Volterra holidays and traditions.
Vacanze Volterra is a town to live intensely, to discover little by little with its atmosphere, its contrasts, the pulse of a civilisation and a culture that makes it unique and unrepeatable.
Volterra, a jewel of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance art, domi nates the whole valley of the river Cecina from its birth to the Thyrrenian sea, from a hill 550 m above sea level.
History has left its marks in Volterra from the Etruscan period to the 19th century with artistic and monumental traces of great importance.
The Valdera is one of the lesser known areas of Tuscany yet to be discovered by tourism.
Named after its river, the Era Valley spreads from the barren walled chasms of Volterra as far as Pontedera.
The inspiring, evocative landscape reveals a wealth of natural beauty, history, art and architecture. For here, the main trading route from Pisa to Volterra, forged by bloody conflicts, has traced its mark through the centuries. The hilltop towns of Peccioli and Palaia were once defensive strongholds. Capannoli was once majestically crowned by a fortress and in the neighbourhood of Lajatico looms the imposing silhouette of the ruins of the Rocca di Pietracassia.
The splendid, noble estates, once the residence of aristocratic families from Pisa and Florence still retain their architectural elegance.
These landmarks, the Romanesque churches, the bell towers, the Medieval villages, the castles and fortresses endow the ephemeral landscape with a timeless atmosphere. Predominately agricultural, the olive groves and vineyards sprawl over the gently rolling hills and reign over the carefully cultivated wheat fields and orchards.
The remote hilltops are dotted with the grey and ochre stone farmhouses often towered by a campanile that stand guarding their clear running streams and brooks.
The warm, clear blue skies invite the traveller to explore the history and charm of a territory that nurtures a rich cultural, historical and agricultural heritage.
Peccioli
From its ridge the Medieval town of Peccioli looks out over the Era Valley and the road that leads from Volterra to Pisa. The bell tower looms over the vineyards, olive groves and the verdant gently rolling Tuscan hills.
The main square with its Romanesque Pisan church is well worth a visit and so is the surrounding area scattered with historical monuments and villages such as Cedri, Fabbrica, Libbiano, Legoli and Montecchio. An excellent wine producing and farmland area that offers a peaceful relaxing holiday in the rustic farmhouses perfectly set against an evocative landscape.
Peccioli is also well known for its prehistoric park. An attraction for all ages, just follow the trail and admire the life sized creatures collocated in their natural habitat. A guided tour is available on request. Peccioli is a must for those travelling through the Era Valley on their way to Pisa or Volterra.
Volterra, a haven of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Rennaissance art, domi- nates the Cecina Valley, 550 metres above sea level, affording a spectacular view as far as the sea.
The city still retains traces of its majestic past which gradually unfurls as you wander through the narrow streets and explore the Etruscan Museum, The Art Gallery and Museum of Sacred Art.
And yet Volterra?s charm not only lies in its historical patrimony but in the undefiled surrounding countryside, a slow traditional way of life and its age-old tradition of alabaster carving.
This elusive stronghold requires careful and patient attention for it takes time to absorb its timeless atmosphere, treasured secrets, unique ambience and culture.
One of the most unspoilt areas in the region, close to other important art centres and the coast, this is an ideal choice for a holiday in Tuscany.
Where is Volterra: is located in the east side of Pisa province, on the border with the province of Siena.
How to reach Volterra: From Pisa, direction east Florence, take the SGC. Exit Pontedera and follow direction for Volterra which is 40 Km far
Nearby: Visit Montecatini Val di Cecina, San Gimignano
Distances: Pisa 55 Km - Florence 76 Km - Livorno 65 Km - Siena 50 Km
Correct name is Volterra
Common mistakes are Voltera, Vulterra, Vultera, Wolterra, Voterra