Volterra

Leaving behind Pisa and heading to Siena we went via Volterra. This is an ancient town, important in Etruscan and Roman times, as well as later in the medieval period. Like so many others, this is a Tuscan hill town protected by both its lofty hill/mountain and its substantial town walls. They really feared their neighbours!

The 13th century Palazzo dei Priori, apparently the oldest town hall in Tuscany.

It sits on the main square, the Piazza dei Priori, temporarily disfigured while we were there by this advertising

The cathedral dates from 1120, although the interior had a revamp in the Renaissance.

Have to say something dodgy looking about the character in the foreground of this St Sebastian painting

The Baptistery

Volterra has extensive archaeological sites, notably the remains of a theatre and bath complex