Probably one of my favorite towns to spend the day and take my visitors to is Volterra. Known for its stunning views, it’s medieval history, and to some, the movie Twilight, walking through this city is like stepping back in time… stepping way back.
Volterra is the oldest city in Italy, dating back 3,000 years. It still has preserved the remains of Etruscan walls, gateways, and tombs. The buildings look untouched and you just can’t help but to marvel at the architecture and its magnificent beauty. On the north end of the town, you can find the ruins of an ancient Roman Theater that dates back to 1st century AD. You can go down, purchase tickets and tour it, or you can see it from the street above that’s on the edge of town. On the opposite side of the town, you can also find the old Medici Fortress that has now been turned into a prison. You can still tour a small portion of it and visit the park adjacent to that side of the fortress.
Of course there are museums, churches and towers you can spend your day admiring, but my favorite thing to do in Volterra is just wandering the town, its piazzas and side streets. The town does not allow thru traffic, so it’s very pedestrian friendly. The streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. Oh and those shops! You can spend the day just shopping for all sorts of things like alabaster (what the town is known for), art in many forms, leather, and olive wood, just to name a few. Bottega Toscana is getting a very notable mention. This shop is great for gifts and souvenirs made of authentic olive wood and in my opinion the best priced in the area. They sell a plethora of items made of olive wood like cutting boards, serving bowls and dishes, cooking utensils, watches, I can go on and on. But, I’ll digress and also touch on the gastronomia shops that sell local olive oil, cheese, wine and Volterra salt.
The dining in Volterra is also outstanding. With a number of restaurants to choose from, all highly rated, be sure to stay for dinner. Especially if you’re there on a Saturday night in the summer. The piazza at the entrance of the village has a live jazz band playing. You can grab a table at the bar nearby, have some drinks and vibe out.
Volterra is one of the bigger but lesser visited towns of Tuscany, so finding parking is not terrible and crowds aren’t a huge issue. However, it is quite a drive to get to, being perched at the top of one of the highest hills in the region. But, remember those views I mentioned in the beginning of this piece, consider it the reward. They are incredible and for make amazing photos. This town is special in so many ways, it’s definitely not one you want to miss on your trip to Tuscany and the Pisan Hills.
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