Vampires in Volterra

Volterra dons its Gothic attire

Perched on a hill between Pisa and Siena, Volterra is one of the most evocative art cities in Tuscany: Etruscan walls, medieval alleys, Renaissance palaces, and the unsettling Balze, the landslides that tear through the surrounding landscape. It is precisely this austere, timeless atmosphere that, in the literary imagination, made it the home of the Volturi, the powerful vampire coven from Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga. Building on this dark charm, Vampires in Volterra is a Gothic-Victorian photographic walk conceived by the Ombre D'Arte Cultural Association.

A theatrical photographic walk

The event is not a simple guided tour, but a day of costumed photography: participants, models, and photography enthusiasts meet in the heart of the Municipality of Volterra to bring to life a visual narrative inspired by the Gothic-Victorian aesthetic. The meeting point is Piazza dei Priori, in front of the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori, considered the oldest municipal palace in Tuscany. From here, the route winds through the most evocative streets and corners of the historic center, in search of shadowy nooks and mysterious atmospheres.

Palazzo Viti, an auteur set

The heart of the walk is the visit to Palazzo Viti, a prestigious historic residence and museum, known for being an auteur film location—including Luchino Visconti's film Vaghe stelle dell'Orsa (Sandra). Its sumptuous rooms offer a perfect backdrop for indoor shots, with their period furnishings and the alabaster that has made Volterra's artisan tradition famous.

Aperitif, dinner, and night photography

After the afternoon session, the experience continues with a creative aperitif at L'Antica Velathri Caffè and, for those who wish, a dinner in a typical restaurant featuring Tuscan and Volterran specialties. To close the day, an optional night photography session takes place through the illuminated streets and alleys of Volterra, when the city truly takes on the enigmatic face that links it to the vampire myth.

An event for photography and cosplay enthusiasts

• Gothic-Victorian setting in the historic center of Volterra
• Costumed photoshoots in Piazza dei Priori and Palazzo Viti
• Reference to the imagery of the Volturi and the Twilight saga
• Creative aperitif and optional Tuscan dinner
• Night photography session for the most passionate

Part of the mystery and fantasy events that animate Volterra, in the Province of Pisa, the gathering combines the enhancement of historical heritage, creative photography, and pop culture, offering photographers and visitors an original way to experience one of the most fascinating villages in Tuscany.