Travel with us to a beautiful area of Italy where we’ll provide helpful tips on what to see, do and eat, plus suggestions on where to stay in agriturismo.
Itinerary in Tuscany: Volterra
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A small Tuscan wonder that truly merits a visit, Volterra is located a short distance from important cities such as Pisa, Florence and Siena. Perched on a hill just an hour from the sea, it’s surrounded by the countryside of Val di Cecina, a spectacular expanse of unspoilt nature.
Start your itinerary at Palazzo dei Priori. Built in 1239, it is entirely made of stone and boasts a facade adorned with coats of arms and battlements. Continue to the cathedral with its Romanesque exterior and lustrous ceiling, and then the octagonal-shaped Baptistery made of white and green striped marble. Piazza dei Priori, the main square of Volterra, is considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Italy.
It won't be long before you realize that the atmosphere in Volterra is truly magical. For this very reason the city center was chosen as the setting for the famous Twilight film saga. Lose yourself in its alleys and historic shops, and pause to admire the alabaster statues and objects, a time-honored tradition and pride of the local craftsman.
For art lovers, a worthwhile stop is the Art Gallery housed in the Palazzo Minucci Solaini where you can view an impressive exhibition of both paintings and sculptures.
Just a few minutes walk from the center you will find the Roman Theatre, testimony to the town’s ancient Roman past. Dominating the highest point of Mount Volterra, the imposing Medici Fortress overlooks all of Volterra.
Have you worked up an appetite? Have a seat at one of the many trattorias and enjoy the best of Volterra's cuisine. The local dishes, inspired by the surrounding woodlands and countryside, feature game, a wide variety of mushrooms and excellent truffles. There is no shortage of fresh homemade pasta, aged cheeses, cold cuts, roasts and homemade desserts. All to be washed down with a delightful Tuscan wine!