Eleven

AMPITHEATRES AND ALABASTER
It is only yesterday evening that we got to see the recently excavated ampi theatre of the city of Volterra, within its wall. By the way it is the smallest town in terms of population, housing about 10,000 residents.
Although the amphitheater was first identified in the summer of 2015, more discoveries were made. Including the existence of a 15-foot walkway with a perfectly intact vaulted ceiling leading to the main entrance. Volterra, was in the running to be named Italy’s Culture Capital. Will have to find that out from Wiki. 
Volterra’s amphitheater could seat about 10,000 spectators. They sat on three tiers of stone bleacher seats facing the arena. 
According to Wiki, the amphitheater was built with panchina, a local stone that was also used to construct the city’s Roman theater, the Teatro Romano di Vallebuona, and ancient walls. Panchina is a very robust sandstone that has the peculiar characteristic of being easy to cut, but hardens on contact with the air, which is ideal for posterity. Though the structure may have been covered with marble, little evidence of this remains. That there is continued excavation, speaks of the importance of this discovery.  (Wiki). 
Of the 230-odd Roman amphitheaters known in the world today, none of them were “discovered”, because they were there. The Volterra one was discovered in recent times and hence adds value though it is not the oldest, grandest and biggest. History will probably be retold and Volterra will get it's place of importance, because according to Sorge wo dug out this historical evidence, amphitheaters were not built in the boondocks.
Volterra is also famous for its alabaster. Matina bought a teeny, tiny exquisite pot, for she was taken in by the statement 'alabaster skin'.  
We had dinner at Ristorante Bruscheteria at Volterra, which was a steep walk up the slope and then into a dark alley, where many live in this 2000 and more years old Town. 
Quaint flats made of stone with olden types of Post boxes. A few have dared to build a glass walkway between these flats and then it opened on to a beautiful semi circular promenade. And below is the amphitheater in its magnificence. This cafe was tucked into a small nook. 
We were too thrilled because they had onion rings, mozzarella bites, spinach, grilled vegetables, pizzas.... Delish. 
Walked back to the Albergo Nencini for an ice cream. Today morning it drizzled a little and was quite chill. Then we packed up drove out of now-in-news Volterra to drive into Sienna. We had tie to check in and so we came to 
Colle Val d'essa. 

 



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