Commune of Volterra: Guide
The Commune of Volterra was one of the self-governing city-states that flourished in central Tuscany during the Middle Ages. While the exact origins of Volterra as an autonomous commune are uncertain, it is clear that the city was governing itself independently by the end of the 12th century. Its story is one of gradual consolidation of civic power, fierce factional struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines, and ultimately submission to the rising power of Florence in 1362.
1. History
The chronology of all territorial changes is available here.
Origins
Various documents show that Volterra had consuls and councillors who made decisions without the permission of the bishop or the emperor. For example, in 1196, the consuls of Volterra and the lords of Montignoso chose representatives to resolve border disputes without consulting Emperor Henry VI.
The construction of the Palazzo dei Priori, begun in 1208 and completed in 1257, is a testimony to the growing independence and power of the commune. This imposing building, a symbol of self-government, was built simultaneously with the enlargement of the cathedral by Nicola Pisano.
Growth of the Commune
During the 13th century, the Commune of Volterra strengthened its authority over the surrounding territory. Numerous castles, villages and nobles swore allegiance to the city's rulers. The independence of Volterra from episcopal power is evident in the communal statute of 1207, which prescribed the oath of the podestà and consuls to God, the saints and the Commune of Volterra, without mentioning the bishop. The commune also controlled its own mint, with the ability to coin money in Volterran lire, accepted throughout Tuscany and beyond.
Political power in Volterra oscillated between Guelphs and Ghibellines depending on national events and strategic alliances. After the Battle of Montaperti in 1260, the Ghibelline party regained vigour in Volterra. However, after the death of King Manfred in 1266, the Guelphs returned to power. The rise of Henry VII in 1312 reignited the hopes of the Ghibellines, but their cause found a determined opponent in Bishop Ranieri and the Signoria of Florence.
Submission to Florence (1362)
Internal factional struggles and the ambitions of powerful local lords, such as the Belforti family, weakened Volterra from within. Florence, rising as a regional power, was able to exploit these divisions to its own advantage. In 1362, after a series of clashes and revolts, Volterra submitted to Florence.
2. Territory
The territory of the Commune of Volterra extended over a hilly and mountainous area in central Tuscany. It was bounded to the south by the Cecina river and to the north by the Era river. The territory encompassed numerous castles, villages and agricultural lands, as evidenced by documents mentioning acts of submission, land sales and border disputes.
The territory was characterised by hills and mountains, including Monte Voltraio. The city itself stood on a fortified hilltop. A remarkable feature of the Volterra landscape are the balze di San Giusto — deep ravines that have opened in the clay soil surrounding Volterra, creating an impressive and at the same time unsettling landscape. These erosions, caused by the fragility of the terrain, led to the destruction of ancient buildings, including the church of San Giusto and the convent of Santa Chiara.
Key Settlements
- Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina: This castle submitted to the Commune of Volterra in 1212.
- Ghizzano: In 1213, Count Rainaldo of Monterotondo sold his possessions at Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina to the commune, an act that also involved the Lambardi of Castelnuovo and Gallo, the podestà of Volterra.
- Querceto: The nobles of Querceto sold their castle and territory to the Commune of Volterra in 1298.
- Monteverdi: This castle was contested between Volterra and other powers, including the Republic of Florence and the Visconti of Milan.
- Sasso: This castle was involved in territorial disputes with Monterotondo, resolved by arbitration in 1373.
- Radicondoli: This castle was controlled by the Aldobrandeschi counts before being handed over to Siena in 1221.
- Casale: This castle was located in the Maremma Volterrana and was under the jurisdiction of the bishops of Volterra, though under the dominion of Pisa.
3. Administrative Subdivision
Several administrative entities existed within the territory of Volterra:
- Communes: Volterra was an autonomous commune with its own statutes and institutions. Other castles and villages had their own communes, such as Querceto, which had its own statute reformed several times between 1472 and 1717.
- Pievi: The territory was divided into pievi, ecclesiastical districts that also served as administrative centres. For example, the pieve of Commessano encompassed the churches of Sasso, Montorotondo, Cugnano, Rocchetta Pannocchieschi and Brucciano.
- Counties: Counts were prominent figures in the territory, such as the Aldobrandeschi counts, who controlled Radicondoli and Belforte before ceding them to Siena.
- Potesteries: Sources mention the “Potestery of Guardistallo”, suggesting a subdivision of the territory into administrative districts.
4. Economy
Estimated Time Series of the Population of the Commune of Volterra.
Agriculture was the main economic activity of the Volterra territory. The principal agricultural products were wheat, wine, olive oil and timber. The city was self-sufficient in wheat production and its hillside position favoured the cultivation of vines and olive trees. The territory was also known for the production of honey — particularly a white and delicate variety — and for an excellent cheese comparable to that of the Sienese Crete. However, the morphology of the terrain, with its clay hills prone to landslides, made agriculture challenging and limited productivity.
Volterra was an important commercial centre, thanks to its strategic position along the road connecting Florence to Pisa. The main exported products were alabaster, salt and agricultural products. Alabaster, a soft and translucent stone extracted from local quarries since Etruscan times, was worked by Volterran craftsmen for the creation of sculptures and ornamental objects. Salt, produced in the salt pans of the Moje along the Cecina river, was a precious resource and contributed to the city's trade.
In addition to alabaster craftsmanship, Volterra hosted other manufacturing activities. The working of copper, coming from local mines such as those of Montecatini, was a traditional activity. The production of textiles, particularly wool, was also present in Volterra.
The Commune of Volterra controlled its own mint and coined money in Volterran lire. Despite its strategic position and resources, Volterra had to face significant economic challenges: the morphology of the territory, with its clay hills prone to landslides, hindered road construction and limited agricultural development.
Sources
- Repetti, E., Dizionario geografico fisico storico della Toscana, Vol. 1, Florence 1833.
- Repetti, E., Dizionario geografico fisico storico della Toscana, Vol. 3, Florence 1839.
- Repetti, E., Dizionario geografico fisico storico della Toscana, Vol. 4, Florence 1841.
- Repetti, E., Dizionario geografico fisico storico della Toscana, Vol. 5, Florence 1843.
- Zuccagni-Orladini, A., Corografia fisica, storica e statistica dell'Italia e delle sue isole, Vol. 9, Florence 1841.