Volterra is such a beautiful town and personally I prefer it to the close by San Gimignano.... Less crowded and so much atmosphere.
This magic city has its roots in three thousand years of history and you will find evidence and traces from every historical period. The imposing Porta all’Arco, the Necropolis, the ancient city walls and the numerous archeological finds conserved in the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci like the famous "Ombra della Sera" (evening Shadow) with its unique profile, the funeral urns and the finely crafted jewellery, bear testimony of the Etruscan period.
This magic city has its roots in three thousand years of history and you will find evidence and traces from every historical period. The imposing Porta all’Arco, the Necropolis, the ancient city walls and the numerous archeological finds conserved in the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci like the famous "Ombra della Sera" (evening Shadow) with its unique profile, the funeral urns and the finely crafted jewellery, bear testimony of the Etruscan period.
The Theatre of Vallebona is from the period of Augustus and reminds us of the importance of Volterra under the Romans.
Today however Volterra conserves above all a Medieval aspect not only for the 12th century city walls but also because of the urban layout with narrow streets, tower houses and beautiful churches.
In Volterra you can also visit many beautiful museums. Apart from the Etruscan Museum there is the Civic Art Gallery where you can see a fine collection of works from the Sienese and Florentine Schools, among which is the Deposition from the Cross by Rosso Fiorentino. The Museum of Sacred Art has an important collection of reliquary, 14th century Sienese sculpture and miniatures.
Further the history of alabaster craft is inseparable from that of the history of the city and a great point of interest. In Volterra they make the most beautiful objects out of this precious type of mineral. Several varieties are recognized—veined, spotted, clouded, agatiform, and others. The finest kind, obtained principally from Castellina, is sent to Florence for figure-sculpture, while the common kinds are carved locally in Volterra, into vases, lights, and various ornamental objects.
While walking through the city you will find many exhibitions, workshops and shops that create a magic atmosphere. Some events coming up in Volterra:
22 and 23 October 2011
"Castagnalandia"
Party to celebrate the local Chestnut
23-23, 29-30-31 October and 1 November 2011
“VOLTERRAGUSTO – XIV Mostra Mercato del tartufo Bianco”
Party to celebrate the famous white truffel
To stay in the Volterra area, have a look at these villas and apartments.
Today however Volterra conserves above all a Medieval aspect not only for the 12th century city walls but also because of the urban layout with narrow streets, tower houses and beautiful churches.
In Volterra you can also visit many beautiful museums. Apart from the Etruscan Museum there is the Civic Art Gallery where you can see a fine collection of works from the Sienese and Florentine Schools, among which is the Deposition from the Cross by Rosso Fiorentino. The Museum of Sacred Art has an important collection of reliquary, 14th century Sienese sculpture and miniatures.
Further the history of alabaster craft is inseparable from that of the history of the city and a great point of interest. In Volterra they make the most beautiful objects out of this precious type of mineral. Several varieties are recognized—veined, spotted, clouded, agatiform, and others. The finest kind, obtained principally from Castellina, is sent to Florence for figure-sculpture, while the common kinds are carved locally in Volterra, into vases, lights, and various ornamental objects.
While walking through the city you will find many exhibitions, workshops and shops that create a magic atmosphere. Some events coming up in Volterra:
22 and 23 October 2011
"Castagnalandia"
Party to celebrate the local Chestnut
23-23, 29-30-31 October and 1 November 2011
“VOLTERRAGUSTO – XIV Mostra Mercato del tartufo Bianco”
Party to celebrate the famous white truffel
To stay in the Volterra area, have a look at these villas and apartments.
