COUNTRYSIDE

Volterra is a town of great architectural interest located 1770 feet above sea level,
between the rivers Bra and Cecina. The main features are two fine castles and numerous Etruscan remains. The ambience of Volterra is extremely attractive, easily rivaling that of the more famous Tuscan destination of San Gimignano.

HISTORY
The town was a Neolithic settlement and an important Etruscan center with an original civilization; it became a municipium in the Roman Age. The city was a bishop's residence in the fifth century and its episcopal power was affirmed during the twelfth century. With the decline of the episcopate, Volterra was the subject of interest of Florence, which defeated Volterra many times though rebellions sometimes took place. When the Florentian Republic fell in 1530, Volterra came under the control of the Medici family and later followed the history of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

THE TOWN AND ATTRACTIONS
The district is rich in alabaster, the working of which was an important industry of the city, and in mineral waters, such as those of S. Felice and the Moie, or salt springs. Still more important are the Soffoni of Larderello, from which boric acid is extracted, the sulphur lake of Monterotondo, the copper springs of Caporciano, and the baths of Montecatini.
The cathedral, consecrated by Callistus II in 1120, was enlarged by Andrea Pisano in 1254, and again in 1576. The high altar is adorned with sculpture by Mino da Fiesole. The Palazzo Publico (1217) holds the extensive archives of the city. The Palazzo Tagani houses an important museum of Etruscan and Roman antiquities.
The richness of the Etruscan finds made in and near Volterra make it a mecca for enthusiasts of all things Etruscan, with an unparalleled collection of Etruscan antiquities being displayed in the Guarnacci Museum.