We have some flexibility but are considering 2 nights and one full day then off to Florence. We will have a car. Any suggestions that would help us decide between Volterra and Siena?
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8373 posts
They're two totally different types of towns. Siena's much larger and I found parking difficult to deal with. Down the hill from the city center, I found it to be a modern city. But the old city is very magical after dark. It's easy to get to from Florence, and has other hilltowns within close proximity to visit.
Volterra is maybe 30 minutes southwest of San Gimignano--out in the country. And it's pretty large (for a hilltown) and on top of a very tall hill. We really enjoyed the city.
If I was staying in the countryside, I'd probably be staying at an agriturismo outside a city vs. staying in one of the cities. Farm stays are authentic Tuscan experiences.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
thank you!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15133 posts
I agree with David's assessment of city size and will just say I really enjoyed the 2 nights I stayed in Volterra. I loved the small town coziness!
If you do pick Volterra, try to do a walking tour with Annie Adair. She is fantastic. I loved her information about Volterra's history, particularly the stuff related to WWII and the city gates. She was the local guide for the RS Heart of Italy tour I did a few years ago.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
thank you, Pam!
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
Eventhough volterra is a wonderful hilltown, no doubt I would do Siena if i had to choose.
Piazza del campo, maybe the most wonderfull piazza in Italy, the churches, the streets, it's an amazing city.
Posted by
New Orleans
1228 posts
I've stayed in both Siena and Volterra for several nights twice, over the last several years. I found the people of Volterra far and away much more friendly, warm, and engaging. Older women would be the first to say "Buon giorno" as I walked past them in the street in the morning. People in shops, markets, and in restaurants stopped, smiled, and spoke and genuinely seemed to enjoy our conversations (me: very broken touristic Italian; but I try!) I also loved that the artists and artisans (painter, bronze metal sculptor, and three different alabaster artists) each spent up to half an hour happily discussing and showing me their work, and their lives, in their small studios. Volterra has also, of course, the wonderful Etruscan Museum, Roman ruins, and multiple historical sites that are beautiful but not overwhelming. Siena I found to be beautiful on the outside, but strangers like me were tolerated - barely - and never invited in to conversations or relationships. Perhaps it's the intense loyalty that the Sienese have to their home "contradas." Perhaps it's a defense against the daily onslaught of tourists. I enjoyed seeing the outward beauty of Siena, but never could do more than admire the structures and history. The real life of the city remains hidden to me. Thus I suggest that your teenaged daughter might love Italy the more in Volterra.