City: Volterra    Province: Pisa

Location
Volterra is a small Tuscan city, located in the province of Pisa, at 556 m elevation, and on the sandstone spur that separates the Era and Cecina river valleys. The sandy terrain is incised by calanchi, areas of rapid erosion. The Balze (cliffs) to one side of Volterra are a spectacular example of calanchi. Isolated, and yet strategically situated, this city with ancient roots has always managed to maintain its unique qualities-the different traditions of Tuscany are found here. Principal economic resources are the artistic working of alabaster, which has ancient origins, gold craftsmanship, and tourism. Cereals and other crops are grown in the countryside. There are also chemical and mechanical factories scattered about, the mining of a very pure rock salt, based in Saline di Volterra, has also an important and long history.

How to reach Us
From Florence
- Highway A1 Bologna/Firenze, direction Firenze; exit "Firenze Certosa"
- Freeway Firenze/Siena, direction Siena; exit "Colle Val d'Elsa Nord"
- Street S.S. 68 to Volterra

From Pisa:
- Highway A15 Parma/La Spezia, direction La Spezia; exit La Spezia
- Highway A12 Genova/Rosignano, direction Rosignano; exit "Pisa centro"
- S.G.C. Pisa/Firenze, direction Firenze; exit Pontedera Ponsacco
- Street S.S. 439 to Volterra