The territory
Itinerary to discover Volterra
The Hotel Foresteria is about 1 km from Porta a Selci, the nearest gateway to the historic center.
With a walk along the street, you will immediately find yourself face to face with the Medici Fortress; built in 1474, which today houses a penitentiary and it is possible to go inside and visit the Torre del Maschio from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view. Going on the street you will find the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum, one of the oldest museums in Europe, and the historic streets, such as Via Gramsci and Via Matteotti that will lead you to the Central Square of Volterra, Piazza dei Priori.
Just behind it there is another famous square, San Giovanni, with the beautiful Cathedral and the Baptistery. Lose yourself through the alleys and walk along the medieval walls, the spectacular view over the hills of the Val di Cecina is ideal to relax yourself and take some souvenir photos. Go towards Porta all'Arco, the only Etruscan gate in the historic center and reach the Fiumi Park, where you can visit the Etruscan Acropolis.
Returning back to Piazza dei Priori, walk along Via Sarti, where there are The Civic Art Gallery, with the splendid altarpieces by Rosso Fiorentino, the Alabaster Ecomuseum and Palazzo Viti. Passing trhough tunnels and small arches you reach the Roman Theater, enter into the galleries, get lost inside it and do not forget to observe it from above, along the walls, also allowing a glimpse of the splendid surrounding landscape.
Walking through Volterra let yourself be pampered by flavors, aromas and sounds. Beeing a tipical Tuscan village, cheeses, meats and wine will accompany your visit.
The Val di Cecina
Volterra is located in the beautiful Val di Cecina. In which there are many villages to discover such as Montecatini Val di Cecina, Pomarance, Querceto, La Sassa, Larderello and Sasso Pisano. Each one of them can give you fantastic views and culture. For nature lovers, there are several routes to do either on foot, by mountain bike or, why not, with an e-bike. Montecatini Val di Cecina hosts an interesting Museum of Mines, Pomarance the suggestive Rocca Sillana, Larderello the Geothermal Museum and in Sasso Pisano you will find the Biancane, a path in the middle of the famous heads of the Devil's Valley.
Around us
The central position of the Val di Cecina makes it a very popular destination for all tourists. In an hour by car it is possible to reach Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Livorno, Bolgheri, Castagneto Carducci, Certaldo, the Chianti area, San Gimignano. We are also close to the seaside, Cecina, Marina di Castagneto, Bibbona, San Vincenzo.
Florence is about 70 km away, slightly over an hour by car.