Volterra: medieval charm in a city of great pride

Volterra - Volterra is a Tuscan town in the province of Pisa which in the past experienced great splendor as it was one of the most prosperous Etruscan city-states. The Middle Ages left strong traces still visible today in the historic center with the palaces, the city walls, the Medici villa and the cathedral. One of the symbols of the city is Porta all'Arco, an Etruscan gate that represented the southern entrance, integrated into the walls.

It is important not only from a historical and architectural point of view, but also for an event related to the Second World War. The German troops in fact wanted to blow up the door to prevent the Americans from arriving in the city but the population, with the bishop and the mayor as spokesman, asked the general to spare the door. The German commander accepted only on condition that the door was completely blocked and it is said that for about 24 hours all the population of Volterra, including children, worked tirelessly to block the door without it being destroyed. One of the hamlets of Volterra that corresponds to a nature reserve is Berignone, where juniper grows and is processed. In the reserve there was an abandoned distillery, dating back to the 19th century, which was discovered and restored and today continues to produce the 'gin' liqueur, with the juniper berry itself.