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Volterra, Toscana, Italia Volterra photo by tiseb –

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Volterra

Volterra is a walled mountaintop town in the Tuscany region of Italy. Its history dates from before the 8th century BC and it has substantial structures from the Etruscan, Roman and Medieval periods. Volterra is a charming town situated in the province of Pisa, not far from Florence, Siena and the coast as well.

It is well known for its medieval old town but also its rich Etruscan heritage. Situated in Tuscany, more precisely in the province of Pisa, it is a popular destination for tours and excursions.

It is a town of great architectural interest located between the rivers Bra and Cecina in Tuscany, Italy. The main features are two fine castles and several Etruscan remains. The ambience of Volterra is extremely beautiful easily rivalling that of the more famous Tuscan destination of San Gimignano.

A treasure of immeasurable size dwells between the walls and cobbled streets of this village. An infinity of legends, views, mysteries and treasures guarded with pride and passion, never trumpeting from the rooftops.

Here are the top 10 amazing facts about Volterra.

1. The town is famous for alabaster processing

Alabaster (mineral-variety of gypsum) photo by Ra’ike –

Volterra is famous for its alabaster processing, a craft that has a long tradition here and to which the town owes its nickname 鈥淐ity of Alabaster鈥�. Volterra is the world鈥檚 alabaster capital. The town is filled with workshops and galleries featuring everything from modern art to household accessories.

For centuries, artisans have shaped this pernickety material into altarpieces, curved busts and even razor-thin window panes.

Volterra is also known as the place where alabaster is mined and processed, alabaster looks like marble and was already known to the Etruscans who used it for their sarcophagi and burial urns.

The largest collection of the finding is preserved in the Guarnacci museum at Volterra, however, similar remains can be found in archaeological museums worldwide.

2. Volterra was the last city-state the Romans overcame

Exiled Gaius Marius sitting among the ruins of Carthage by Joseph Kremer (18th century) photo by Joseph Kremer –

From the 9th to the 7th century BC Volterra had been an important centre of the Villanovan civilization. A powerful Etruscan Lucumonia (city-state) called Velathri reached its highest political, economic and cultural development in the period from the 4th to the 1st century BC.

It was the last city-state to be overcome by the Romans when, after having sided with Gaius Marius in the war against Sulla, the city was forced to surrender in 81- 80 BC.

3. It became a free commune in the 12th century

As the ancient Velathri, it was one of the 12 cities of the Etruscan confederation. It supported Rome during the second Punic war in 205BC, acquired Roman citizenship after the civil wars between Gaius Marius and Sulla (81-80 BC) and took up the name of Volatterae.

It became a free commune in the 12t century and fell under the domination of the Medici family of Florence in 1361.

4. Volterra鈥檚 main building of office is Palazzo dei Priori

Palazzo dei Priori photo by JSBach16853 –

The main building of office in Volterra is still the 13th century Palazzo dei Priori, in the main square. It is the oldest town hall in Tuscany. So enamoured were the Medici by its design, that it was 鈥渃ulturally appropriated鈥�, in that they based their Palazzo Vecchio in Florence on it. It is still used for officialdom and you can visit the museum and the bell tower there.

5. Volterra is enclosed by the 13th-century medieval wall

The old town of Volterra is almost completely enclosed by a medieval wall dating back to the 13th century, with parts of it even dating back to the Etruscan period. Also fascinating are the 6 ancient gates that still provide access to the city today.

The Porta dell Arco is the oldest city gate and at the same time one of the most important attractions of Volterra. It was built between the 5th and 4th centuries BC. Stone heads whose importance is still unknown today decorate the archway.

6. The town  has one of the oldest museums in Europe

Museo etrusco, Volterra, Toscana, Italia photo by Davide Papalini –

An important attraction in Volterra is the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci, the so-called Etruscan museum. Founded in 1761, it is one of the oldest museums in Europe. In the museum, you can admire a comprehensive exhibition about the Etruscan period.

Innumerable exhibits such as ingeniously decorated urns, Etruscan art made of bronze and beautiful ceramics are the focus of the attention at the museum. The heart of the museum is the 鈥淯rna degli Sposi鈥�, the urn of the bridal couple and the L鈥� Ombra della sera, the so-called silent Evening Shadow.

7. Volterra hosts the Roman theatre built in the 1st century

Statue of Roman Emperor Augustus, Via dei Fori Imperiali photo by Szilas –

A site worth seeing is the Roman theatre in the north of the old town. It was built in the 1st century A.D during the reign of Emperor Augustus and is one of the most archaeological sites in Volterra.

8. It鈥檚 medieval fortress is a prison for criminals

Fortezza Medicea in Volterra photo by Janericloebe –

The Fortezza Medicea was built in the 13th century and is the highest point in the city. Today this imposing medieval fortress is a prison for criminals. There are only three ways you can visit the fortress; go to dinner there, visit someone housed there or earn a prison sentence. It is in fact, a medium-security prison. However, it is a progressive one.

9. Volterra is home to breathtaking sights and awe-inspiring views

From a high, dark, rocky hill Volterra dominates the green valleys of the rivers Era and Cecina that flows through a land full of art and natural beauty. An evening spent strolling along Voltera鈥檚 ancient walls gazing out over the rolling hillsides, vineyards and manor homes at sunset will have been the most jaded traveller convinced that the romance of Tuscany has not been overrated or overstated.

The beautiful location on the 550-meter-high hill overlooking the picturesque landscape and archaeological sites makes this Tuscan Jewel very special. The richness of the Etruscan finds made in and near Volterra make it a Mecca for enthusiasts of all things Etruscan with an unparalleled collection of Etruscan antiques.

It is an ideal gateway for anyone seeking peace and tranquillity.

10. The town  is the birthplace of Aradia, a medieval witch

Photo by petr sidorov on

The progenitor of your typical medieval witches was also reputed to have been born in Volterra, supposedly on August the 13th, 1313. Her name was Aradia.