VOLTERRA
One of the main Etruscan cities, then a Roman centre, and finally a Medieval town contended by Pisa and Florence, Volterra boasts one of the most important museums dedicated to the Etruscan civilization, well preserved ruins of Roman theatre and baths, medieval walls, tower-houses and lanes, the historical residence of a merchant of alabaster who travelled all over the world for trade, and, last but not least, a spectacular view. With a clear sky you can see even the Corsica island from the top of that windy hill sometimes wrapped by clouds, as if they were trying to protect a place, that is far more than a jewel, Volterra is a real "jewel box" full of secrets to reveal little by little, and it is a real must for all Twilight saga fans!
Many events take place in Volterra the whole year long, and the peak is surely the awesome medieval feast in August.
At least a half day is needed for Volterra, but in fact a full day would be even better for the visit of this splendid and mysterious town!
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1-VOLTERRA CLASSIC TOUR Duration: about 1h30-2 hours. A stroll across narrow streets and little lanes to admire an ancient Etruscan gate called "Porta all'Arco", Piazza San Giovanni ( the square where there are the Cathedral and the Baptistery), Piazza dei Priori (the main square with the oldest Townhall of the whole Tuscany), the ruins of Roman theatre and baths seen from a panoramic point, and examples of medieval tower houses. It is possiible to visit free of charge an alabaster workshop, in order to discover something more about this ancient art of Volterran craftmanship. |
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2-VOLTERRA CLASSIC TOUR+ MUSEO GUARNACCI Duration: 3 hours. A stroll across narrow streets and little lanes to admire an ancient Etruscan gate called "Porta all'Arco", Piazza San Giovanni ( the square where there are the Cathedral and the Baptistery), Piazza dei Priori (the main square with the oldest Townhall of the whole Tuscany), the ruins of Roman theatre and baths seen from a panoramic point, examples of medieval tower houses and a visit to one of the most renowned Etruscan museums: the Guarnacci Museum. Entrance fee for the museum. |
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3-VOLTERRA AND ALABASTER Duration: 3 hours. A stroll across narrow streets and little lanes to admire an ancient Etruscan gate called "Porta all'Arco", Piazza San Giovanni ( the square where there are the Cathedral and the Baptistery), Piazza dei Priori (the main square with the oldest Townhall of the whole Tuscany), the ruins of Roman theatre and baths seen from a panoramic point, and examples of medieval tower houses. Visit (free of charge) an alabaster workshop, in order to discover something more about this ancient art of Volterran craftmanship and visit either to Palazzo Incontri-Viti ( a historical residence still inhabited by the descendents of an alabaster merchant who made his fortune in the 19th century) or to the Ecomuseum of Alabaster (there is an entrance fee to pay in both cases). |
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4-VISIT ONE OR MORE VOLTERRAN MUSEUMS Guarnacci Museum (=Etruscan museum), Pinacoteca (=picture-gallery), Eco-Museum of Alabaster (= museum dedicated to the history of alabaster in Volterra, Palazzo Incontri-Viti (= private historical residence of an 19th century alabaster merchant, now inhabited by his descendants), Palazzo dei Priori (the oldest town hall of the whole Tuscany with possibility to climb on the top of the tower to get a fantastic view over Volterra). Entrance fees. This option can be combined also with one of the above mentioned itineraries or it can complete the visit of Volterra in case of a full day guided tour. |
