The Region

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to do, see, eat, and drink in and around Volterra.

Visit

Volterra

Volterra is a beautiful hilltop town in Italy’s Tuscany region. It has been inhabited since the 8th century B.C. and has survived through the Etruscan, Roman, and Medieval periods. A few worthwhile stops include the Porta all'Arco, an Etruscan arch built in the 4th century B.C. that still stands today, the Etruscan museum, and the Piazza dei Priori, the main town square which features the oldest city hall in Tuscany, dating from 1200 A.D. Along the main street you can find shops selling products made of alabaster, which Volterra has been known for throughout the centuries. The town remains off the beaten path for most tourists, so it is surprisingly quiet and calm during the day.

Taste

Chianti

Chianti is one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Located in Tuscany, just south of Florence, Chianti is home to a number of charming small towns and local vineyards. The Italian government has set very strict rules for any wine bearing the Chianti name. Because of this, you will find family-owned wineries that produce wine the same way it’s been done for hundreds of years. The town of “Greve in Chianti” is one of our favorites, with a charming main square full of local grocers, butchers, restaurants, and wine shops. It is also a great starting point to venture out for some wine tasting.

Sights

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is an ancient, walled city that sits atop a beautiful landscape in the Tuscan hill country. It is well known for its medieval architecture, most notably its well preserved tower houses. The town features ample opportunities to shop, eat, and drink. It’s famous for its Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine that is produced in the valleys below.

Hike

Riserva Naturale di Castelvecchio

Just a few miles from San Gimignano lies the Castelvecchio Nature Reserve. It offers many miles of walking and hiking trails, streams and rivers, vast oak forests, and is home to the rare peregrine falcon. The park is very hilly and offers some of the best views of the Tuscan countryside.

Tour

Siena

Siena, like Volterra, was first settled by the Etruscans. But Siena grew to be one of the most important cities in the Tuscany region. It eventually lost political power and population to nearby Florence during the time of the Medici family. Its history has led Siena to remain one of the most visited areas in Tuscany. Siena has plenty of options for shopping and dining. We highly recommend a tour of the city. Many are offered in English and give you a great summary of the area’s history.

History

Palio

Aside from its namesake color, Siena is probably best known for the Palio, a horse race held in the main square twice a year. Each neighborhood sends a rider to represent them, who races bareback for three laps around the main square. The race attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, and although it won't be taking place anytime near our wedding, there are still many great artifacts related to the race that can be seen around the city.