Length of Tour: 3 hours
Volterra is located in the eastern part of the province of Pisa. A hilltop town, it has one of the most splendid landscapes in Tuscany. Of particular note are the ‘Balze’, spectacular ravines and cliffs, located on the west side of Volterra, formed as a result of a slow erosion of the clay soil.
Dating back to Etruscan times, Volterra also has an extremely impressive historical and artistic heritage.
The town is a renowned center for the craftsmanship of alabaster, this too dating back to Etruscan times. There are still a few traditional alabaster workshops in Volterra where skilled craftsmen can be observed creating objects of art.
Its unspoiled landscape, people-oriented way of life, and age-old alabaster industry make Volterra a unique place to visit.
With your guide, you will visit:
Duomo: 12th-13th century Romanesque church with a 15th-century bell tower.
Baptistery of San Giovanni: built in the 13th-century, octagonal in shape, topped off by a cupola and faced with traditional alternating bands of white and green marble.
Palazzo dei Priori: Located in Piazza dei Priori, the 13th-century stone building dominates the square. Part of the interior, such as the Great Council Chamber, can be visited.
The Walls: They are of Etruscan origin, modified in the Middle Ages. The famous Etruscan gate, Porta all’Arco, is still standing and dates 4th century BC.
Fortezza Medicea: The fortress is built on the highest point of the hill and is basically two smaller fortifications, the Rocca Antica and the Rocca Nuova, joined by a double curtain wall. You can see remains of a previous fortification in the Rocca Antica, whereas the Rocca Nuova, consisting of a large lookout tower, was built by Lorenzo de’ Medici. Today it is used as a maximum security prison.
Roman Theatre: During an archeological excavation in Vallebuona, the Roman theatre was brought to light in the 1950s. Its construction took place between 1st century BC and 20 AD and was financed by a local wealthy family, Caecina.
Fonte di Docciola: This public washing area or lavoir was built around 1250. Framed by two imposing arches, it has a large rectangular basin. In front of it, there is a gate bearing the same name, Porta di Docciola, built in 1400.
If you would like to spend more time in Volterra and visit the museums, you can extend your tour to a full day tour of 6 hours plus time for lunch.
Museo Guarnacci is one of the most important museums in Italy. It houses a rich and extensive collection of Etruscan and Roman artifacts.
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra is noteworthy for its religious works of art and furnishings, in particular, the collection of holy vestments, gold reliquaries, ecclesiastical furnishings, illuminated manuscripts, and 14th-century sculptures of the Sienese School.
Visits to the museums must be booked in advance, so please let us know if you are interested when booking the tour. We are more than happy to help you decide.
It is also possible to arrange a visit to an alabaster workshop.
Please note: entrance fees and cost of lunch (for a full day tour) are extra.