First stop today will beSan Gimignano, a sort of Medieval New York, with 15 medieval towers soaringupwards, like skyscrapers. Narrow streets, two perfect little squares and themost frescoed church in Tuscany complete the picture. Then head to Volterra,whose history spans the Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance periods. Likeso many Etruscan cities, it is perched on a 550 metre hill, high above thesurrounding countryside, with wonderful views across to the sea. Dominating thealmost perfect medieval square is the Palazzo dei Priori; dating from 1208, itis the oldest town hall in Tuscany and is thought to be the model forFlorence’s Palazzo Vecchio. It’s ancient past is harder to find, but there arethe remains of the Roman theatre and baths and an Etruscan archway, as well asan excellent Etruscan Museum. Volterra’s other claim to fame is in theproduction of alabaster, something you will be aware of in all of the localshops.
