ABOUT US
Volterra
Known to the ancient Etruscans as Velathri and to the Romans as Volaterrae, Volterra is a walled 'comune', or town, located in the province of Pisa, set within the heart of Tuscany.
The Town
Volterra stands on a rocky hill some 1770 feet above the sea level, located between the rivers Era and Cecina, divides the Era and Cecina valleys. It is surrounded by stone walls built over several centuries from the 13th to the 16th. It holds a wealth of Etruscan, Roman, Midieval and Rennaissance art and architechture. The district is rich in alabaster, the working of which was an important industry of the city, and in mineral waters, such as those of S. Felice and the Moie, or salt springs. Still more important are the Soffoni of Larderello (steam rises from the earth here!), from which boric acid is extracted, the sulphur lake of Monterotondo, the copper springs of Caporciano, and the baths of Montecatini. (Information from volterra.net & www.comume.volterra.pi.it)
Guided Tour of Volterra
We are pleased to offer a tour of Volterra organized by the Volterra Tourist Office. This tour starts amongst the historic buildings of Piazza dei Priori, the Cathedral, Baptistery and Piazza San Giovanni. We then proceed to the Porta all'Arco and the famous Archaeological Park and Roman Theater. Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to the renowned Etruscan Museum and Pinacoteca. More information about the history and culture of Volterra can be found HERE.
What to Do
There are no less than 6 museums in Volterra:
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Art Gallery and Civic Museum
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Museum of Sacred Art
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Guarnacci Library
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Historical Archives
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Etruscan Guarnacci Museum
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Palazzo Incontri-Viti
There are also archaeological sites of special interest including:
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Roman Theatre
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Guarnacci Roman Baths
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Etruscan Burial Sites
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Etruscan Acropolis
Cooking Class
We will have small Cooking Class (for 10-12 people) that is yet to be decided and organized.
There are also plenty of shopping options with local artisans from jewelry to alabaster to leather goods. It won't be difficult to find a locally-crafted souvenier!