Discover Volterra: A Tuscan Gem

Volterra, a lesser-known medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. Once an Etruscan stronghold and a Roman municipium, it's renowned for its masterfully crafted alabaster.

Stroll through Volterra's medieval streets, past tower houses like Casa-torre Buonparenti and Torre Buonaguidi. While the town inspired locations in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, the actual film scenes were shot in Montepulciano.

Explore the top attractions in Volterra with our guide.

1. Teatro Romano (Roman Theater)

Discover the well-preserved Roman theater from the first century AD, with its marble-faced orchestra pit and seating for up to 2,000 spectators. Nearby are the remains of ancient thermal baths.

Address: Viale Ferrucci, Volterra

2. Museo Etrusco Guarnacci (Etruscan Museum)

Home to over 600 Etruscan cinerary urns and artifacts from prehistoric to Roman times, this museum offers a glimpse into the ancient Etruscan civilization.

Address: Via Don Minzoni 15, I-56048 Volterra

3. Duomo (Cathedral)

The Duomo Santa Maria Assunta features a Renaissance interior, a Romanesque altarpiece, and a pulpit adorned with biblical reliefs.

Address: Via Roma 13, Volterra

4. Parco Archeologico Enrico Fiume

Explore the layered history of Etruscan, Roman, and medieval structures at this archaeological park.

Address: Viale Ferrucci, Volterra

5. Piazza and Palazzo dei Priori

The austere Palazzo dei Priori, adorned with coats of arms, stands in the medieval Piazza dei Priori as the oldest town hall in Tuscany.

6. Baptistery and Diocesan Museum

The octagonal baptistery boasts a Romanesque doorway, while the adjacent Diocesan Museum displays sacred art and relics.

Address: Via Roma 13, Volterra

7. Palazzo Viti

Palazzo Viti, still owned by the Viti family, showcases a rich collection of alabaster art and international treasures.

Address: Via dei Sarti 41, Volterra

Official site: http://www.palazzoviti.it/palazzo/

8. Capella della Croce di Giorno

The church of San Francesco houses the Capella della Croce di Giorno, adorned with early 1400s frescoes depicting the legend of the True Cross.

Address: Via S. Lino 26, Volterra

9. Arco Etrusco (Etruscan Arch) and Walls

Visit the Arco Etrusco, part of Volterra's ancient walls, featuring Etruscan and Roman elements.

10. Pinacoteca and Museo Civico (Art Gallery and Civic Museum)

The Minucci-Solaini Palazzo hosts an art collection with masterpieces like Rosso Fiorentino's Deposition from the Cross.

Address: Via dei Sarti 1, Volterra

11. Watch Craftsmen at the Alabaster Ecomuseum

Learn about Volterra's alabaster heritage and watch artisans at work in this museum and workshop.

Address: Palazzo Minucci Solaini, Via dei Sarti, Volterra

12. Medici Fortress

The Medici Fortress, now a prison, stands as a testament to Florence's historical dominance over Volterra.

Where to Stay in Volterra for Sightseeing

Choose from several hotels near Volterra's attractions, such as Hotel Volterra In, Hotel La Locanda, Hotel Etruria, and San Lino.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Volterra

Parking: Park outside the old town and walk to your hotel, as no cars are allowed within the city walls.

Touring Volterra: Join day trips from Siena or Florence to explore Volterra and other Tuscan towns.

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Discovering More Hill Towns: Explore other Tuscan hilltop towns like San Gimignano and Arezzo with our guides to day trips from Siena and Florence.

Tuscany's Top Attractions: Visit Tuscany's famous sites, including Siena, Florence, and Pisa, home of the Leaning Tower.