Why Volterra?
Perched atop a hill surrounded by farmlands in Tuscany, Volterra is the least touristy among hill towns. Two thousand years ago, it was one of the most important Etruscan cities. It became one of the Roman empire’s independent city states, but later fell to Florence. To get a glimpse of a more authentic experience of Italian hill town life, a visit to Volterra is a must.
Parking in Volterra
Piazza Martiri della Liberta Car Park, an underground garage located before the Piazza Martiri bus roundabout.
Places Visited
1. Teatro Romano (Roman Theater)
An archeological area where a first century AD Roman Theater was discovered. It is considered one of Italy’s best preserved.
2. Duomo Santa Maria Assunta (Cathedral)
Consecrated in 1120, the interior was remodeled in the sixteenth century in Renaissance style.
3. Piazza and Palazzo dei Priori
The piazza was the central square of the medieval town. The palazzo, built between 1208-1254, which is the oldest in Tuscany is now the Town Hall. Visitors may climb the clock tower for a view of Volterra from the top.
4. Baptistery
The structure was built in the thirteenth century. Visitors look at the Romanesque doorway and its green and white marble stripes.
5. Arco Etrusco (Etruscan Arch) and Walls
The Romans redid parts of the arch and walls, but the masonry on each side of the gate, dressed stones and weathered heads on the arch are from the 4th or 3rd century BC.
There are other attractions to see in Volterra. Visiting all of them requires at least one full day.
Dee to the World 🌎 