The drive to Volterra takes us to the western
limits of Siena Province through a particulary beautiful part of this varied
landscape where the scents of oleander and evergreen are strong. This compact
hill town is at once Etruscan, Roman and medieval. Before the Roman Empire
it was a center of Etrurian League. Numerous reminders of the Etruscan past
remain including an original gate. The Guarnacci Museum contains one of the
world's finest collection of Etruscan art. The original, medieval bastions
are still intact and afford views of the unique geological formations below
called "le balze". Volterra is the most important center of alabaster craftsmanship
in Italy. From Volterra we will drive to the Abbey of San Galgano (1224-1288),
the foremost example of Cistercian Gothic architecture in Italy. The monks
of this once rich and powerful abbey served as treasurers and judges for Siena
and Volterra and helped build Siena cathedral. Perched above the Cistercian
complex is the small beehive construction Romanesque church of Montesiepi
dedicated to St.Galgano, who renounced war for a life of religion and peace.
The saint's sword is miraculously stuck in a rock in front of the altar. In
a side chapel there are frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1344)
