Volterra

Travel Guide
Volterra showing a city
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’Arco, 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 Theatre, 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 Priori. 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 Rome or Florence, 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.

Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda Relais
Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda Relais
4 out of 5
Via Roma 191, Barberino Tavarnelle, FI
The price is NT$2,962 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$2,962
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Barberino Tavarnelle. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (320 reviews)
"We enjoyed this beautiful property, with it's stunning views of the Tuscan countryside. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They also were very fluent in the English language. We highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 2024/3/1

Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda Relais
Borgo Pignano
Borgo Pignano
5 out of 5
Localita Pignano 6, Volterra, PI
The price is NT$12,554 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
NT$12,554
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 5-star luxury farm stay in Volterra. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Castelvecchio and Castelvecchio Natural ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"Such hidden gem!! It’s gorgeous and they upgraded me to 2 bedroom suite even though my bf can’t make it last minute! Hotel manger is sooo helpful! Absolutely in love and will be back!"

Reviewed on 2023/7/19

Borgo Pignano
Hotel Athena
Hotel Athena
4 out of 5
P Mascagni 55, Siena, SI
The price is NT$4,425 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
NT$4,425
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Hotel very convenient for sightseeing and in quiet location. Staff very friendly and helpful. Breakfast included and there was a good range of buffet options."

Reviewed on 2024/3/19

Hotel Athena
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.
ApartHotel Anghel
ApartHotel Anghel
via Paolo Frajese 71, Siena, SI
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Siena Cathedral and Piazza del ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (260 reviews)
"The postive is checkin experiene is easy as the receptionist is very nice. She communicated well. The negative is the room are not insulated. You can hear other rooms closing their doors and kids running in the hallway."

Reviewed on 2024/1/1

ApartHotel Anghel
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 WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Siena Baptistry and Siena Crypt are located nearby. Discover ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
"10/10! This is a beautiful hotel with the friendliest staff. The rooms were great and we loved the location."

Reviewed on 2023/12/6

Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Antico Podere San Francesco Hotel
Antico Podere San Francesco Hotel
Stradone del Lupo, 13, Rosignano Marittimo, Livorno
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Rosignano Marittimo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Cantina Etrusca and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Tutto perfetto."

Reviewed on 2024/3/14

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

Reviews of Volterra

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
10
" "5 - Excellent 83.33333333333333%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 16.666666666666668%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 21, 2019

This is a must see location for the Etruscan artifacts. Wonderful town with fewer tourists.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 29, 2019

Hard to believe the beauty and history of this city and surrounding area. The museums were also amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 11, 2018

Top tier hill town in Tuscany.

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