Volterra
a town of Italy, province of Pisa; 5 miles from Saline, which is 48½ miles S. E. of Leghorn. It is surrounded by ancient walls with great gates, the chief of which is the Porta all'- Arca. The cathedral, opened in 1120, contains fine marble sculptures; the baptistry of St. Giovanni and the church of St. Francesco have valuable frescoes and other paintings. The citadel, founded in 1343, with a more modern addition called Il Masteo, was long used as a penitentiary. In the Palazzo Comaddition called Il Masteo, was long used as a penitentiary. In the Palazzo Comof Etruscan antiquities and a library. Volterra has also remains of baths and an amphitheater. Large alabaster works are the main industry of the town. At Saline are important salt works and borax springs. Near Volterra are also 1208, and containing a valuable collection of Etruscan antiquities and a library.
Volterra has also remains of baths and an amphitheater. Large alabaster works are the main industry of the town. At Saline are important salt works and borax springs. Near Volterra are also several Etruscan burying places and a subterranean labyrinth.
Volaterræ (Etruscan V terra, was one of the 12 great Etruscan cities. The Romans took it in 474 B. C., and it became an important municipium, resisting a siege by Sulla for two years. VOLTMETER, in electricity, any inand it became an important municipium, resisting a siege by Sulla for two years.
Pop. (commune) about 17,500. th. The ancient Velathræ), Vol-