Has anyone purchased an alabaster item in Volterra? If so, are there shops you recommend ... or would avoid? We would be interested in a quality piece - not just a tourist gimmick.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8913 posts
Our tour had an alabaster session where we watched a bowl being made. The process was quite interesting. Some may have purchased pieces later, it wasn’t really why we were there.
That shop/workshop was about 1 block off a Main Street and not too far from the museum. I think you could ask in any shop if there is a local workshop associated with the shop.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2695 posts
I also enjoyed the alabaster demonstration on the Rick Steves tour. Alabaster fascinated me even before the tour and I bought a small item from the shop associated with the maker. No memory of the name...
My thought is that Volterra is so small that anybody selling non-authentic alabaster would not be able to succeed. Perhaps that's wishful thinking.
Found a clue in a photo from the trip!
https://www.alabarte.com/
Posted by
New Orleans
1223 posts
I spent several days in Volterra on my own several years ago. Before I went I found a map of Volterra online which noted where different alabaster workshops are. I’m not immediately finding that map online today but did find an excellent resource with links to six of the significant workshops on volterratur.it. There are also plenty of tourist shops selling alabaster pieces that may well be produced elsewhere. Walk past those! I do recall seeing some nice pieces at the Alab’Arte showroom and being graciously greeted by an artist at the Alab’Arte workshop around the corner. The RS Italy book has more suggestions in the Volterra chapter
Posted by
OP
US
3 posts
Thank you for the helpful tips!