Weekend in Volterra
A weekend in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by taste and tradition
Photo by Riccardo
Volterra, Velàthri in ancient Etruscan, is famous for its alabaster and the art made with it, that spans from the Etruscans to modern day.
The Etruscan and Medieval influences are already visible in the city walls, which have been rebuilt and resized through the ages as the city itself changed, allowing passerby to see a vertical slice through time.
Volterra’s built on top of a scenic hill, which from afar seems decorated by the surrounding fields and groves.
Volterra’s built on top of a scenic hill, which from afar seems decorated by the surrounding fields and groves.
Volterra’s alleyways are quite tightly interwoven, giving the air a fascinating, almost legendary feeling. Even today, it’s impossible to miss the various craftsmen that work in alabaster, making typical handmade chessboards, every one different from the other.
The Piazza dei Priori, named after the Palazzo dei Priori it faces, gained recent fame due to the filming of some scenes in Twilight: New Moon, which injected a lot of charisma into those scenes.
A little further on lies the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, entirely rebuilt after an earthquake way back in 1117. Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior, as its Renaissance interior is absolutely breathtaking. The ceiling is an impressive mix of geometric shapes, saints and holy figure, and decorative flowers that represent Mary and the Holy Ghost.
The Piazza dei Priori, named after the Palazzo dei Priori it faces, gained recent fame due to the filming of some scenes in Twilight: New Moon, which injected a lot of charisma into those scenes.
A little further on lies the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, entirely rebuilt after an earthquake way back in 1117. Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior, as its Renaissance interior is absolutely breathtaking. The ceiling is an impressive mix of geometric shapes, saints and holy figure, and decorative flowers that represent Mary and the Holy Ghost.
For a weekend of Tuscan hospitality, try Holiday Villa “In Toscana”
Photo by Holiday Villa In Toscana
To really appreciate everything Tuscany can offer you’ll need a place to rest after walking around all day; “In Toscana” fits the bill perfectly, strategically placed in Terricciola right outside of Volterra. “In Toscana” presents a warm and greeting atmosphere amongst nature, where Irene and her husband Roberto will treat you as if you were in your own home.
There are five apartments included in the main building, alongside another, smaller building with two more apartments, all fantastically decorated in pure Tuscan style with antique wood and terracotta.
There are five apartments included in the main building, alongside another, smaller building with two more apartments, all fantastically decorated in pure Tuscan style with antique wood and terracotta.
This vacation home has an excellent view of the rolling Tuscan hills that will stay with you forever, and the structure is perfect both for a romantic getaway and for a family vacation, pets included.
“In Toscana” also has a swimming pool available for guests, as well as a large green field where kids can run around freely and play without worries. If you’re feeling restless, you can take a short trip to the center of Terricciola at “I Locandieri”, a wonderful little restaurant and wine bar (as well as a Bed & Breakfast).
“I Locandieri” is a great place for dinner, with arched ceilings and tables made from wine casks. The owners are extremely friendly and are experts in knowing which wine will best accompany every one of their dishes. Their cheese cake, in particular, deserves to be mentioned as an excellent way to finish any meal.
“In Toscana” also has a swimming pool available for guests, as well as a large green field where kids can run around freely and play without worries. If you’re feeling restless, you can take a short trip to the center of Terricciola at “I Locandieri”, a wonderful little restaurant and wine bar (as well as a Bed & Breakfast).
“I Locandieri” is a great place for dinner, with arched ceilings and tables made from wine casks. The owners are extremely friendly and are experts in knowing which wine will best accompany every one of their dishes. Their cheese cake, in particular, deserves to be mentioned as an excellent way to finish any meal.
Written by:
Sara Manelli
Translation by:
Daniel Yeatman
