 The name was originally Etruscan and was subsequently adapted to the Latin volaterrae. The ancient name was Velathri.
The town is famous for mining and working alabaster, and boasts a remarkable historic centre which is Etruscan in origin. The splendidly preserved “Porta dellArco” dates from this period as do the great stones supporting the Porta Diana. There are also Roman remains and mediaeval buildings such as the Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori, standing on the square of that name: the true heart of the city.
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