VOLTERRA, a town of Central Italy, Tuscany, province of Pisa, and 35 miles S.W. of Florence. It occupies the site of the ancient Volaterræ, one of the most important and powerful of all the Etruscan cities. Very large portions of the ancient walls are still visible, and are among the finest existing specimens of Etruscan structure. Two of the ancient gates are still preserved; but it is a disputed point whether they belong to the Etruscan or Roman period. The modern town occupies only a small portion of the ancient city. It stands on a commanding eminence, about 1870 feet above the level of the sea, and is surrounded by walls. The streets are narrow, and the houses generally old. It has a citadel, now converted into a house of industry; a cathedral and several other churches, theatre, hospital, and orphan asylum. The museum in the palazzo pubblico, or town-hall, is one of the most extraordinary collections in Italy, comprising cinerary sarcophagi, statues, vases, coins, bronzes, gold ornaments, &c., obtained in the numerous ancient sepulchral chambers in the neighbourhood of the town. The inhabitants are chiefly
employed in the manufacture of alabaster vases and other ornamental works. Pop. about 4500.