Volterra

Travel Guide

Volterra which includes a small town or village and heritage elements
Volterra which includes a city
Volterra showing landscape views
Medici Fortress showing heritage elements
Roman Theatre featuring building ruins, theater scenes and heritage elements

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 Tuscany
Borgo Pignano Tuscany
5 out of 5
Localita Pignano 6, Volterra, PI
The price is P38,025 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
P38,025
P42,160 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
includes taxes & fees
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! (78 reviews)
Beautiful Tuscan Villa
"This was one of the most beautiful places we have stayed. The grounds were well kept and had so many things for us to do. The staff go out of their way to make you comfortable and feel well taken care of. Gigi was the sweetest man and gave us a tour of the property. There are pigs, horses, vineyards, ..."

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Borgo Pignano Tuscany
Hotel Athena
Hotel Athena
4 out of 5
P Mascagni 55, Siena, SI
Fully refundable
The price is P8,039 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
P8,039
P9,176 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
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 helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"From the moment we arrived for our two night stay Matteo and Tomasso were kind helpful and informative - We wanted a bigger room and were immediately accommodated - room was clean and comfortable and the hotel was in walking distance to all activities"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Hotel Athena
Hotel Italia
Hotel Italia
3 out of 5
Viale Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 67, Siena, SI
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Siena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (989 reviews)
"Camas, area y staff muy buenos."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Hotel Italia
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.
Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
3 out of 5
Localita' Santa Lucia 38C, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this 3-star campground in San Gimignano. Enjoy free parking, 2 bars/lounges, and a garden. Popular attractions Sovestro in Poggio Winery and Historical ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (78 reviews)
"The mobile homes were a great alternative when Via Francigena hostels were full. Friendly people, swimming pool was wonderful , and an easy walk back and forth to San Gimignano."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
ApartHotel Anghel
ApartHotel Anghel
via Paolo Frajese 71, Siena, SI
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Siena Cathedral and Piazza ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (307 reviews)
"Nice place, quiet and clean!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2024

ApartHotel Anghel
Antico Podere San Francesco Hotel
Antico Podere San Francesco Hotel
Stradone del Lupo, 13, Rosignano Marittimo, LI
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Rosignano Marittimo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Cantina Etrusca ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"We have stayed in numerous locations throughout Europe, but this has been our favorite stay so far. The accommodations are beautiful, unique with charm and character and yet exceptionally clean and modern. Elena from the front desk was fantastic. The breakfast was delicious and had a very nice quality ..."

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025

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.

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