The city of Volterra

Volterra , a haven of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Rennaissance art, dominates the the Cecina Valley, 550 metres above sea level, affording a spectacular view as far as to the sea. The city still retains traces of its majestic past which gradually unfurls as you wander through the narrow streets and explore the Etruscan Museum, the Art Gallery and Museum of Sacred Art.

And yet Volterra's charm lies not only in its historical patrimony but in the undefiled surrounding countryside, a slow traditional way of life and its age-old tradition of alabaster carving. This elusive stronghold requires careful and patient attention as it takes time to absorb its timeless atmosphere, treasured secrets, unique ambience and culture. Being one of the most unspoilt areas in the region, close to other important art centres and the coast, this is an ideal choice for a holiday in Tuscany.

Calenedar of Cultural and Sporting Events in Volterra

Alabaster is a calcareous stone which is extracted in the area surrounding Volterra. It has been widely used for thousands of years, right back to the Etruscan craftsmen who carved ornamental cinerary urns in which to keep the ashes of their beloved. Many of these cinerary urns are now exhibited in the Guarnacci Museum where the visitor can appreciate all the exquisite workmainship of the bas-reliefs.

At the end of the 18th century, after a long period during which the craft of alabaster had virtually died out, Volterra saw a Renaissance. New workshops opened offering high quality craftsmanship with worldwide exportation thanks to the resourcfulness of the so called "Alabaster Travellers".

The techniques for carving this warm and luminous stone have been handed down through the ages from generation to generation. It is this age old expertize which still represents an historical pinnicle of Italian artistic sculpture. In the characteristic workshops of the historic centre, where everything is covered with white dust, or in the many displays all around Volterra, the visitor will find great or small masterpieces to satisfy every taste.

Volterra is one of the very few art cities in Italy that boasts more than three thousand years of history. A single ticket gives access to three very interesting museums which are open every day of the year.

The Art Gallery. Since 1982 the Art Gallery has been housed in the Palazzo Minucci-Solaini, a splendid example of late 15th century architecture. A part of this small but choice collection includes the remarkable painting of The Deposition by Rosso Fiorentino, The Polyptychs by Taddeo di Bartolo, The Pietà of Francesco Neri da Volterra, The Annunciation and Holy Conversation by Luca Signorelli and an interesting display of Medieval sculptures, ceramics and coins.

The Guarnacci Etruscan Museum. The collection is mostly Etruscan but there is also an interesting prehistoric and Roman section. The museum houses more than 600 cinerary urns in alabaster, tufa and terracotta, a rich collection of coins, ceramics, jewellery, sculptures, utensils, icons and bronze figures.

The Museum of Sacred Art. The paintings, sculptures, vestments and ecclesiatical items on display have been collected from the cathedral and the churches of the diocese.