Things to do in Volterra
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Top 10 attractions in Volterra
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a medieval hill town. The ancient pilgrimage route to Rome once passed through the city, and caravans and pilgrims brought prosperity to its trade. Local families accumulated great wealth through saffron and wine, and they took their rivalry to the skies—nobles competed to build towers. At its peak, there were over 70 stone towers in the city. Today, more than 10 still stand among the red-tiled roofs. Such a cluster of towers is hard to find elsewhere in Tuscany, which is why people call this small town the "medieval Manhattan." The old town is completely enclosed by 13th-century walls and gates. Entering through Porta San Giovanni, the cobblestone Via San Giovanni is lined with stone mansions and small shops. As you walk gently uphill, it leads to two core squares: the triangular Piazza della Cisterna, centered around an ancient well, where towers and medieval houses create a quiet atmosphere; and the adjacent Piazza Duomo, where you can climb the Torre Grossa, which stands about 54m tall next to the town hall. Standing on the observation deck at the top, you can take in the entire cluster of towers, red-tiled roofs, and the rolling vineyards and olive groves outside the city. The cathedral by the square is easily overlooked, but the interior is filled with medieval biblical frescoes and is worth a closer look. The entire old town can be traversed on foot, making it suitable for a half-day excursion when traveling round-trip between Florence and Siena. If you want to take panoramic photos of the tower cluster, you can walk to the slopes outside the city walls and look back at the ancient city. The local white wine, Vernaccia, has been famous since the Middle Ages, and using saffron in cooking is also a long-standing local tradition.San Gimignano · 16.2km from Volterra
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Known as the main church of the Catholic Archdiocese of Florence and the third largest church in the world • Consisting of the main church, bell tower and baptistery, it is not only large in scale, but also a representative building of the entire early Renaissance • The cathedral has a 19th-century Gothic Revival-style facade. Its exterior is paved with marble blocks of different shades of white, green and pink. The colors are colorful and harmonious △ In 1982, the cathedral was listed as a World Cultural Heritage as part of the historical center of Florence. After entering the church, you can climb up to the dome from the small door on the side. You need to climb 463 steps, and then overlook the entire city of Florence. △ The bell tower of the church is a Gothic building, 85 meters high. It consists of a six-story square structure stacked upward into a column. The outer wall is paved with white marble, which is pure and elegant, bringing more momentum to the majestic church.Florence · 52.1km from Volterra
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982. The square has been the city's religious center since the Middle Ages. In the late 13th century, surrounding residential buildings were demolished to build the new cathedral and bell tower, and it was gradually expanded over the following centuries to its current size. The square brings together three iconic buildings: theCathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, and The Baptistery of San Giovanni. Together, they form the "Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore complex," showcasing the evolution of architectural art in Florence from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The dome designed by Brunelleschi stands over 90 m high and is a striking visual focal point on the square's skyline. Historic buildings such as the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral Museum, and the Bigallo Museum are also located around the square. Standing in the center of the square and looking around, the facades of buildings from different eras and styles complement each other, making it a key location for experiencing the urban landscape of Florence.Florence · 52.1km from Volterra
Piazza del Duomo
The Miracle Square is the top priority of visiting Pisa. The four major buildings on the square - the Cathedral of Pisa, the Baptistery, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the cemetery are all artistic masterpieces in the history of architecture. The square was one of the centers of the essence of medieval art and had a profound influence on subsequent architectural design, and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. The square takes its name from a description in a novel by the Italian writer and poet Gabriel D'Annunzio. The Pisa Cathedral in the center of the Pisa Cathedral Square was built in the 12th century AD and is a masterpiece of medieval Romanesque architecture. The mosaic decoration inside the church is mixed with Byzantine style, forming its unique "Pisa Romanesque style". Opposite the Baptistery of Pisa Cathedral is the Baptistery, which mixes Romanesque and Gothic styles. You can visit the middle of the Baptistery along the spiral staircase inside the Baptistery. The cylindrical structure, double dome and white marble make the interior of the baptistery even more beautiful. Leaning Tower of Pisa Behind the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the well-known Leaning Tower of Pisa, which itself is the bell tower of the cathedral. In the early stage of construction, the leaning tower tilted an average of 1 mm per year, and the work was stopped for a while, and the repair work has continued to this day. The rectangular building next to the Pisa Cemetery Church is the Pisa Cemetery. The tombstones, sculptures and frescoes on the cloister are also worth seeing. In addition, there is a tourist rest area on the large lawn of Miracle Square, where you can take various photos with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, buy souvenirs and snacks.Pisa · 52.3km from Volterra
Colosseum
•This was the place where gladiators fought for their lives, prisoners on death row struggled with hungry lions, and it was also the great symbol of eternal Rome •Take in the magnificent architecture and imagine epic battles that once took place here •Imagine the bustle of the marketplace, the intrigue of political debates, and the opulence of imperial residences △ The Colosseum was built on the site of the magnificent Dumus Aurea and was completed in 80 AD. But with the decline of the Roman Empire in the 6th century AD, the Colosseum was gradually abandoned and became overgrown. Since then, the Colosseum has been damaged by earthquakes many times, and it has even become a source of stone and marble for builders. Nowadays, only the incomplete skeleton of the Colosseum is left in front of people, but you can still get a glimpse of the style of that day. △ From the outside, the Colosseum has four floors (including the underground). On the first floor, you can clearly see the maze-like building in the center of the Colosseum. The basements that were once the Colosseum housed the beasts and gladiators who were about to duel. If you want to see the underground part up close, you need to be led by a tour guide. △ The entire exterior wall of the Colosseum is made of limestone, with 80 arches (vormitori) on each floor, allowing spectators to quickly enter and take their seats. The recesses on the second and third floors were once filled with marble statues. The top of the wall is dotted with windows and slender Corinthian pilasters, and there are 240 wall columns to support the canvas canopy covering the Colosseum.Italy · Rome
Teatro del Silenzio
Located in Lajatico, Tuscany, Italy, this is the hometown of world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli. This natural open-air amphitheater was completed in 2006, ingeniously built upon the undulating hills of the local terrain, seamlessly blending the wild landscape with artistic installations. The theater remains quiet most of the time, with its stage area being an artificial lake that permanently displays art sculptures, which are updated annually. Concerts are held only on a few summer nights each year, while travelers are free to visit during other times to enjoy the Tuscan countryside scenery and the unique venue art. The annual Bocelli concert in July is a globally anticipated event, during which temporary seating is erected, and musicians from around the world gather to perform. Here, natural topography, sculptural art, and classical vocals converge, creating this one-of-a-kind musical landmark in the wild.Lajatico · 13.1km from Volterra
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is located in the center of Milan, surrounded by many important buildings, including the landmark of Milan, the cathedral. The square gradually developed with the construction of the cathedral and was named after it. In the center of the square stands the equestrian bronze statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. Around the square, there are also a series of important buildings such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the neoclassical-style royal palace, and the cathedral museum. On the square, you can see flocks of leisurely strolling pigeons, and sometimes in the evening, you may encounter impromptu street performances. The area near the square is home to many shopping malls, boutiques, and high-end restaurants, making it a well-known leisure and shopping district in Milan.Italy · Milan
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is the political heart of Florence and an open-air sculpture gallery. The square is "L"-shaped, with the jagged tower of the Palazzo Vecchio serving as its constant visual focal point. It is surrounded by Renaissance buildings such as the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Uffizi Gallery, while the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is just a short walk away through the alleys. The sculptures displayed in the square are a veritable open-air history of Renaissance sculpture. A replica of Michelangelo's "David" stands at the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio; the original was moved to the Gallery of the Academy of Florence in the 19th century. To the right of the square is the Fountain of Neptune created by Ammannati, featuring a white marble statue of Neptune standing on a chariot drawn by horses in the center, surrounded by bronze mythical creatures. On the north side of the square stands the bronze equestrian statue of Cosimo I de' Medici by Giambologna. Walking through the square at dusk, you can often encounter street performers playing music, with the sounds echoing among the ancient buildings. From the time of the Republic of Florence to the present, this square has been a gathering place for citizens and tourists alike, where centuries of power shifts and artistic heritage intertwine.Florence · 51.8km from Volterra
Piazza Duomo
The Cathedral Square is adjacent to the Wells Square. It is a beautiful square in San Gimignano, a small medieval town in Siena, Tuscany, Italy. It is named after the Cathedral of San Gimignano on the square. The Piazza del Duomo was built in the first half of the 13th century, a golden age in the history of San Gimignano. Piazza del Duomo is located at the intersection of the two main streets of the small town: Via Francigena running north-south and Via Pisa-Siena running east-west. Since the 13th century, Piazza del Duomo has been the religious and political center, while the adjoining Wells Square has been a place for markets and festivals and competitions. The Cathedral Square is trapezoidal and slightly inclined. The steps to the west lead to the Cathedral, opposite the Old Podesta Palace, the Salvucci Twin Towers to the north, and the New Podesta Palace to the south.San Gimignano · 16.2km from Volterra
Piazza di Santa Croce
Piazza di Santa Croce is one of the main squares in the historic center of Florence, just a few minutes' walk from Piazza della Signoria. It is named after the Basilica di Santa Croce that faces it. This rectangular, stone-paved area has been a gathering place for citizens since the Middle Ages. Nowadays, it's common to see children playing soccer on the square during the day and travelers sitting on the church steps to enjoy the sun. In the evening, the outdoor seating at surrounding cafes gradually fills up, making it a perfect spot to experience the daily rhythm of Florence. The square itself has many attractions: directly in front of the church stands the marble statue of Dante, created by sculptor Pazzi, which serves as a landmark for travelers to take photos and find their way; one side of the Antella Palace is adorned with a facade full of frescoes, strikingly vivid under the sunlight; the old walls along the square also bear plaques marking historical flood levels—looking up to compare with the 1966 Arno River flood line offers a tangible sense of the city's past. The Gothic Santa Croce Basilica is the heart of the square, where Italian luminaries like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are buried, earning it the nickname "Italy's Pantheon." It's well worth exploring inside in detail. Every June, the square is covered with sand and transformed into an exclusive venue for the historic calcio fiorentino, a traditional Florentine football game that has been held for centuries. The tournament features teams from the four historic districts of the old city, blending elements of soccer, rugby, and classical wrestling in a fiercely competitive event that is a unique annual folk celebration in Florence. During the Christmas season, the square hosts German-style Christmas market huts, with mulled wine and handicrafts creating a festive atmosphere. The surrounding area is dotted with leather workshops and artisan shops, continuing Florence's leather-making tradition. When tired from exploring, sitting at a street-side café facing the church facade offers an authentic local experience.Florence · 52km from Volterra
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Free things to do in Volterra
San Gimignano
San Gimignano · 16.2km from VolterraCathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Florence · 52.1km from VolterraPiazza del Duomo
Florence · 52.1km from VolterraPiazza del Duomo
Pisa · 52.3km from VolterraColosseum
Italy · RomeTeatro del Silenzio
Lajatico · 13.1km from VolterraBook now for tomorrowPiazza del Duomo
Italy · MilanPiazza della Signoria
Florence · 51.8km from VolterraPiazza Duomo
San Gimignano · 16.2km from VolterraPiazza di Santa Croce
Florence · 52km from VolterraImmediate access, Book now for today
What travellers say about Volterra
sculptor14 February 2021
4.0
The ancient city of San Gimignano is an Italian hill town southwest of Florence. Its old town, surrounded by 13th-century walls, is renowned for its medieval architecture, unique in that about a dozen tower houses have been preserved. Within the walls, the well-preserved buildings include notable examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, outstanding examples of secular buildings and churches.
San Gimignano
Anonymous user22 September 2026
5.0
The queue was quite long, and you need to make sure you're in the correct line before you start queuing… Queues at tourist attractions in Europe often consist of several separate lines with unclear signage. I didn't choose to climb the bell tower or the dome, but the museum included in the ticket is worth a good look; personally, I felt the environment was quite nice.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Blessed by God28 September 2022
5.0
such a lovely place, the duomo or cathedral is very big that I cannot take a picture of the whole cathedral. Even if I have seen it several times I always love to visit and see it again and again.
Piazza del Duomo
SHANE LIM MY21 June 2026
5.0
The place was extremely beautiful. This is the first time ever I travel to Europe so I love the whole experience. Surely recommend
Piazza del Duomo
_TI***h419 October 2026
5.0
Your ticket includes the Roman forum and palatine hill so is excellent value
Colosseum
Wendy Song17 September 2022
5.0
Teatro del Silenzio
Silent Theater Italian Opera Festival
Listening to Andrea Bocelli's concert in his hometown, the charming night is intoxicating. I love the tranquility of the Italian countryside, the perfect ending, and the dream of a midsummer night trip. This is also the most unforgettable memory of the 16-year trip to Italy.
The outdoor simple stage built with the rolling hills of Tuscany as the background is named Teatro del Silenzio (Silent Theater). Nature, tradition, scenery, night, and heavenly singing, the highest realm of enjoyment in life, is nothing more than this. Leaving a perfect period for the 16-year midsummer night is also one of the most beautiful memories in life.
Finally, tickets for the Italian Opera Festival are usually purchased six months in advance, especially for good shows. Basically, the tickets are sold out within a few days of the sale. Be sure to plan your trip in advance.
This summer (2022), I checked the official website and found that the opera festival was held as usual. Andrew returned to his hometown and worked hard for his passion.
Looking back, I still want to watch the sunset on a summer evening and go to see his concert again.
Teatro del Silenzio
冰语馨洁26 January 2026
5.0
Landmark Significance: As the city center of Milan, the square is an irregularly shaped polygon covering approximately 12,000 square meters. It was the coronation site of the first king after the unification of Italy (Napoleon was crowned here in 1805) and is now part of a World Heritage Site.
Piazza del Duomo
Lavender and Sun8 October 2021
5.0
The cultural center of Europe, the birthplace of the European Renaissance, the birthplace of opera, and a world-famous cultural tourist destination. Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence. The Ponte Vecchio was formerly the corridor from the Uffizi Palace to the Pitti Palace across the river.
Piazza della Signoria
SUNSHINE ONUS28 April 2025
4.0
Piazza Santa Croce in Florence is a famous square in the city of Florence, Italy, known for its Renaissance architecture and rich cultural and historical background. It is the most famous building in the square, known for its Gothic style and rich art collection. Many Italian celebrities are buried inside the church, including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The front facade of the church was rebuilt in the 19th century with a neo-Gothic style.
Piazza di Santa Croce
