Volterra Volterra is an ancient city dating back to the Etruscan era.  In many places the ancient Etruscan walls survive.  The Museo Guarnacci contains one of the best collections of Etruscan artifacts in Italy.  Of special interest are the more than 600 Etruscan cineary urns.  The Palazzo dei Priori, the medieval seat of government (seen left) is the oldest of its kind in Tuscany.  It was begun in the 12th century and 14th  century frescoes are inside.   The city's duomo has many aspects designed in 13th century.  Volterra is famous for its craftsmen who carve statues and objets d'art from locally mined alabaster.  We bought two pieces of alabaster while we were in Volterra which we will always treasure.

Three examples of the Etruscan funerary urns that are in Volterra.  These urns- made of alabaster and marble date from the 4th through the 1st Centrury BC.

Above- an ancient Etruscan red figure crater.  Below- Etruscan alabaster jar

To the right--  One of the most famous objects in the museum-   the Ombra della Sera (Shadow of the Evening), a 3rd century B.C.  Etruscan bronze figurine.  It is a votive offering to one of the gods and others similar to it have been found in Etruria.  However, the exaggerated length of this particular piece has imbued it with a magical quality since it was found in the first half of the 18th century.  The sculpture's elongation shows the esaggeration of a human shadow in the evening. The work of 20th century sculptor, Alberto Giacometti, is very evocative of this ancient masterpeice.  You can see Giacometti's Standing Woman in the Venice section of our trip along with other works in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Some examples of art works in Volterra's churches are below and to the right.

To the Right- The ancient ruins of a Roman Theatre in Volterra.

Click on this great view from the Museo Guarnacci to continue on in Tuscany.