Volterra

Volterra, town, central Italy, southern Europe. An historical and picturesque town, it is located in the province of Pisa, in the western-central part of Tuscany. Volterra lies on a ridge between the Arno and Cecina rivers, 45 km (28 mi) south-west of Florence and 48 km (30 mi) south-east of Leghorn (Livorno). The city is a rail and road junction and a tourism centre, and is known for its alabaster goods. Although it presents a medieval appearance, Volterra's period of greatest importance was during the Classical age. Its Etruscan walls, built of gigantic stones, are still visible in many places. The principal monuments from its medieval period are the Palazzo dei Priori, which was constructed during the 13th century; the Palazzo Tagassi, now an Etruscan museum; an ancient fortress, now a prison; and the 12th-century cathedral, enlarged in the 13th century, which contains notable works of art.

Volterra was the seat of one of the 12 Etruscan confederacies (see Etruscan Civilization), and it enjoyed wide political and economic influence. By the time of the beginning of the Second Punic War in 218 bc (see Punic Wars), Volterra was federated with Rome. After the construction of the coastal road, the Via Emilia, Volterra was isolated and fell into decay. It rose again in the Middle Ages and became a free commune in the 12th century. It figured in regional conflicts, was obliged to accept rule by various leaders, and in 1472 was sacked by the Florentines under Lorenzo de’ Medici and annexed to their republic. Thereafter Volterra shared the fate of Tuscany as a whole. Volterra was the birthplace of the Italian Mannerist painter and sculptor Daniele da Volterra and the home of the Roman poet Persius. Population 30,205 (1997 estimate).