What to see in Volterra in 2 days: complete itinerary

What to see in Volterra in 2 days

Volterra dominates a ridge between the Era and Cecina valleys, with a history stretching back over 3,000 years to Etruscan civilization. Less touristy than nearby San Gimignano, this fortress-city offers extraordinary heritage from the Villanovan period to the Renaissance, with its alabaster workshops still active.

Day 1: The Etruscan and medieval centre

Morning

Start from the **Porta all'Arco**, Tuscany's best-preserved Etruscan monument (4th-3rd century BC). The three heads carved on the keystone and jambs are mysterious Etruscan deities. From here climb toward the centre along Via Porta all'Arco, flanked by alabaster workshops.

Reach **Piazza dei Priori**, one of Italy's most perfect medieval squares. The **Palazzo dei Priori** (1208-1257) is the oldest Tuscan town hall, predating Florence's. Climb the tower for a 360-degree panorama of the countryside.

Afternoon

Visit the **Guarnacci Etruscan Museum**, one of Europe's oldest public museums (1761). The collection of Etruscan cinerary urns in alabaster and tufa is unique. Don't miss the **Shadow of the Evening**, an elongated bronze statuette that inspired Giacometti, and the **Married Couple**, an urn lid with an elderly couple of surprising realism.

Continue to the **Cathedral** and **Baptistery** in Piazza San Giovanni. The Romanesque cathedral has a gilded coffered ceiling and a 13th-century wooden Deposition.

Hidden gem: from Via Don Minzoni reach the **Roman Theatre** (1st century BC), one of Italy's best preserved, only discovered in the 1950s. The seating and stage are still legible amid the greenery.

Evening

Aperitivo in Piazza dei Priori with views of the tower. Dinner with Volterran dishes: zuppa alla volterrana, wild boar stew, local pecorino. The wine is a red from the Pisan Hills.

Day 2: The clay cliffs, the fortress and alabaster

Morning

Head to the **Balze**, the spectacular clay precipice where terrain has been sliding for centuries, taking churches and cemeteries with it. The lunar landscape is unique in Tuscany. Look for the ruined **Badia Camaldolese** perched on the edge: a Gothic-novel atmosphere.

Return toward the centre passing the **Etruscan Acropolis** in the Enrico Fiumi archaeological park. Remains of two temples (4th-2nd century BC) and a cistern testify to the ancient grandeur of Velathri.

Afternoon

Visit the **Medici Fortress**, an imposing 15th-century structure (now a prison, only partially visitable). The **Mastio** tower offers formidable views. Continue to the **Civic Art Gallery** in Palazzo Minucci-Solaini: Rosso Fiorentino's Deposition (1521) is a Mannerist masterpiece.

Spend time in the **alabaster workshops**: on Via Porta all'Arco and Via Gramsci artisans still work the translucent stone with ancient techniques. The **Alabaster Ecomuseum** tells centuries of tradition.

Hidden gem: the **Porta Diana** and Etruscan walls in the northern sector, less visited. From here you can see the countryside to the sea and on clear days, Corsica.

Evening

Final walk along the medieval wall ramparts at sunset. The golden light on panchina stone is unforgettable. Farewell dinner at a trattoria outside the gates.

Recommended walking routes

• **Etruscan route** (3 km): Porta all'Arco → Guarnacci Museum → Acropolis → Roman Theatre → Porta Diana
• **Panoramic route** (4 km): Centre → Fortress → Balze → return via Borgo San Giusto road

Practical tips

• Volterra is windy: bring an extra layer even in summer
• Parking is outside the walls (shuttles or 10-minute walk)
• The "Volterra Card" combined ticket covers all museums
• From Volterra you can reach San Gimignano (30 min) and Siena (50 min)

Further reading

• [Where to stay in Volterra](/guida/dove-dormire-a-volterra)
• [Where to eat in Volterra](/guida/dove-mangiare-a-volterra)
• [How to get to Volterra](/guida/come-arrivare-a-volterra)