Volterra and San Gimignano

Our first destination today was Volterra, an Etruscan and Roman city. This was out first visit to this hilltop city and we were surprised by the Roman remains.

Our guide explained that the Etruscans lived at the top of the hill and the Romans on the plain, below, but not at the same time. There is plenty of evidence of the Roman civilisation, but the Etruscan presence was lost and merged into that of the Romans.

Left and bottom, the town hall, top right Cassa di Risparmio di Volterra (a bank)




Roman remains from the first century BC includ a theatre and baths. The remains were uncovered in the 1950s and are said to be some of the best Roman remains in Italy.




Around Volterra:  top right the Baptistry and below a detail from the Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta.

A view across the city, bottom left gate at San Giminiano.


- Pat and John on tour