Volterra for Families: 7 attractions kids and parents will love
June 11, 2025
Volterra, a picturesque Tuscan hilltop town, is a treasure trove for families seeking unforgettable adventures. It's a place where history comes alive at every turn, offering a fascinating mix of Etruscan, Roman and medieval attractions. In this article, we'll highlight 7 unique sites that will make your family trip to Volterra an unforgettable experience, combining education with entertainment. From ancient ruins to interactive museums, each of these attractions has something unique to offer both children and parents. Get ready to travel back in time, uncover the secrets of the past and create shared family memories in one of the most charming corners of Tuscany.
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The ancient treasures of Volterra
Start our family adventure in Volterra by exploring its ancient treasures, which will transport you to the fascinating world of the Etruscans and Romans.
- Parco Archeologico Enrico Fiumi The Parco Archeologico Enrico Fiumi is the perfect place to start your family adventure in Voltera. This expansive green space combines educational value with opportunities for outdoor relaxation. Children will love exploring the Etruscan and Roman ruins hidden among the lush vegetation. The park offers spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside, which both parents and children will appreciate. It's an ideal place for picnics and active recreation. Look out for the remains of Etruscan walls and ancient cisterns, which make for a fascinating outdoor history lesson.
2 - Museo etrusco Guarnacci Your next stop should be the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci, a true gem among Volterran attractions. One of the oldest public museums in Europe, founded in 1761, this museum offers a fascinating journey back in time to the Etruscan world. Children will be delighted by the wealth of exhibits, including the famous 'Ombra della sera' (Shadow of Evening) sculpture and the collection of Etruscan urns. The museum offers interactive elements and workshops for children, making learning history a fascinating adventure. Parents will appreciate the wealth of information and the opportunity to see unique works of art.
- Roman Theatre The Roman Theater in Voltaire is another attraction that is sure to delight the whole family. This well-preserved monument from the 1st century BC allows you to imagine what life was like in the ancient city. Children can run up the stone steps and imagine themselves as gladiators or actors performing in front of an audience. This is a great place for family role-playing games and taking souvenir photos. The view of the surrounding hills of Tuscany further enhances the visit.
When comparing the three attractions, it's worth noting that the Enrico Fiumi Archaeological Park offers the most space for free movement and is ideal for families with young children who need lots of exercise. The Etruscan Guarnacci Museum is best for families interested in learning more about Etruscan history and culture, offering the most exhibits and information. The Roman Theater, on the other hand, is a great place to see authentic ancient architecture and is a great backdrop for family photos. All of these sites are relatively close together, making it easy to visit with children. Ticket prices vary, but are generally affordable, especially if you take advantage of family or combination tickets.
The medieval wonders of Volterra
Let's continue our family adventure by exploring Volterra's medieval treasures, which will transport you to a fascinating world of knights, castles and mysterious streets.
- the Palace of the Priors (Palazzo dei Priori). Palazzo dei Priori, an impressive medieval palace in the heart of Volterra, is a place that will delight the whole family. The oldest town hall in Tuscany, this majestic building offers a fascinating journey back in time. Children will be delighted to climb the tower, which offers a spectacular view of the entire city and the surrounding hills. Parents will appreciate the wealth of architecture and history. Inside the palace, there are beautiful frescoes and a city council room that allow you to imagine what life was like in medieval Voltaire. It's a great place for family fun 'time travel' and taking souvenir photos.
5 Porta all'Arco Porta all'Arco, an ancient Etruscan gate, is one of Volterra's most iconic landmarks. It is a place where history literally comes alive under your feet. Children will be delighted to walk under the arch of the gate, imagining themselves to be ancient Etruscans or medieval knights. This is a great opportunity to tell fascinating stories about the city's defenses and life in ancient times. Parents will appreciate the unique architecture and the opportunity to see one of the oldest surviving Etruscan gates in Italy. Porta all'Arco is the perfect place to take a family photo, which will be a great souvenir of your vacation.
6 Acropoli Etrusca Acropoli Etrusca is a fascinating site that combines Etruscan and medieval elements. This archaeological complex offers an amazing opportunity to explore the ruins of an ancient city. Children will be delighted by the opportunity to 'be archaeologists', discovering the foundations of ancient buildings and imagining what life was like in ancient Volta. Parents will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and picturesque views of the Tuscan countryside. This is the perfect place for a family picnic and learning about history in a natural setting.
When comparing the three attractions, it's worth noting that Palazzo dei Priori offers the most comprehensive experience, combining elements of history, architecture and stunning views from the tower. However, it is an attraction that may require more time to explore. The Porta all'Arco is the least time-consuming attraction, perfect for a short stop during a city walk. Acropoli Etrusca, on the other hand, offers the most space for free exploration and is ideal for families who enjoy active outdoor sightseeing.
In terms of accessibility, all three sites are relatively easy to reach, although Acropoli Etrusca may require a bit more effort due to its location. Ticket prices vary, but are generally affordable. Consider purchasing a combination ticket, which often offers better value for families visiting multiple attractions.
Unique experiences for the whole family
To conclude our family adventure in Voltaire, let's take a look at a unique attraction that combines history, art and fascinating stories.
7th Palazzo Incontri Viti Palazzo Incontri Viti is a true gem among Volterra attractions, offering a unique experience for the whole family. This 19th century palace, once the residence of the wealthy Viti family, transports visitors to a world of luxury and elegance of a bygone era. Children will delight in the opportunity to 'take on the roles' of aristocrats as they tour the richly decorated chambers. Each room tells a different story, making the tour a fascinating detective adventure for the little ones.
Palazzo Incontri Viti is famous for its impressive collection of alabaster artwork, which is not surprising given that the Viti family was a tycoon in the trade of this precious stone. This is a great opportunity to introduce children to local crafts and traditions. The palace often hosts workshops for children to try their hand at creating their own alabaster artwork.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Palazzo Incontri Viti is its connection to cinema. The palace has served as a film set for many productions, including the famous 'Twilight,' which is sure to interest older children and teens. It's a great opportunity to talk about the art of filmmaking and show how history is connected to the present day.
Comparing Palazzo Incontri Viti with the previously discussed attractions, it is worth noting that it offers the most 'tangible' experience of living in the past. Unlike ruins or museums, here history comes alive in fully furnished and decorated interiors. This is the perfect place for families who want to end their Volterra tour in a more intimate and luxurious atmosphere.
In terms of accessibility, the Palazzo Incontri Viti is easily accessible, being located in the city center. Ticket prices are comparable to Volterra's other main attractions, but the value offered - in the form of guided tours and the opportunity to participate in workshops - is exceptional.
To sum up our family adventure in Volterra, it's worth noting that each of the seven attractions discussed offers unique experiences that together create a comprehensive picture of the history and culture of this fascinating Tuscan city. From ancient Etruscan ruins to Roman monuments, medieval architecture to 19th-century luxury, Volterra has something to offer for every member of the family, regardless of age or interest.
When planning your visit, consider purchasing a combination ticket, which often offers access to multiple attractions at a favorable price. Also, remember to wear comfortable footwear - Volterra, like many Tuscan cities, is located on a hill and sightseeing may require quite a bit of walking.
Whether you're fascinated by ancient history, medieval architecture or just want to spend time in a picturesque Tuscan town, Volterra is sure to meet your expectations. It's a place where history comes alive and family memories are created at every turn. Your adventure in Volterra will not only be a fascinating history lesson, but above all an unforgettable family experience that will stay with you long after you return home.
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