{"id":4521,"date":"2024-09-20T09:00:42","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T07:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.my-rental-homes.com\/blog\/?p=4521"},"modified":"2024-08-27T14:28:07","modified_gmt":"2024-08-27T12:28:07","slug":"volterra-tuscany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.my-rental-homes.com\/blog\/volterra-tuscany\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Volterra, in the Heart of Tuscany"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exploring Volterra, in the Heart of Tuscany<\/h1>\n

Are you looking for a town in Tuscany<\/a> that offers a lovely blend of history, culture, and natural beauty? Go to Volterra<\/strong>. Located in the province of Pisa, in the heart of Tuscany, it sits on a hill 531 meters (1,742 feet) above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.<\/p>\n

History of Volterra<\/h2>\n

Volterra’s history stretches back over 3,000 years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Originally an important center for the Etruscan civilization, Volterra was known as Velathri<\/em>. The city later became a flourishing Roman municipium<\/strong> and became famous for its alabaster craftsmanship.<\/p>\n

Throughout the Middle Ages, Volterra was a significant bishopric and enjoyed periods of prosperity under various rulers<\/strong>, including the Medici<\/strong> family of Florence. The rich history is still evident today in the city’s architecture, museums, and archaeological sites.<\/p>\n

Main Attractions in Volterra<\/h2>\n

Many are the things to visit in this gorgeous town. Here is a brief list of our preferred ones.<\/p>\n

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  1. Piazza dei Priori<\/strong>: This historic square is the heart of Volterra, surrounded by medieval buildings, including the Palazzo dei Priori, the oldest town hall in Tuscany.
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  2. Volterra Cathedral (Duomo)<\/strong>: Built in the 12th century, the cathedral boasts a beautiful Romanesque fa\u00e7ade and an intricately decorated interior with artworks from various periods.
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  3. Roman Theatre<\/strong>: Dating back to the 1st century BC, this ancient theater was excavated in the 1950s and offers a glimpse into the city’s Roman past.
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  4. Etruscan Museum<\/strong> (Museo Etrusco Guarnacci): One of the oldest public museums in Europe, it houses a vast collection of Etruscan artifacts, including the famous funerary urns and the “Ombra della Sera” statue.
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  5. Fortezza Medicea<\/strong>: This imposing fortress, built in the 14th century, dominates the city skyline. Although it’s currently a prison and not open to the public, people can admire it from the outside.
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  6. Palazzo Viti<\/strong>: A splendid Renaissance palace turned museum, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of a wealthy Volterran family. The palace is filled with period furnishings, artworks, and alabaster sculptures.
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  7. Alabaster Workshops<\/strong>: Volterra is famous for its alabaster. Visiting one of the many workshops in the city provides insight into this ancient craft, and you can purchase unique alabaster souvenirs.
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  8. Porta all\u2019Arco<\/strong>: This ancient Etruscan gate, dating back to the 4th century BC, is a testament to Volterra’s long history and strategic importance.
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    Things to Do in Town<\/h2>\n

    After strolling through the Historic Center, wandering the narrow cobblestone streets, and enjoying the medieval ambiance, it is normal to get a little hungry. In Volterra there are plenty of restaurant and trattorias<\/strong> where you can taste the local cuisine: don\u2019t miss the chance to try ribollita<\/em> (a hearty vegetable soup), wild boar, and local cheeses.<\/p>\n

    Where there is food there is also wine<\/strong>. The area around Volterra is popular for its excellent wines. Why don\u2019t you add to your itinerary a visit to a vineyard or a winery for tours and tastings?<\/p>\n

    Are you into festivals? If you visit the town in the summer, you might catch the Volterra AD 1398, a medieval reenactment festival<\/strong> that brings the city\u2019s history to life with costumes, markets, and entertainment.<\/p>\n

    Did you know that\u2026<\/h3>\n

    Volterra is the town where Stephenie Meyer set part of News Moon, the second book in the Twilight Saga<\/strong><\/a>. However, the filming of the movie did not take place in Volterra but in Montepulciano<\/p>\n

    Nearby Attractions<\/h3>\n