Culture
Medieval Volterra, soulful, mysterious and magical, inside these 12th century walls a rich, cultural life takes place even today. Festivals abound, offering music, theatre, historical reenactments of Volterra in 1398, and exhibitions including the renowned Volterra Jazz and Volterra Teatro, as well as the festival of cuisine, Volterra Gusto. During White Nights, theater aficionados throng to San Pietro Theatre, Persio Flacco Theatre, Saint Clare Theatre , and Volterra's ancient Roman amphitheatre dating from the first century BC. Set among the hills of Lajatico, the unique Teatro de Silencio, treats the audience to a breathtaking spectacle created by impresario, Andrea Boccelli. Volterra is rich in museums. Museo Etrusco Guarnacci, among the oldest museums in Europe, houses one of the most significant historical archives in Tuscany comprising 50,000 volumes. Pinacoteca is where you will find the famous Descent from the Cross by Rosso Fiorentino. Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra (The Diocene Museum of Sacred Art), exhibits works of art from churches belonging to the diocese, including paintings, sculptures, and 13th century tombstones. At the Ecomuseo dell' Alabastro (Museum of Alabaster) you can see works by local artisans and a unique collection of exquisite arts and crafts from the 17th through 19th centuries.
