Volterra Travel Guide
Travel to Volterra - Tower-Houses of Tuscany
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The “magic and mysterious” city of Volterra has its roots in three thousand years of history and today conserves above all a medieval atmosphere bestowed by the 12th century city walls, narrow streets, palaces, tower houses and churches.
Finds indicate that Volterra has a history stretching back to 1000BC. Its wealth chiefly arose from the mining of copper and salt and the city-state of Velathri as it was known spreads its influence to the west, as far as Elba. By the 5th to the 4th century BC a circle of walls 7.3 km long were finished, inside which were temples, fields, orchards, gardens and fountains and some 25,000 inhabitants.
Later Volterra becomes a loyal ally of Rome; the first church was built in the place where the Cathedral stands today. By the start of the 12th and 13th centuries tower-houses are built in Volterra, fortresses offering protection to families engaged in fierce fights for power. The city walls date from the middle of the 13th century, still perfectly preserved today.
By 1427 Florence had extended its influence over Volterra and troops try to occupy the city, but fail only to succeed forty years later. Until around 1800 the population of Volterra is on an average 5000-7000 but it grows thereafter and once again is a thriving community.
Attractions in Volterra
Volterra is a city of museums with the Etruscan Museum, Civic Art Gallery and the Museum of Sacred Art. The working of alabaster (a material whose history is inseparable from that of the city) can be seen everywhere.
As with Montepulciano Volterra’s attraction is largely the town and its atmosphere. Along with the art and history the surrounding area is beautiful - explore on foot, horse back or by bike.
Activities in Volterra
Another great hub from which to explore allow a half day for the town if not stating longer in the general area.
Relaxing
Enjoy a walk through the beautiful countryside of Volterra after wandering the town’s streets.
Getting Around
The town is easily explored on foot.
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