Top 11 Things to Do in Volterra: Explore the Best of Tuscany's Historic Hill Town

Volterra is a beautiful and historic hill town in Tuscany, Italy, and offers visitors a wealth of cultural and archaeological attractions. From ancient Roman ruins to medieval palaces, there is something to see around every corner. In this blog post, we'll take a look at 11 of the top things to do in Volterra.

1. Teatro Romano (Roman Theater) This impressive amphitheater was constructed in the 1st century AD, situated on an even older Etruscan site, and is regarded as one of the finest in Italy. Although open daily from March to November, it's only open on weekends during the rest of the year. As you walk behind the theater, you'll encounter the remains of the Roman baths from the 4th century and the Roman forum.

2. Museo Etrusco Guarnacci (Etruscan Museum) Guarnacci Etruscan Museum is home to a vast collection of funeral urns dating back to the Hellenistic and Archaic periods. These urns are primarily crafted from alabaster and tufo rock, and their intricate designs and carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into the culture and traditions of ancient Italy. Established in 1761 by the noble Mario Guarnacci, the museum is one of the oldest public museums in Europe. Guarnacci donated his extensive archaeological collection, which he had amassed through years of research and purchases, to the "public of the city of Volterra". This donation, which also included a library with over 50,000 volumes, not only provided the city with a rich cultural heritage but also ensured that the collection would remain together and not be sold off.

3. Duomo (Cathedral) The cathedral, which has a history dating back to 1120, underwent significant modifications during the Renaissance era in 1584 following the Council of Trent. As a result, visitors will see a blend of Romanesque architecture in the facade and a strikingly embellished Renaissance ceiling, as well as various frescoed chapels. Among the treasures housed within the cathedral are numerous artworks created by some of Italy's most prominent artists, including Andrea della Robbia, Mino da Fiesole, and Benozzo Gozzoli, whose stunning fresco dates back to 1479.

4. Parco Archeologico Enrico Fiume The Parco Archeologico Enrico Fiume is an archaeological site where excavations began in 1926 to uncover the remains of an ancient Etruscan acropolis with the foundations of buildings dating from the second century BC. Discovered and excavated here are a cistern, pool, remains of a plumbing system, and two rectangular temple-like buildings, one dating from the 2nd century BC and the other from the 3rd century AD, with a podium and colonnade. The archaeological site is especially interesting for its layering of Etruscan, Roman, and medieval buildings.

5. Piazza and Palazzo dei Priori In the Piazza dei Priori, the central square of the medieval town, the Palazzo dei Priori is now the Town Hall. It's the oldest in Tuscany, built between 1208 and 1254. The Council Chamber on the main floor is decorated with frescoes, most in the "Historical" style of the 19th century. Opposite the Palazzo dei Priori is the 13th-century Palazzo Pretorio, which until 1511 was the seat of the Capitano del Pópolo,

6. The Alabaster Quarter Volterra is famous for its alabaster, a translucent white mineral that has been quarried in the surrounding hills since Etruscan times. The Alabaster Quarter is located in the northeast corner of the town and is a network of narrow streets lined with workshops and showrooms selling alabaster sculptures, lamps, and jewelry. Visitors can watch the artisans at work and purchase a unique souvenir to take home.

7. The Medici Fortress The Medici Fortress was built in the 16th century by the powerful Medici family to protect the town from invasion. The fortress is located on a hill to the south of the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the fortress's ramparts and towers and visit the small museum housed inside.

8. Pinacoteca e Museo Civico (Art Gallery and Civic Museum) The Pinacoteca e Museo Civico is housed in the Palazzo Minucci-Solaini and contains a collection of medieval and Renaissance art, as well as artifacts from Volterra's Etruscan and Roman past. Highlights include paintings by Tuscan masters like Benozzo Gozzoli and Taddeo di Bartolo, as well as Etruscan urns, Roman mosaics, and medieval armor.

9. Walking Tours Volterra's medieval streets and hilltop location make it an ideal destination for walking tours. Visitors can explore the town's historic center, which is enclosed by 13th-century walls and features narrow alleys and hidden courtyards. Guided tours are available, or visitors can explore on their own with the help of a guidebook or map.

10. Festivals and Events Volterra hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Volterra Jazz Festival in July, the Volterra Teatro Festival in August, and the Volterra 1398 Medieval Festival in August or September. These events offer a chance to experience the town's cultural heritage through music, theater, and other performances. Visitors should check the town's event calendar before planning their trip to see if there are any festivals or events happening during their visit. When we visited Volterra there was a truffle festival on which was wonderful.

11. Eat! Volterra has a range of authentic restaurants with wonderful food going from cosy to special occasion.

    i) La Vecchia Lira - A traditional Tuscan restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and excellent food made from locally sourced ingredients.

    ii)Trattoria Da Badò - A family-run restaurant serving homemade pasta, pizza, and other traditional Italian dishes, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

    iii)La Carabaccia - A small restaurant with a focus on organic and sustainable ingredients, offering a menu that changes with the seasons.

    iv) Osteria dei Poeti - A charming restaurant located in a historic building, serving local specialties and wines in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

    v) Ristorante Enoteca Del Duca - A refined restaurant with a gourmet menu that includes both traditional Tuscan dishes and innovative cuisine, paired with an extensive wine list.

Want to explore Tuscany a bit more? Take a more indepth look at the links below

VOLTERRA

What Makes Volterra Unforgettable

FLORENCE

Discovering Florence

All about Florence, Pisa and Lucca

The Top 10 Must Sees in Florence

The Florentine Sandwich Shop that Everyone Is Talking About

LUCCA

10 Things To Do in Lucca

14 Delicious Things to Eat in Lucca

PISA

10 Things To Do in Pisa

10 Delicious Things to Eat in Pisa