Volterra Tuscany ItalyThis city’s location already gives evidence of its Etruscan origins, and the proud houses of their nobles show to us Volterra’s importance in
Medieval times. On fine days the panoramic view goes as far as the Apuan Alps and the Mediterranean Sea .
Situated high up on a chain of hills, surrounded by a landscape of austere beauty, the “Balze” with their steep cliffs, a remarkable changing of colours from light brown to lilac, that’s how Volterra presents herself to the visitor closing in from a distance – dominated by its truly impressive fortifications.
Volterra is looked at as the oldest Italian city as part of the Etruscan city alliance and can look back onto a history of some 3000 years.
The Etruscan culture is best documented at the museum and by the renowned Etruscan Gate “Porta all’Arco”.
Most prominent reminders of the Roman period are the remainders of “Parco Archeologico”.
Volterra is famous for its alabaster craftsmanship which at the beginning had been picked up again following Etruscan traditions –
nowadays the manufacturers will offer you the old historical designs, but next to that also anything else which they believe meets modern “taste”.
