Volterra (Tuscany)

Panoramic view of Volterra

Street of the medieval village Volterra

Medici fortress with the park in Volterra

Volterra is a walled mountaintop town in the Tuscany region of Italy of which its history dates to before the 7th century BC and has substantial structures from the Etruscan, Roman, and Medieval periods. When the Florentine Republic fell in 1530, Volterra came under the control of the Medici family and later followed the history of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. There are really a lot of things to see: the Volterra Cathedral, the Fortezza Medicea, the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum and the Etruscan walls are only some of the main sights in Volterra.

Tuscany Highlights

Italian Language
Eike Schmidt
How to Write a Business Email in Italian, Inspired by Eike Schmidt

When the Uffizi Galleries staff got sloppy with email communications, Director Eike Schmidt righted the ship. His commitment to clear, professional messaging inspired this latest Italian lesson.

Travel
Workers in the vineyard of Villa Saletta
Heritage in Every Sip: A Journey Through the Winemaking Legacy of Villa Saletta

Whether you're a Tuscan wine connoisseur who could use a break from the Chianti clichés, or someone who simply appreciates the finer things in life, Villa Saletta should be on your radar.

What's on
truffle hunting dogs
Top Truffle Festivals in Italy in March 2023

It's prime truffle time in much of the Boot. Bianchetti truffles are king in March, though the month also brings the tail end of winter black truffle season.

Inspired Stays
Angel Roofbar & Dining at Hotel Calimala
Hotel Calimala: Laid-Back Luxury in the Heart of Old Florence

Some Florentine hotels are so high-end and straight-laced that it can feel hard to really let your hair down. But at Hotel Calimala, it’s all about luxury without the fuss.

Italy Around The World
Contrada, Palio and general Siena-themed floats
Why is New Orleans Spotlighting the Palio di Siena at One Key Mardi Gras Parade?

Some Siena locals were skeptical when news broke that one Mardi Gras parade would pull inspiration from their most beloved ritual. But their tune is changing as excitement builds.

What you can't miss in Tuscany

Where is Volterra

Top Experiences in Tuscany

Best places to stay in Tuscany

Properties for sale in Tuscany

Florence Fractional Ownership-Luxury Apartment With Terrace Near Ponte Vecchio 0
Fractional ownership in Florence
179000
Poppi Ref: 4937 1
Villa in Poppi
495000
Lounge area
Country Home - Restored in Cortona
52000
Montecatini Val di Cecina Ref: 4981 1
Villa in Montecatini Val di Cecina
595000
Montecatini Val di Cecina Ref: 4980 1
Villa in Montecatini Val di Cecina
790000
Montecatini Val di Cecina Ref: 5163 1
in Montecatini Val di Cecina
175000
Cecina centre - large 4 bedrooms 0
Apartment in Cecina
260000
Apartment - Orciatico, Lajatico 1
Apartment in Lajatico
130000

Recipes From Tuscany

Recipes
Stuffed mussels from Viareggio
Cozze Ripiene alla Viareggina: Viareggio-Style Stuffed Mussels

This intriguingly delicious main from Tuscany is a unique pairing of mussels with a meat mixture stuffing.

Recipes
baked castagnaccio
Castagnaccio: Tuscany’s Chestnut Cake

Castagnaccio is a traditional sweet treat from Tuscany, made with chestnut flour and marvelous for fall.

Recipes
Tuscan Farro Soup
Zuppa di Farro: Tuscan Farro Soup

The first chilly fall evenings call for a satisfyingly hearty grain and legume soup.

Recipes
Pappa al Pomodoro—Tuscan Tomato-Bread Soup
Pappa al Pomodoro—Tuscan Tomato-Bread Soup

Pappa al pomodoro---a piatto povero, “poor-man’s dish,” is another such creation by Tuscan farmers to make use of stale bread and bumper crops of tomatoes, a New World food introduced into Italy in the 16thc.

Recipes
Pandiramerino (Rosemary and Sultana Buns)
Made with an olive oil-enrichened bread dough and studded with fresh rosemary and sweet sultanas, these delightfully sticky, criss-crossed buns were traditionally served on giovedì santo or Holy Thursday in the Renaissance city.
more recipes

What others are saying about Tuscany

@Catriona M asks:

I’ve recently bought a property in the Coreglia Antelminelli area. I need a strong person to help to clear the garden. Is there an equivalent of gumtree (which I use in the UK) where I can find a labourer to help with this? 

See the answer
@Catriona M asks:

I’m looking for a local builder in the Barga or Coreglia Antelminelli area, preferably one who speaks a bit of English. Any recommendations would be great. 

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@linmuir asks:

Can anyone give some advice or insight into a shock tax bill I've received 2 years and 11 months after purchasing my house in Tuscany? I've received, out of the blue, a brief email from the estate agents that the sale of my property was made through.

See the answer

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