Today we take you on a discovery of an authentic Tuscan jewel: Volterra. In the heart of the Pisan countryside, but also very close to the borders with the provinces of Siena and Livorno, located just 30 kilometres south of San Gimignano, Volterra is a delightful town of Etruscan origins, with ancient roots dating back more than 3,000 years. Famous for its alabaster production, it was one of the settings for Twilight.

10 TREASURES OF VOLTERRA

1 - Piazza dei Priori
Are you ready to fall in love with the splendid Piazza dei Priori? It represents the ancient heart of the town, where you will find majestic buildings including Palazzo dei Priori from which it takes its name, the Bishop's Palace, Palazzo Incontri and Palazzo Pretorio.

2 - The Duomo
Admire the frescoes and artistic treasures of Volterra Cathedral. 200 metres from Piazza dei Priori, in Piazza San Giovanni, is the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, an extraordinary example of Romanesque architecture.

3 - 'Mario Guarnacci' Etruscan Museum
The Guarnacci Museum is one of the oldest public museums in Europe and one of the most important Etruscan museums in Italy. Founded in the mid-18th century thanks to a donation by the noble abbot Mario Guarnacci, it has been housed in Palazzo Desideri Tangassi since 1877 and exhibits artefacts ranging from prehistoric times to the Hellenistic period (1st century B.C.), the period of Volterra's greatest splendour.

4 - The Porta all'Arco
Walk along the ancient city walls and you will discover Porta all'Arco, the main architectural monument of Etruscan Volterra. This gate, which opened on the south side of the walls, is characterised by a roof formed by a stone ashlar arch decorated with three heads inserted into its structure.

5 - Roman Theatre
Imagine the ancient spectacles and entertainment that took place on this stage! The Roman Theatre of Volterra is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Italy. It is located in the archaeological area of Vallebona, near the medieval walls.

6 - Pinacoteca and civic museum
The picture gallery and civic museum collect works of great historical and artistic value, housed in the rooms of Palazzo Minucci - Solaini, a remarkable example of late 15th-century architecture, attributed to Antonio da S. Gallo the Elder.

7 - Medicean Fortress
The Fortezza Medicea of Volterra was built on the highest point of the hill where the city stands: from the outside, it has a truly majestic and imposing appearance.

8 - Enrico Fiumi Archaeological Park
The city's main green area, it enjoys an excellent location because it is situated on the highest plateau, right next to the Medicean fortress, and inside it is possible to visit the excavations of the acropolis of the Etruscan city.

9 - Handicraft products
Volterra is known for its craft traditions, including the art of alabaster. Local workshops offer beautiful artefacts made from this material, such as sculptures, jewellery and household objects. Take home a unique piece of Volterra culture as a souvenir of your trip.

10 - Flavours
A visit to Volterra would not be complete without savouring the typical cuisine, including baccalà alla fiorentina, cenci, wild boar with mushrooms and polenta, hare with three wines, chickpea soup, ribollita, barberina sauce, stuffed sardines, scottiglia, sorana bean soup, torta co' bischeri and panzanella..

Relais Santa Chiara is the starting point to discover the treasures of Tuscany, taste typical dishes and enjoy relaxation!