Volterra

Travel Guide
Volterra which includes heritage elements and a small town or village
Encounter many different eras of history in Volterra, a scenic hilltop town in Tuscany famed for its palaces, museums and archaeological sites.

Experience the enduring charm of rural Tuscany in Volterra, a town of historic burnt-red buildings and ancient archaeological sites. Etruscan, Roman and medieval settlers have all left their mark here. Modern Volterra celebrates this layered history.

Originally, Volterra was a flourishing Etruscan settlement named Velathri, with around 25,000 people from the ancient civilization living here. Romans moved in around the 3rd century B.C. and named it Volaterrae. Explore the town today to see remnants from both of these periods, as well as numerous buildings from its time as a free commune in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Start your exploration of Volterra by surveying its ancient relics. Look for Etruscan architectural sights such as Porta all’Arco, a gateway with faded sculptures of human heads, and the Etruscan Acropolis, the ruins of a religious site.

Learn more about this mysterious civilization in the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum. Browse funerary urns and artistic sculptures carved from alabaster. Read about the town’s connection to the stone in the Ecomuseum of Alabaster.

Move on to Roman times next, seeking out classical architecture in the town. Begin with the Roman Theatre, a sunken arena that once hosted 2,000 spectators. Imagine rich patrons visiting the Roman Baths, where you can still see the remains of the furnace and sauna.

Discover medieval Tuscany in Piazza dei Priori. The main square in the town features some of Volterra’s most impressive landmarks. Admire the frescoes in Palazzo dei Priori and the triple-arched loggia of Palazzo Pretorio. Nearby, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta features striking artwork and monuments to Volterran saints.

Visit Volterra in July and August, the peak season in Tuscany, and witness the modern, lively side of the town during the Volterra Jazz Festival. Catch a train from Rome or Florence, or hop on one of the local buses to get into Volterra. The town is just an hour away from many of Tuscany’s other cultural cities.

Borgo Pignano
Borgo Pignano
5 out of 5
Localita Pignano 6, Volterra, PI
Stay at this 5-star luxury farm stay in Volterra. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Castelvecchio and Castelvecchio Natural ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"The most beautiful property and rooms with perfect service and great food/drinks."

Reviewed on 2024/9/27

Borgo Pignano
Hotel Athena
Hotel Athena
4 out of 5
P Mascagni 55, Siena, SI
The price is NT$2,670 per night from Nov 26 to Nov 27
NT$2,670
NT$3,041 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 26 - Nov 27
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
THE place from which to experience Siena!
"We chose Hotel Athena because we’d stayed there before and loved it. This time was the same! It’s located at the wall of the city center so it’s walkable to all the restaurants, sights and shops therein and has free onsite parking. The breakfast is expansive and delicious, served in a delightful ..."

Reviewed on 2024/10/25

Hotel Athena
La Certosa di Pontignano
La Certosa di Pontignano
loc. Pontignano, 5, Castelnuovo Berardenga, SI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,123 per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
NT$2,123
NT$2,473 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Book a stay at this business-friendly B&B in Castelnuovo Berardenga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (364 reviews)
"Breakfast is amazing and the place is nice and quiet. Great location to relax and do planning."

Reviewed on 2024/10/31

La Certosa di Pontignano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Piazza San Giovanni, 13, Siena, SI
Stay at this residence in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (138 reviews)
"Very nice and attentive staff. Room was really good. Close to dining and attractions for seeing the popular parts of Siena. Included breakfast is very good."

Reviewed on 2024/9/21

Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
3 out of 5
Localita' Santa Lucia 38C, San Gimignano
Stay at this 3-star campground in San Gimignano. Enjoy free parking, 2 bars/lounges, and a garden. Popular attractions Sovestro in Poggio Winery and Historical ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (68 reviews)
Great spot
"Nice quiet spot in the woods but very close to San Gimignano. Very clean. Comfortable beds. They don’t provide towels or soaps, but that is clear up front. You can rent towels if you want and they sell soap/ shampoo in the office."

Reviewed on 2023/10/27

Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
ApartHotel Anghel
ApartHotel Anghel
via Paolo Frajese 71, Siena, SI
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Siena Cathedral and Piazza ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (297 reviews)
"Nice place, quiet and clean!"

Reviewed on 2024/8/18

ApartHotel Anghel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Volterra

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
10
" "5 - Excellent 83.33333333333333%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 16.666666666666668%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
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1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is a must see location for the Etruscan artifacts. Wonderful town with fewer tourists.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Hard to believe the beauty and history of this city and surrounding area. The museums were also amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Top tier hill town in Tuscany.

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