Why choose Volterra for your custom trip to Tuscany?
Perched on a hill 531 meters high, the city of Volterra offers an authentic experience away from the tourist crowds. This ancient city, which spans 252 square kilometers, immerses you in 3,000 years of history, from the Etruscans to the Romans, up to the medieval period. Unlike San Gimignano or Val d'Orcia, Volterra has preserved its intimate and authentic character.
Your custom trip to Volterra will enable you to discover a preserved Tuscany, where each stone tells a story. Our Travel Planners know this destination perfectly and will tailor your stay according to your passions: archaeology, craftsmanship, gastronomy, or photography. Located just 65 kilometers from Florence and 50 kilometers from Siena, Volterra is an ideal stop for your Tuscan road trip.
The advantage of a custom trip lies in the opportunity to explore Volterra at your own pace, avoiding standardized tours. You will thus visit Volterra according to your interests, whether to admire the Etruscan works at the Guarnacci Museum or meet the alabaster artisans in their century-old workshops.
What to discover during your custom stay in Volterra?
Volterra is full of architectural and cultural treasures that fully justify organizing a custom trip. Each district of the historic center reveals different wonders, requiring a personalized approach to fully grasp their richness.
Etruscan and Roman treasures
Your exploration will start with the Porta all'Arco, an Etruscan gate dating from the 4th century BC, remarkably well-preserved. This monumental entrance, decorated with three mysterious heads, is one of the best-preserved Etruscan relics in Italy. Our local experts will unveil the secrets of these enigmatic sculptures, probably protective deities of the ancient city.
The Roman theater, dating from the 1st century BC, reflects the grandeur of Volterrae during the imperial era. Built to accommodate 3,500 spectators, this building offers an exceptional panorama over the valley. Your customized trip will allow you to access the restored stands and understand Roman architectural ingenuity.
The Etruscan Museum Guarnacci houses one of the most important collections of Etruscan art in the world. Among the 600 funerary urns displayed, the Ombra della Sera (Shadow of the Evening) fascinates with its disturbing modernity. This 2,300-year-old bronze statuette eerily evokes the sculptures of Giacometti.
The medieval historical center
The Piazza dei Priori has been the throbbing heart of Volterra since the 13th century. The Palazzo dei Priori, built in 1208, is the oldest town hall in Tuscany and inspired the construction of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Its 51-meter tower offers a 360-degree panorama over the Tuscan hills.
Your customized stay will take you to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a jewel of Pisan Romanesque art. This 12th-century cathedral houses remarkable works, especially the Deposition of Christ, a wooden sculpture of rare emotional intensity. The octagonal baptistery, built on the foundations of a pagan temple, harmoniously completes this religious complex.
The paved alleys of the historic center reveal Renaissance palaces like the Palazzo Incontri-Viti. This patrician mansion, inhabited by the family of a wealthy 19th-century alabaster merchant, reflects the past prosperity of Volterra. Its rooms adorned with frescoes and precious objects perfectly illustrate the Tuscan art of living.
The art of alabaster
Volterra has perpetuated the tradition of working with alabaster since the Etruscan era. This translucent stone, extracted from local quarries, is transformed by artisans into refined artworks. Your customized trip will include visits to family workshops where ancient techniques are passed down.
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