The surroundings: the countryside and villages of Tuscany

Volterra – a city of art, history and so much more.

The area around Volterra is rich in natural beauty and mesmerizing landscapes that offer visitors the possibility of enjoying local hikes, horseback riding, and bike rides on the numerous trails that reveal unique places full of sensations that have inspired – and continue to inspire – writers, poets and painters.

This area is characterised by the presence of ancient civilisations, such as the Etruscans and Romans, and also thrived as a Medieval and Renaissance centre, primarily focused in the city of Volterra. Throughout the Cecina and Era Valleys there is also a wealth of beautiful, variegated landscapes, from the Metalliferous Hills to the forests of Berignone-Tatti and Monterufoli, to the wild Mediterranean woodlands, to the gullies, cliffs and gentle peaks that characterise the hills surrounding Volterra.

Palaia (Palaja) in the Era Valley

This town is on a hill rising from the valley created by the Chiesina creek to the east, and the Roglio creek, a principal tributary of the Era River, to the west. This area is crossed by an ancient Etruscan road leading to Volterra, and also by a road leading to San Gimignano, and still in use today, that is certainly one of the most beautiful roads in the world. The lanes, fields and ancient villas and noble homes (i.e. Villasaletta) of Palaia have served as the set for numerous films.

Montecatini Val di Cecina

The town lies at the base of a historic tower, and unfolds along the slopes of a hill in true Medieval style. The towns most characteristic buildings represent the civic and religious powers at play over the centuries, specifically the Palazzo Pretorio with its elegant portico, and the 14^th century church of San Biagio. Visitors can also access the old town mine, called Caporciano, or Camporciano; this copper mine is located just outside the town centre of Montecatini Val di Cecina and was first used by the Etruscans, with intermittent use leading up to the year 1907, its final year of operation. In the 19^th century it was the largest copper mine in Europe, and gave its name to the publicly-traded company Montecatini, which became, after merging with Edison, the multinational mining and chemical company known throughout the world as Montedison. Today both the inside and outside structures of the mine have been partially restored and can be visited as part of the local Mining Museum.

Querceto (Cecina Valley)

The Castle of Querceto is located at the heart of this charming hamlet, and is today the result of numerous modifications and restorations over the centuries. Its most recent restoration dates back to 1907 with the aim of returning the castle to its original appearance. Today the castle is also home to an important local winery.

Montegemoli (Cecina Valley)

A scattering of old stone homes in a hidden corner of the Cecina Valley, this town is immersed in stupendous landscapes and pristine countryside, alternating between woodlands and fertile valleys. This small hamlet still maintains the original layout of a fortified village, high upon a strategic slope. Looking out over the surrounding hills from the northern side of the town there is a round medieval watchtower, and to the south, accessed by a short flight of stairs, there is a small square that has been created from the old stones of another watchtower, which was probably in use here together with the other tower. The Church of San Bartolomeo is also of note, dating back to the 13^th century, with successive renovations.

Montecastelli (Cecina Valley)

The town is characterised by a massive square watch tower dating back to Middle Ages and by a Romanesque church dedicated to Saints Filippo and Giacomo (13^th c.) with three naves separated by numerous pilasters topped by ornate capitals. Near the town cemetery visitors can admire the Buca delle Fate, an Etruscan hypogeum tomb dating from the 6^th century B.C.

San Dalmazio (Cecina Valley)

San Dalmazio is a charming village surrounded by partially-intact Medieval walls with two gates, enclosing the village in an almost perfectly circular form. The town is home to a Romanesque church that contains a terracotta tabernacle by the school of Luca della Robbia.

Just above the town lies the Rocca Sillana, an imposing castle that overlooks mile after mile of surrounding countryside from its dominant perch.

Castelnuovo Val di Cecina

Castelnuovo is surrounded by dense woodlands and still conserves its urban form of "clusters" built during various phases of development and expansion.

The villages of Libbiano, Micciano, Lustignano and La Leccia are also lovely hill-top towns that still conserve the appearance of their ancient use as defensive fortifications.