Things to do in Volterra

From the outside, the unadorned, earthy-colored stone façade of the Duomo di Volterra does not predict the exceptional interior you will find as you walk through its doors. Illuminated by natural light and filled with colorful paintings, it is truly a sight to remember. Tour the artwork on your own. Get a picture of the Romanesque exterior built from materials recovered from the Roman theater of Volterra.

From its hilltop vantage point above the town, the Medici Fortress dominates the skyline of Volterra. This colossal medieval stronghold is actually two castles joined together by a series of walls.

The Roman Theatre in Volterra maintains many of its original structural elements, providing fascinating insight into what a typical theater from the era may have looked like. Imagine yourself as a spectator in this atmospheric ruin and learn about how it worked two millennia ago. The remains of Roman baths behind the theater further add to the picture of life in ancient Volterra.

Step through one of the oldest landmarks in the city at Porta all’Arco. This arched gateway was initially created by the Etruscans, a pre-Roman civilization who first lived in the town. Spend time pondering the mysteries of the earliest inhabitants of Volterra before crossing the arch to explore the charming Tuscan old town.

The Guarnacci Etruscan Museum is a remarkable repository for ancient relics. Founded in 1761 when an abbot and antiquities collector donated his treasures to the people of Volterra, the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum is one of Europe’s earliest examples of a public museum. Experience the age of the Etruscans when you explore the museum’s exceptional collections of alabaster and terracotta urns, statuettes and busts.

Chiesa di Sant’Agostino (Church of St. Augustine) is an austere church set above the center of San Gimignano. This 13th-century religious monument takes its name from St. Augustine, a revered Christian theologian and the patron saint of brewers. Marvel at Chiesa di Sant’Agostino’s architecture and its art collection fit for a museum.