The Underrated Italian Hill Town Rick Steves Loves
By Jenna Busch
VACATIONS
There are many iconic hilltop towns in Italy, but Rick Steves suggests visiting Volterra, saying it's "Italy's most underrated hill town." It's also only two hours from Florence.
The town has a long history, with Etruscan structures from the 4th century B.C. and an ancient Roman amphitheater. Later buildings include the Palazzo dei Priori or city hall.
The Porta all'Arco was built in the 4th century B.C., and Steves recommends following its connecting street full of craft shops with products made of bronze and alabaster.
To understand the culture, he suggests visiting the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci. The Palazzo dei Prior, built in 1208, is the oldest civic building in Tuscany with a stunning interior.
The Cathedral of Volterra, with its Romanesque-Posan facade and duomo, was consecrated in 1120. Inside there's beautiful art and architecture with striped and checked marble.