Volterra

Volterra

		One of the most majestic locations in Tuscany is commanded by Volterra, a town rich in history with abundant evidence of its 3,000 years of civilisation. Volterra lies atop a steep ridge 545 metres (1,780 ft) above sea level, between the Era and Cecina rivers. From the town walls you can see the wide sweep of countryside below, with views on a clear day as far as the coast. Unlike other Tuscan hill towns surrounded by vineyards and fields of green, Volterra’s outlook is of more desolate terrain, spectacular nonetheless. One of the most important Etruscan city-states, it then became an important Roman municipality when Rome annexed Etruria in 351 BC. Etruscan treasures are continually being discovered, and Volterra houses some of the best Etruscan art outside Rome.
		The town is at the centre of one of the richest mining regions in Italy – over the centuries salt, sulphur, alum, alabaster, lead, tin and iron have been mined, and the Etruscans had thriving trade with the Greeks and Carthaginians. Nowadays Volterra is perhaps most famous for its alabaster craftsmanship, a legacy from the Etruscans, who used alabaster from the 5^th century BC onwards, mainly for their beautifully sculpted urns. Today the town is full of small alabaster workshops, creating both ornamental and functional pieces of all sizes and for all pockets. Volterra holds a contest each year for the best alabaster art.
		Volterra lies about 25 km from Villa Pallero, and is a beautiful 30 minute drive away with some breathtaking and beautiful views en route. Main sights to see include: The Piazza dei Priori with its Palazzo dei Priori, a beautiful and imposing building housing the town hall, which dates from 1208 and is said to be the oldest such building in Tuscany and the model for Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. It is open for visiting and often houses temporary exhibitions.
		Nearby is the Piazza del Duomo, and the Cathedral and Baptistry, which despite it’s comparatively plain exterior, houses some exceptionally high quality works of art. Some of the windows are also made of very thin-sliced alabaster. Art-lovers shouldn’t miss the Pinacoteca, and also worth a visit is the large Roman theatre. The Museo Etrusco Guarnacci houses a large and unique collection of Etruscan artefacts Annual events include: For more information visit the Tourist office websites www.provolterra.it or www.volterratur.it