Volterra

Travel Guide

Volterra which includes heritage elements and a small town or village
Volterra showing a city
Volterra showing landscape views
Medici Fortress featuring heritage elements
Roman Theatre which includes building ruins, theater scenes and heritage elements

Encounter many different eras of history in Volterra, a scenic hilltop town in Tuscany famed for its palaces, museums and archaeological sites.

Experience the enduring charm of rural Tuscany in Volterra, a town of historic burnt-red buildings and ancient archaeological sites. Etruscan, Roman and medieval settlers have all left their mark here. Modern Volterra celebrates this layered history.

Originally, Volterra was a flourishing Etruscan settlement named Velathri, with around 25,000 people from the ancient civilization living here. Romans moved in around the 3rd century B.C. and named it Volaterrae. Explore the town today to see remnants from both of these periods, as well as numerous buildings from its time as a free commune in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Start your exploration of Volterra by surveying its ancient relics. Look for Etruscan architectural sights such as Porta all’ArcoOpens in a new window, a gateway with faded sculptures of human heads, and the Etruscan Acropolis, the ruins of a religious site.

Learn more about this mysterious civilization in the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum. Browse funerary urns and artistic sculptures carved from alabaster. Read about the town’s connection to the stone in the Ecomuseum of Alabaster.

Move on to Roman times next, seeking out classical architecture in the town. Begin with the Roman TheatreOpens in a new window, a sunken arena that once hosted 2,000 spectators. Imagine rich patrons visiting the Roman Baths, where you can still see the remains of the furnace and sauna.

Discover medieval Tuscany in Piazza dei PrioriOpens in a new window. The main square in the town features some of Volterra’s most impressive landmarks. Admire the frescoes in Palazzo dei Priori and the triple-arched loggia of Palazzo Pretorio. Nearby, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta features striking artwork and monuments to Volterran saints.

Visit Volterra in July and August, the peak season in Tuscany, and witness the modern, lively side of the town during the Volterra Jazz Festival. Catch a train from RomeOpens in a new window or FlorenceOpens in a new window, or hop on one of the local buses to get into Volterra. The town is just an hour away from many of Tuscany’s other cultural cities.

Borgo Pignano Tuscany

Borgo Pignano Tuscany

5 out of 5
Localita Pignano 6, Volterra, PI
$636 nightly
The price is $706 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$706 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury farm stay in Volterra. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Castelvecchio and Castelvecchio Natural ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (80 reviews)
"Such a beautiful property! The rooms and amenities were fantastic. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. We will definitely come back and stay at this property. I highly recommend staying at this property"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Borgo Pignano Tuscany
Hotel Athena

Hotel Athena

4 out of 5
P Mascagni 55, Siena, SI
$119 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$137 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"We had a good time, only issue was isolation, last night we had trouble sleeping because of our noisy neighbor"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hotel Athena
NH Siena

NH Siena

4 out of 5
Piazza La Lizza 1, Siena, SI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$108 nightly
The price is $124 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$124 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (997 reviews)
Very nice hotel
"Very nice and clean hotel. Just outside the ztl, close to historic city centre area."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

NH Siena
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Holiday house with private pool and fenced garden

Holiday house with private pool and fenced garden

Volterra
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Volterra. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Balze di Volterra and Roman ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Volterra Villa
"We had great time. The owners are very accommodating"

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Holiday house with private pool and fenced garden
Country House & Spa - Inside Nature with panoramic views, Art Surrounded

Country House & Spa - Inside Nature with panoramic views, Art Surrounded

Volterra
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Volterra. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Rocca Sillana and Medici ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
The PERFECT Getaway!
"My wife and I found and booked this house for our family and friends to join us for a celebration, and not one part of our experience was disappointing. We showed up late Friday night after a longer day of travel than expected, and we had people at the house waiting for us. They were very gracious ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2024

Country House & Spa - Inside Nature with panoramic views, Art Surrounded
Camping Boschetto Di Piemma

Camping Boschetto Di Piemma

3 out of 5
Localita' Santa Lucia 38C, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this 3-star campground in San Gimignano. Enjoy free parking, 2 bars/lounges, and a garden. Popular attractions Sovestro in Poggio Winery and Historical ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (78 reviews)
"The mobile homes were a great alternative when Via Francigena hostels were full. Friendly people, swimming pool was wonderful , and an easy walk back and forth to San Gimignano."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Volterra

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 83%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is a must see location for the Etruscan artifacts. Wonderful town with fewer tourists.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Hard to believe the beauty and history of this city and surrounding area. The museums were also amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Top tier hill town in Tuscany.

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