Volterra is also famous for its many Alabaster shops. The secrets of the manufacture of this stone have been handed down from generation to generation, and still represent one of the highest standards of the Italian artistic handicraft. Wonder around the town centre and you will come across a dozen or so artisans who are permitted to maintain workshops there. Volterra's art school is the only one in Europe which trains students to work and carve alabaster.

Driving and parking are not permitted inside the walls of Volterra, which has car parking areas on the perimeter. Buses arrive and depart from Piazza Martiri della Libertà and go to Pisa, Saline (the nearest train station), Cecina as well as San Gimignano, Siena and Florence (for these three you need to change at Colle di Val d’Elsa).

Useful Information and links:

Tourist Information Office Volterra
Piazza dei Priori 20
Tel: + 39 0588 87257
Open: 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-19:00h April to October, 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00h November to March.

Festival Volterrateatro
http://www.volterrateatro.it/
July 19th-August 1st 2004