History
"(...) Volterra, suspended island... between heaven and earth"
"Sea born
living amid white hills
and works of art
in the evening becoming the colour of fire
at night flying like a vessel to the sky" (P.Ronaldi)
The town of Volterra, founded by the Etruscans around 3000 years ago, dominates the hilltop rising from the valley where the Cecina and Era Rivers meets. Derived from its Etruscan name, Velhatri (from 'vel' meaning 'height' or 'elevation/hill'), the Romans called it Volaterrae. Ever an important political and commercial center, Volterra was one of the most vital Tuscan towns, with boom decades in the medieval period as well as during the reign of the Signoria under the control of the Medicis and the Grand Duchy. The strategic significance of Volterra is symbolized by the impressive fortress dominating the horizon some 555 meters above the sea level. It is impossible to approach it unnoticed! With its 3000 years of history, Volterra's antique soul permeates the town's medieval fabric. Perhaps this is why Stephenie Meyer chose to set her wildly popular Twilight series here.
