VOLTERRA. Spacious apartment on the first floor of an historical building, just a stone's throw from the prestigious Piazza dei Priori, in the heart of the beautiful Etruscan city of Volterra in Tuscany.

The entrance is from the 'portone' door on the street, into a large atrium with high ceilings and the staircase leading up to the first floor. The house is habitable as it is with all the services functional but it could be transformed into a characterful and elegant city apartment offering the possibility of income from seasonal and non-seasonal rentals. The location is enticing both for tourist rentals but also for long-term rentals for professionals or smart-working (homeworking) employees, or for a beautiful home.

The entrance is in the corridor, into the living room, decent kitchen, large pantry, and a modern bathroom. There are two bedrooms, one with vaulted ceilings, because it is located in the oldest part of the building, in the tower. The apartment is one of 11 in the building and the condominium expenses are around €350 euros per year.

There are various car parks in the city of Volterra, and residents are also allowed to enter the restricted village by car and to park in a dedicated residents' car park.

Volterra is particularly renowned for its peculiar urban layout that reminds us of its Etruscan origins: people can still visit part of the majestic protective walls built during the 5th to 4th centuries BC - including the well-preserved Porta dell'Arco and Porta Diana, two gates for entering the city - as well as the Acropolis that houses several buildings and the foundations of two ancient temples. There are many Roman remains to visit as well, like the Roman Theatre, dating back to the end of the first century AC, built in a natural amphitheatre. Stroll down the historical centre, step back in time and enjoy the timeless atmosphere that surrounds the town: taste the local produce and visit the handicraft workshops, where you'll find beautiful hand-crafted objects made from the natural alabaster, which is special to the area.

Volterra was once known as Velathri, the Etruscan name of the town, was one of the twelve main towns that belonged to the Etruscan confederation; at the end of the 4th century BC, the 7,300m long fortified walls were built up to protect not only the urban centre, but also the surrounding fountains, arable fields and the pastures from any foreign invasions. After the Frankish and Lombard dominions, Volterra passed under Roman control and changed its name into Volaterrae (where the modern name comes from); later, it fell under Florentine supremacy until the town passed under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany before finally becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.The town's narrow medieval streets and its central piazza will make you fall in love. You'll appreciate the beauty of the 13th century Palazzo dei Priori which sits tall over the piazza, as well as the Palazzo Pretorio across the square. The August 'Volterra AD 1398' festival, held on the middle weekends in August, is a highlight. During these weekends, Volterra is as it was in the late 14th century, recreated with shows, events, markets, workshops, music and juggling.

The town is located in the Valdera region of Central Tuscany between Pisa and Florence where this colourful landscape of rolling hills dotted with medieval villages, castles and lanes flanked with tall dark green cypress trees, epitomises the Tuscan landscape. Meandering through the countryside of Valdera you feel the vestiges of the mysterious Etruscan civilization. In Lajatico the famous tenor, Andrea Boccelli, has created the 'Teatro di Silenzio' where natural landscape creates a breathtaking setting for an open air music and opera festival attracting top musicians from all over the world for special performances. Casciana Terme has thermal waters and spa facilities and is a pretty town with piazzas and cafès serving the local wine. The città d’arte (cities of art) nearby include Volterra, San Gimignano, Palaia and Florence all of which offer wonderful history, art and architecture.

Distances: Volterra on the doorstep, Lajatico 20 km, San Gimignano 25 km, Casciana Terme 30 km, Pontedera (trains, supermarkets) 40 km, Cecina (beaches) 45 km, Pisa (airport) 60 km, Siena 60 km, Florence 80 km.