Volterra

Volterra is a classic Tuscan town. It was first an Etruscan city, than a Roman outpost and finally a great medieval stronghold. The most important buildings are Palazzo dei Priori, designed by Maestro Riccardo in 1239. The magnificent Council Hall features a cross- vaulted ceiling with the fresco of the Annunciation and four saints, Cosmas, Damian, Giusto and Ottaviano, painted by Jacopo di Cione and Nicolò di Pietro Gerini.

Palazzo Pretorio and the Tower of Little Pig is a palace made up of several buildings, and the tower is considered to be one of the first built in Volterra. The little pig is a stone animal poised on a high shelf.

Palazzo dei Vescovile was originally built as a grain store and became the bishop’s residence after 1472 when the Palazzo was destroyed by the Florentines. The great arches have been attributed to Antonio da San Gallo the Elder. The Etruscan Museum is quite interesting as is the Alabaster Museum – both in the heart of Volterra. Not to be missed is the archeological park, with some beautiful Roman ruins. Distance from Casali di Casole: 30 km.