What to see in Volterra? Here are the tourist attractions not to be missed
If you have reached this page you are probably interested in knowing what to see in Volterra.
You are in the right place, because even if you are on the website of the Hotel Casolare Le Terre Rosse in San Gimignano, it is not uncommon for our guests to head to this other renowned Tuscan city which is only 30 minutes away by car.
And as we are often asked, here are our personal 10 tips on the main things you can see in Volterra.
1. Palazzo dei Priori
The Palazzo dei Priori is located in the heart of Volterra (in the province of Pisa), in the square that bears the same name as the Palazzo. This is the oldest Tuscan town hall. The building was also the first seat of the city art gallery, in fact numerous paintings were kept in the halls of the palace throughout the nineteenth century, and subsequently these works were brought to the Palazzo Minucci-Solaini. Palazzo dei Priori is impressive and beautiful to see live. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/8QnQrsyhkcB2
2. Roman Theater of Volterra
This historic theater was practically renovated during the 1950s following the archaeological excavations carried out by the historic citizen of Volterra Enrico Fermi, in the Vallebuona area. The curiosity of this demanding job lies in the fact that some patients hospitalized in the psychiatric hospital of Volterra were employed as workers to fix the theater in Volterra. To remember this important work there is also a memorial plaque placed right at the entrance to the theater. After such a great effort and so much effort, one cannot fail to see it. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/RjDfhNtadRt
3. The Medici Fortress
This famous fortress, with an absolutely majestic and imposing appearance, stands on the highest point of the hill on which the whole city was built. The Fortress can practically be distinguished into two sections that are joined together thanks to high walls built for defense: a first section that takes the name of Rocca Vecchia (built in 1342) and the other from the name Rocca Nuova (built instead in the years from 1472 to 1474). How is it used today? Like a prison. We specify that it is not entirely open to visitors except on exclusive days and only for some sections. The fortress has an incredible charm and its history has many things to tell. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/SAibgRSGVJG2
4. Picture gallery and Civic Museum of Volterra
The Panicoteca is located in the Palazzo Minucci-Solaini where today numerous paintings belonging to the 19th century are kept. Initially these paintings were located in the Palazzo dei Priori, just as we wrote earlier in point 1 of this article. So if you go to see the Palazzo dei Priori, it goes without saying that it is worth going to see the works that now reside in the Panicoteca. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/errmkkmWbsH2
5. Torture Museum
If you are a lover of the horror genre, this museum is for you. Nothing bloody, only tools used for torture in past centuries. You can see and discover paraphernalia that leave anyone amazed. We understand where the human mind and its most violent part can go. In short, after so much good seeing in Volterra it is right to take a look at its darkest part as well. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ETfAo9jcTnq
6. Door to the Arch
This door, which is also called Porta Dell’Arco (or all'Arco), is impossible not to notice. Yes, perhaps many tourists pass under it without even paying attention, but it too hides its own story. First of all, it is located on the south side of the city and opposite the other door located to the north (Porta Diana). Porta All’Arco was built by the Etruscans and, compared to other buildings that were remodeled by the Romans, this one has managed to maintain its integrity. We therefore recommend that you cross it by giving it more attention. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/WhnNkhBGH3M2
7. Porta San Francesco
If we talked about the Porta All'Arco then we must do the same with the Porta San Francesco, also a main gateway to the city: it is impossible not to notice it also because of all the doors in Volterra it is the only one where there are few left. traces of frescoes in the inner arch. So even in this case, don't just go through the entrance door to the city, but look up. The door is also called Porta Santo Stefano or Porta Pisana. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/gvQGN1WCkrj
8. Cathedral of Volterra
Visiting Volterra and not going to the Duomo is like going to Rome and not visiting the Colosseum. We must necessarily stop and look at it. It was rebuilt after a violent earthquake in 1117, and was then enlarged in the second half of the 13th century. In the 19th century it then enjoyed an important restoration. What is most impressive is the interior of the Cathedral with the median nave and transept covered by a grandiose coffered ceiling. It is the main place of worship of Volterra, enriched by splendid frescoes, external chapels and the bell tower. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/fddUXycm7jJ2
9. Palazzo Viti
It is located in the historic center of Volterra. We indicate here the map https://goo.gl/maps/2r14yFeH1uv
It is one of the oldest historic houses in the city, so much so that even the director Luchino Visconti decided in 1965 to shoot some clips of his film "Vaghe stelle dell’Orsa", also awarded the Golden Lion, inside the building. Today it has become a house open to tourists where on the ground floor and in the garden located behind the building is the Persio Flacco Theater, inaugurated in 1828. The interior of the building is incredibly elegant, as can be seen from the photo. It absolutely deserves to be visited and to take some selfies inside. ?
10. Panorama of Volterra
As a final suggestion, we don't want to talk about monuments or tourist attractions, but about the panorama that can be enjoyed from the top of the city of Volterra. We assume that it is impossible not to notice such an evocative landscape and we are sure that immortalizing yourself in some photographic shots with this scenario behind you will be something you will not forget to do. On the other hand, it is not difficult to find from any point of Volterra, being located high up, a point from which to enjoy its breathtaking landscape: the view of the Tuscan hills is magnificent, especially at sunset.
We hope to be able to give some good ideas on what to see in Volterra. But obviously there are still many things to discover. Have a good trip and have fun!