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 Sep 27, 2024

Borgo Pignano
Hotel Athena
Hotel Athena
4 out of 5
P Mascagni 55, Siena, SI
The price is ¥12,795 per night from Nov 26 to Nov 27
¥12,795
¥14,571 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 Oct 25, 2024

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 ¥10,172 per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
¥10,172
¥11,853 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 Oct 31, 2024

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.
Country House & Spa - Inside Nature with panoramic views, Art Surrounded
Country House & Spa - Inside Nature with panoramic views, Art Surrounded
Volterra
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Volterra. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Berignone Forest Nature ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
The PERFECT Getaway!
"My wife and I found and booked this house for our family and friends to join us for a celebration, and not one part of our experience was disappointing. We showed up late Friday night after a longer day of travel than expected, and we had people at the house waiting for us. They were very gracious ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2024

Country House & Spa - Inside Nature with panoramic views, Art Surrounded
Le Macine, a wonderful ancient restored watermill with Pool
Le Macine, a wonderful ancient restored watermill with Pool
Volterra
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Volterra. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and balconies. Popular attractions Etruscan Museum and Parrocchia ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Spacious, well equipped villa
"Le Macine is a really lovely place to stay. The villa is large, with 3 evenly sized bedrooms, 2 fully equipped bathrooms and plenty of social entertaining space. The air conditioning was very effective and welcome and Wi-Fi good. Outdoors, there is a substantial garden and the pool itself is large ..."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

Le Macine, a wonderful ancient restored watermill with Pool
Ideal place to unwind, pet friendly
Ideal place to unwind, pet friendly
Volterra
Stay at this vacation home in Volterra. Enjoy a garden, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Roman Theatre and Palazzo Incontri Viti ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
Great location, cosy cottage
"At the end of a typically long gravel Tuscany road (this one is in good condition, btw) you will find a quiet, snug cottage in a great location for touring around Tuscany. Laundry availability was much appreciated on our multi-stop trip, they even had an iron for air dried or suitcase wrinkled items. ..."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2024

Ideal place to unwind, pet friendly
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.

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Reviews of Volterra

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