The Alabaster Workshops

At the heart of Volterra’s collective imagination, there is a craft that stands out as an icon: the alabastraio (alabaster worker).

For generations, the city has been intertwined with the art of working this stone, and this connection remains deeply embedded in the very fabric of the community. The area is home to about twenty historic workshops, authentic treasures that have been coloring the streets with their distinctive presence for centuries.

These workshops represent a valuable cultural heritage for Italy, which is why the Municipality offers citizens and visitors the chance to explore the city through dedicated routes, revealing an indispensable historical aspect.

It is not only the works of art or the landscapes that define the identity of a place, but also the stories of those who have inhabited it and contributed to its growth over the centuries. The journey through these historic workshops, therefore, becomes an immersive experience, both for those discovering the city for the first time and for those living it daily. Historical details, the evolution of techniques, and many other curiosities emerge during guided tours by skilled artisans who passionately share their craft.

Exploring the workshops is an activity that can be enjoyed at any time of the year— all you need is curiosity and the desire to discover!