Volterra and its surroundings
Volterra, situated in a spectacular position on a hilly pliocene ridge 540 m above sea level, is one of the oldest and most important Etruscan settlements in Tuscany, its foundation dating back to the 8th-9th century bc. This little town (12,000 inhabitants), so rich in art and history, lays right in the middle of an ideal triangle connecting Florence (75 Km), Pisa (64 Km) and Siena (49 Km). The Museo Guarnacci contains one of the most interesting collections of cinerary urns that we have in Italy. Four more museums expose few but important paintings and sculptures or are specialized in alabaster handycraft or furniture. The splendid Pisan Romanesque cathedral, many beatiful churches and palaces and an intact historical centre with its austere Piazza dei Priori make the town absolutely worth visiting. Volterra has not yet been touched by the frenetic pace of contemporary life and visitors have the impression of stepping into the past.
Villa Il Palazzino and its context
In a highly scenographic context, a peaceful, charming place near the Tuscan great art cities (Arezzo, Firenze, Pisa, Pistoia, Siena) and a number of “minor” art centres, including San Gimignano (22 Km), Certaldo (35 Km), Colle Val d'Elsa (36 Km), Massa Marittima (61 Km), Vinci (82 Km), Montepulciano (115 Km), Pienza (124 Km) and Cortona (125 Km) among others. “Le balze” (the cliffs) of Volterra are unique in the Tuscan landscape. Our swimming pool is lain against the background of an imposing natural scenery. Music fans will find an electric piano in the chapel of the villa.
Our apartments
Villa Il Palazzino is a 17th century country house only 2.8 Km from Piazza dei Priori, Volterra's main square. The house is quiet and secluded and is surrounded with olive trees. It is an ideal place for relaxing, walking, swimming, reading or music playing (electric piano in the chapel). Sight: countryside. Altitude: 380 m.
Three self-contained apartments are available: “Giulietta” (5-6 persons), “Gli Antenati” (4-5 persons) and “Il Fienile” (2 persons).
The cottage Il Fienile” (36 sq.m., 2 persons) has been converted from the old hay loft. It is composed of a single large room with a sleeping section (double bed), a cooking and dining section, and a separate bathroom with shower. The equipment includes a dishwasher, a gas cooker, microwave, saucepans, dishes and cutlery, refrigerator, bed linen and clothes (changed weekly). A clotheswasher, shared with the apartment “Gli Antenati”, is available in a separate room. Heating is provided by a wood stove and electrical heating.
Outside, garden chairs and table (lighting for the night) and barbecue.
Baby's chair and baby's cot, as well as English books for children are available.