Volterra Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Volterra featuring a small town or village and heritage elements
Volterra featuring a city
Volterra which includes landscape views
Medici Fortress showing heritage elements
Roman Theatre featuring heritage elements, building ruins and theatre scenes
Encounter many different eras of history in Volterra, a scenic hilltop town in Tuscany famed for its palaces, museums and archaeological sites.

Experience the enduring charm of rural Tuscany in Volterra, a town of historic burnt-red buildings and ancient archaeological sites. Etruscan, Roman and medieval settlers have all left their mark here. Modern Volterra celebrates this layered history.

Originally, Volterra was a flourishing Etruscan settlement named Velathri, with around 25,000 people from the ancient civilization living here. Romans moved in around the 3rd century B.C. and named it Volaterrae. Explore the town today to see remnants from both of these periods, as well as numerous buildings from its time as a free commune in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Start your exploration of Volterra by surveying its ancient relics. Look for Etruscan architectural sights such as Porta all’ArcoOpens in a new window, a gateway with faded sculptures of human heads, and the Etruscan Acropolis, the ruins of a religious site.

Learn more about this mysterious civilization in the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum. Browse funerary urns and artistic sculptures carved from alabaster. Read about the town’s connection to the stone in the Ecomuseum of Alabaster.

Move on to Roman times next, seeking out classical architecture in the town. Begin with the Roman TheatreOpens in a new window, a sunken arena that once hosted 2,000 spectators. Imagine rich patrons visiting the Roman Baths, where you can still see the remains of the furnace and sauna.

Discover medieval Tuscany in Piazza dei PrioriOpens in a new window. The main square in the town features some of Volterra’s most impressive landmarks. Admire the frescoes in Palazzo dei Priori and the triple-arched loggia of Palazzo Pretorio. Nearby, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta features striking artwork and monuments to Volterran saints.

Visit Volterra in July and August, the peak season in Tuscany, and witness the modern, lively side of the town during the Volterra Jazz Festival. Catch a train from RomeOpens in a new window or FlorenceOpens in a new window, or hop on one of the local buses to get into Volterra. The town is just an hour away from many of Tuscany’s other cultural cities.

Borgo Pignano
Borgo Pignano
5 out of 5
Localita Pignano 6, Volterra, PI
Stay at this 5-star luxury farm stay in Volterra. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Castelvecchio and Castelvecchio Natural ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
"Beautiful property. We did horseback riding which was a highlight and the cooking class was fantastic. The pool was relaxing and beautiful. The rooms were clean and comfortable- literally felt like home!! We would go there again for sure. Incredibly relaxing experience."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Borgo Pignano
Hotel Athena
Hotel Athena
4 out of 5
P Mascagni 55, Siena, SI
The price is Rp1.206.754 per night from 10 Dec to 11 Dec
Rp1.206.754
Rp1.377.045 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Siena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location, amazing staff and well served breakfast"

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Hotel Athena
Hotel Chiusarelli
Hotel Chiusarelli
3 out of 5
Viale Curtatone 15, Siena, SI
The price is Rp1.299.074 per night from 10 Dec to 11 Dec
Rp1.299.074
Rp1.478.679 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Siena. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (967 reviews)
"Loved the space. Staff is very friendly and helpful very good location. Excellent driving directions to get to the hotel. Walking distance to the historical center of the city"

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2024

Hotel Chiusarelli
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Piazza San Giovanni, 13, Siena, SI
Stay at this residence in Siena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (137 reviews)
"The service at this hotel was impeccable. We were running late for our wine tasting but they were still SO accommodating! The rooms were beautiful and the view from the hotel are amazing. It was super accessible to everything. Also, the parking options were great - highly recommend. They're so responsive ..."

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2024

Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
ApartHotel Anghel
ApartHotel Anghel
via Paolo Frajese 71, Siena, SI
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Siena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Siena Cathedral and Piazza del ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (297 reviews)
"Nice place, quiet and clean!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2024

ApartHotel Anghel
Antico Podere San Francesco Hotel
Antico Podere San Francesco Hotel
Stradone del Lupo, 13, Rosignano Marittimo, Livorno
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Rosignano Marittimo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Cantina Etrusca and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"We loved staying here! Staff were so lovely and helpful. Our baby daughter loved the little cottage and walking around the beautiful grounds. A welcoming oasis close to Pisa, Livorno and tourist stuff."

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2024

Antico Podere San Francesco Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Volterra

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
0
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2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A stunning town, steeped in history. Within the town walls there are plenty of dining options, all of exceptional quality and local produce. We found the prices very reasonable. There are also lots of quaint galleries and gift shops.

5/5 - Excellent

Jacqui

If you are touring Tuscany have a couple of nights in this hotel- you won’t be disappointed.

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