The pretty town of Volterra hasn’t always been on the tourist radar, but today it is often included in options for day tours from Florence. Despite attracting more visitors than it once did, Volterra retains its authentic charm and poses as a wonderful place to visit on Tuscany tours. From Florence it is less than an hour’s drive!
The Medieval town centre brims with attractions and the superb museums and beautiful views from the town walls just add to the delights you will discover here. It is little wonder it was chosen as the filming location for the second series of ‘The Medici’, on Netflix. With so much choice when it comes to what to see and do on your visit, we have a few suggestions to get you started.
What to Do in Volterra
Piazza dei Priori
The main hub, this central square is the very heart of this place. The Palazzo dei Priori dominates the space and is the oldest town hall in Tuscany. In days gone by the influential politicians of the time did their business here. If you happen to be in the vicinity on a Saturday you will stumble upon the weekly market too, which is a great opportunity to mingle with the locals and experience the vibrant market culture that Tuscany is well known for.
Etruscan Museum Guarnacci
If you visit only one museum here, this is an excellent choice. It doesn’t take more than a couple of hours of your time, so it fits in nicely on day tours from Florence. Volterra was a city-state in Etruscan times and close by are many remains from the period. This museum holds lots of the recovered artefacts, and while there is only very little detail in English, it is definitely worth a look as it is one of the most important museums of its kind in Italy.
The museum also houses Roman and Greek pieces and there are some fine examples of Roman mosaic floors.
Cathedral
The religious centre of Volterra, the cathedral’s understated exterior belies what is to be found inside. Precious works of Renaissance art decorate the walls, while at the front stands a spectacular marble pulpit. You can also marvel at the Romanesque wooden sculpture (‘Deposition’, 1228), which shows Jesus being taken down from the cross. This is the oldest piece of art in the cathedral.
Roman Theatre
This semi-circular construction was built into the hillside in the first century BC and was a gift from an influential local family at the time. Abandoned in the third century, today you can still make out the radial staircases.
Volterra, despite its relatively small size, houses some real gems and you can easily spend a full day here on tours from Florence. We have mentioned a few highlights above but rest assured there are many more. The town also boasts a typically vivacious Italian atmosphere, plentiful bars and cafes and welcoming local people that greet tourists with open arms.
Remember to book tours from Florence with a reputable operator and look out for the ones that use local guides. There really is no substitute for local knowledge and, when you have limited time in a place, you want to make the best of it!
Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including the best day tours from Florence. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.
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