Tuscany Volterra

Volterra's three thousand year long history can be seen in the traces left by every era. From the Etruscan period one can admire the Porta dell'Arco, the Necropoli dei Marmini, and the artifacts in the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum. Its isolation has left this exquisitely beautiful medieval town intact. Dating back to Roman times, is the Roman theater of Vallebona.

The Medieval period has made the greatest and most lasting impact on the townscape, divided into four quarters: Borgo St. Alessandro, Borgo St. Lazzaro, Borgo St. Stefano and Borgo St. Giusto, where one can see the Piano di Castello, Porta S.Felice, Porta S.Francesco, Porta Fiorentina and the ecclesiastical buildings of Palazzo dei Priori, the Cathedral of St. Maria, the Baptistery.

Volterra is artistically important, with its Museum of Sacred Art and the Civic Art Gallery. Local craftsmen still create works of art from the famous alabaster. Excursions can be made on foot, bike, or on horseback along designated routes through the splendid Tuscan countryside around Volterra.