Volterra is a lovely city boasting a rich history and culture. Throughout history, several testimonies were written about this ancient village that dominates from above the Val di Cecina and the Val d’Era. Although today Volterra has a suggestive medieval look, in the alleys or outside the walls it is likely to find traces of its noble Etruscan past. In fact, Velathri – as it used to be called – has deep ancient origins that date back to the Neolithic. Here were found testimonies of the Villanovan civilization, small scattered villages that went on to form the first city nucleus. A moment that would define the visual identity of the city to such a degree that some parts of the current road axis are heritage of the very first urban structure of the place.
A real Etruscan itinerary awaits tourists in Volterra, beginning with the Porta dell’Arco, that was part of the walls since the 4th century BC, where two protomes show protective deities. However, the most fascinating testimonies are undoubtedly the Acropolis and the Theater. The Acropolis is located in the archaeological area of the Enrico Fiumi Park and has an articulated overlap of structures of the Etruscan, Roman and Medieval periods. Going down to Porta Fiorentina and walking along the walls, you can admire from above the Theater dating back to the 1st century BC. You can count 19 rows of seats from the central and lower sectors that had been built on a natural slope. The semi-circular orchestra was originally covered with precious marble, but today only the Pulpitum, part of the structures and marble columns of the frons scenae, remains of this ancient splendor.
In the center you can visit the Etruscan Museum, which is home to one of the most beautiful and complete collections of precious artistic artifacts. Thirty-eight rooms over three floors to fully immerse yourself in the ancient heart of the city that waits to be discovered today.
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