerous museums.
Among them: the Museo Etrusco (Etruscan Museum), one of the most important in Italy, which exposes archaeological finds of inestimable value, the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) founded in 1842 and now housed in the Palazzo Minucci-Solaini (Minucci-Solaini Palace) from the 15th century, the Museo dell’Arte Sacra (Sacred Art Museum) located in an ancient rectory, and the particular Ecomuseo dell’Alabastro (Alabaster Ecomuseum) dedicated to the rock that has always been the artistic pride of the city.
In this museum you can see about 300 works of art, created between the 18th and 19th century, and imagine how it could fit into your living room!
Medieval architecture
The solidity of the stone will accompany you throughout your journey: in addition to admiring alabaster artifacts, you will notice that streets, towers, palaces and walls in Volterra are made with a typical yellow-gray sandstone of Tuscany called panchino; the whole thing has a very striking effect.
In addition to the ancient walls, the city still has ancient entry doors such as Porta Diana (Door Diana) and Porta dell’Arco (Arch Door), and an ancient Etruscan Acropolis, in Piano di Castello, with its remains of houses, cisterns and medieval towers that testify the birth and development of the city.
You will also see traces of the Roman dominion, especially viewing the Teatro Romano (Roman Theater) that could accommodate up to 2000 spectators; it will smile you from a hill that precisely recalls the shape of an amphitheater.
Other attractions
Other points of interest are the Cattedrale Romanica (Romanesque Cathedral), consecrated in 1120, with the Battistero di San Giovanni (St. John Baptistery), the Piazza and Palazzo dei Priori (Priors Square and Palace), the current town hall which is also the oldest one in Tuscany.
Tower Houses
Even the so-called Case-Torri (Tower Houses), that in Volterra – as well as nearby (for example in San Gimignano) – had defense functions but were also used to showcase social distinction, deserve to be admired: the Casa-Torre Buonparenti, with a high masonry arch, the Casa-Torre Toscano, consisting of three towers, and the Casa-Torre Baldinotti, with its characteristic arcades.
Local Private Guide
Every corner of Volterra will convey its timeless magic, and your trip will be even more exciting if lived in the company of a Local Private Guide: a resident, true blue Tuscan, who will lead you wherever your desire.
It will be the right person to visit the city with far and wide, with whom analyze the events of the oldest Florentine families (since their emblems placed on the Palazzo dei Priori will certainly intrigue you!), to ask where the best artisan shops that craft alabaster are or where to find a special tavern to experience the best flavors and emotions.
Perhaps even one in which the innkeeper also sits at the table with you to exchange a few jokes!
Book now your own personal tour of Volterra with a Private Local Guide!