Absolutely Incredible - Museo Etrusco Guarnacci in Volterra

We continued the use of our Volterra Card today with a visit to the Etruscan Museum.This place is absolutely incredible! It has been a museum since 1732.

 It has the most amazing collection of things ranging in age from the 7th century B.C to 1st century A.D. This was the era of the Etruscan civilization and an era vitally important to the history of Volterra.

It has an extremely large collection of Etruscan funerary urns and caskets which makes it unique: more than 600 examples. The burial places of the Etruscans are the source of all these treasures as the deceased was buried with all the needs to arrive at the after-life.

There are four floors of very well displayed pieces in a palazzo which in itself would be worth a visit. We spent 2.5 hours there, and only left when we reached over-load and hunger bells sounded.

I cannot recall the details of many of the photos so will comment when possible. 

It was primarily the wealthy or important people who had these grander urns and possessions so the collection does tell of the wealthy and educated classes.

These are coins from B.C. Who knew they used coins then?

The carving on the fronts of the urns tells a story, often setting out on the journey to the after-life or farewelling the family and friends.

The tops of the urns showed the deceased person in feasting pose with representitive items in their hands.

The urns were placed in tombs with things owned by the deceased, objects they might need, food and gifts. These intricate cups with decorative handles are an example.

Household items such as jugs, cups, platters, candles and even a sieve have been found in tombs.

This is a re-creation of a tomb found close to Volterra in recent years. It is arranged exactly as it was and as well as several urns they found food scraps, bones and eggs.

Cremation was the accepted form of  burial and the urn below with the overturned bowl on top was a common form.

The handcrafts of these people were simply amazing; so intricate and so decorative even when it wasn't necessary. This item is a bit for a horse, decorated with horses.

Room upon room of tomb contents, caskets and urns.

This is the most important piece in the collection, known as the Ombra della Sera (the Evening Shadow) it is a bronze figure of a man with intricate detail, found in Velathri (Volterra), from the 3rd century B.C.

Beautiful displays enhance the experience.

Talking of intricate, the gold jewellery is incredibly beautiful. The safety pin as we know it was in use at this time.

There are  mosaic tile floors, some fresco paintings, large marble sculptures and so much more.

And if you get sick of the collection, you can always look at the ceilings or out the windows!

As I said, absolutely incredible!

We took a long afternoon pausa before heading out to see the Church of San Francesco and its chapel. On the way we came to another little chapel on a point in the road. These are quite common and are well cared for and have a constant stream of visitors.

Not far away was one of the Parish churches of Volterra, San Lino (Linus). An old lady told us that Pope John Paul had visited this church and that San Lino was the second Pope of the Christian Church. It was built in 1480. San Lino is represented in the centre rondel of the ceiling and his tomb  is to the left front.

Eventually we got to the Church of San Francesco and its Cappella. Built in the 1200s for the Franciscan Friars, the Chapel is a later addition but the main reason to visit this church.

The church ...

and the frescoed chapel.

And if that wasn't enough church for one day, after dinner (at 9.15 pm) we went to a sacred music choir performance by the  choir of Siena Cathedral at the Volterra Cathedral. With no musical backing or microphones, this was a first class presentation.

Just for something a little different, when we got home the Gin Bar directly below our apartment was in full swing. It is the locals hang-out and isn't so much a bar as a very large gathering on the street, with a roll out bar, a few tables and  a twin deck 78 player.

Shortly after we got home they were all singing 'Staying Alive.' This photo was taken just before midnight.

Good stuff Double Glazing!