Morning in Volterra

Breakfast at L’Incontro Caffè

Let’s start the day at this charming café in Piazza dei Priori. Sip espresso or cappuccino and enjoy a freshly baked pastry like a cornetto alla crema while watching the locals start their day.

Explore the Piazza dei Priori

This is Volterra’s medieval heart. Make sure to stop by the Palazzo dei Priori, the oldest town hall in Tuscany. You can also climb the Palazzo tower for panoramic views of the rolling Tuscan countryside.

Visit Etruscan Sites & Roman Theater

Visit the Etruscan Museum (Museo Etrusco Guarnacci, founded in 1761 to see artifacts from Volterra’s ancient past. Then, take a walk down to the Roman Theatre ruins, to see the beautifully preserved ruins set into the hillside. Excavations in the 1950s brought to this theater from the Imperial period to light, one of the most beautiful and best-conserved ones in Italy.

Afternoon in Volterra

Lunch at La Carabaccia

A cozy spot known for its traditional Tuscan fare. Try the Zuppa Volterrana (a local bread and vegetable soup) or the pappardelle with wild boar ragu. Enjoy a glass of Chianti or Vernaccia di San Gimignano alongside your meal.

Visit an Alabaster Workshop

Volterra is famous for its translucent alabaster. Take time to tour an artisan’s workshop—Alab’Arte or Rossi Alabastro—watching artists carve delicate objects and pick up a unique souvenir. Make sure to book your demonstration slot ahead of time and be on time!

Explore Art & History at the Pinacoteca

The Art Gallery and Civic Museum (Pinacoteca e Museo Civico) houses medieval and Renaissance art, including works by Rosso Fiorentino and Luca Signorelli.

Light a Candle at Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

Volterra Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Volterra, Italy, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is the seat of the bishop of Volterra.

Stop for a Gelato

Stop by L’Isola del Gusto for house-made gelato—perhaps try a seasonal flavor like fig and walnut or lavender honey.

Evening in Volterra

Stroll the City Walls at Sunset

Take a walk along the medieval ramparts, catching sunset views over the rolling Tuscan countryside. The soft golden light on the stone buildings is unforgettable.

Dinner at Ristorante Enoteca Del Duca

Fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere. We’d enjoy:

• Tuscan crostini
• Tagliata di manzo (sliced beef with arugula and Parmesan)
• A local dessert like cantucci with vin santo

What to Buy in Volterra

1. Alabaster Crafts (Must-Buy!) – Volterra is famous worldwide for its fine alabaster, a soft, translucent stone used here since Etruscan times. What to look for:

• Hand-carved sculptures, busts, or figurines (traditional and modern styles)
• Candle holders, lamps, or jewelry boxes
• Ornaments or small decorative dishes
• Some shops even offer custom carvings or personalization

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2. Local Wine

Volterra sits near some of Tuscany’s best wine regions so seek out a bottle to take home. Suggestions include:

• Chianti, Rosso di Volterra, or Vernaccia di San Gimignano (local white)
• Vin Santo (sweet dessert wine, often sold with cantucci cookies)

Look for bottles from small local producers, often sold in enotecas or directly from vineyards.

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3. Pecorino Cheese

Aged pecorino di Volterra—especially with truffle, pepper, or walnut—is a great edible gift. Vacuum-packed options are available that travel really well. Pick up a local honey or fig jam to serve with it and have the tastiest charcuterie board when you return home!

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4. Truffle Products

If you’re visiting in fall, truffle season is in full swing—but you can find preserved truffle goods year-round. Consider buying:

• Truffle oil or butter
• Truffle salt
• Pasta or sauces with black or white truffle

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5. Artisan Food Products

• Olive oil from small Tuscan farms
• Chestnut flour (used in local castagnaccio)
• Limoncello, grappa, or herb liqueurs
• Cantucci (Tuscan almond biscotti)

Pro tip: Some shops sell gift boxes or picnic-style bundles with cheese, cured meats, and wine.

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6. Etruscan-Inspired Jewelry & Ceramics

• Jewelry designs inspired by Etruscan symbols or motifs (spirals, keys, mythological creatures)
• Hand-painted ceramics with medieval or Tuscan themes—look for small plates, wall tiles, or wine jugs

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7. Local Art & Prints

• Watercolors or prints of Volterra’s skyline, countryside, or iconic Piazza dei Priori
• Handmade leather goods like wallets, belts, or journals

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Mobility Issues to Consider

Being a historic hilltop town does present some challenges for visitors with mobility issues. The town is built on a hill, and many streets are steep and paved with uneven cobblestones. In addition, The ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) restricts cars in the center, which means walking is usually necessary. However, there are designated parking areas and some taxi service that can drop you closer to key sites.

Site-by-Site Accessibility Overview

Piazza dei Priori & Palazzo dei Priori

• The piazza itself is open and flat, though cobbled.
• The Palazzo dei Priori has stairs to reach the upper levels and tower—not accessible for wheelchairs or those avoiding stairs.
• You can still enjoy the exterior and atmosphere if upper levels are too challenging.

Etruscan Museum (Museo Guarnacci)

• The museum is inside a historic building with several floors and stairs.
• It’s not fully modernized for mobility access, so parts may be difficult to navigate.

Roman Theater Ruins

• The theater is located down a sloped path, which can be slippery or steep.
• Viewing from above (near the road) is a good alternative if descending is not feasible.

Alabaster Workshops

• Many are at street level or only a step or two up.
• It’s wise to call ahead—some may have steps but can offer assistance.

Pinacoteca (Civic Museum)

• Set inside a Renaissance building with multiple stairs.
• Worth skipping if stairs are an issue; consider visiting a workshop or taking in more of the scenic town instead.

Walking the City Walls / Sunset Stroll

• Parts of the walls and paths are smooth and walkable; others are rough or steep.
• You can choose shorter, flatter stretches near the Porta all’Arco for an easier experience.