Volterra

Volterra means "high ground" in Italian.  The hilltop, walled city originated more than 3000 years ago.  The Etruscans dryed and prepared salt and extracted and machined alabaster.  Remnants of a Roman theatre and baths are illuminated at night making the city magical.   We enjoyed "lo struscio" (the art of slow living)  with long walks through the town's streets and squares, window shopping and  tasting wine in the cellar cantina.   The favorite local wine was Brunello.   Even the grandsons sampled the offerings made from Sangiovese grapes .   We visited the Palazzo Priori (City Hall) where the youngsters climbed the tower and were advised by the ticket seller to hustle down before the noon bells start to chime.  The vibrations from the bells can be felt throughout the body and the sound is incredibly loud.