Volterra, San Gimignano, Casa Machaivelli

If you ever get a chance to visit Tuscany, it is well worth your time to plan a day trip to Volterra. It is worth every second of your time even in spite of the stomach turning drive there. Volterra is interesting because it is an old Etruscan city that still maintains its original ambience. (And of course because it is the home of the Volturi Vampires.) Buildings, roads, and walls constructed during the Etruscan rule still remain. The narrow streets lined with tall stone buildings are very reminiscent of old Europe. The city is small, but is nestled on a small mountain that provides a view of the beautiful Tuscan landscape. Volterra is a place I did not want to leave.
San Gimignano was our second stop of the day. Another Etruscan city famous for its medieval architecture and brooding towers. Be prepared when visiting this city, it is a tourist hot spot to say the least. I could have done without the city tour of San Gimignano, but what made the trip worthwhile for an Art History nerd like me was entrance into Collegiata di San Gimignano. It is possibly the most frescoed church in Tuscany, rich with Romanesque style paintings. Absolutely breathtaking.
Sant’Andrea in Percussina was our final stop of the day. We were served an awesome four course dinner at Casa Machiavelli, the tavern that Machiavelli owned. After dinner we were free to roam Machiavelli’s house only a few feet away from the tavern. It was here that he wrote his famous book credited with changing the course of the political system, The Prince. It was an amazing day to say the least, but my feet were thankful for my bed by the end of the day.