A Guide to Volterra

Located south west of Florence, Volterra is found on an isolated plateau enclosed by volcanic hills. From the beautiful medieval town there are fantastic views described by D.H.Lawrence as if one were seeing ‘all the world’. Its isolation has left this exquisite town intact. Volterra’s great Etruscan importance can be discovered in one of Italy’s best Etruscan museums, the Guarnacci and also the Porta dell’Arco, and the Necropoli dei Marmini.

The Roman remains include the Roman theatre of Vallebona whilst the medieval contribution to the town is what survives most intact today. The monuments left behind from this period include the Piano di Castello, Porta S.Felice, Porta S.Francesco, Porta Fiorentina and the ecclesiastical buildings of Palazzo dei Priori, the Cathedral of St. Maria, and the Baptistery.

For those interested in Volterra’s artistic history the Pinacoteca houses a wonderful display of art collected from Volterra’s churches. Excursions can be made on foot, bike, or on horseback along designated routes through the splendid Tuscan countryside around Volterra.