Photo by Gianmarco Fusari

For those staying in this part of Tuscany, villas in the area give you great access to a number of stunning historical sites, including the former Psychiatric Institute of Volterra, located in the "Borgo San Lazzero," near the new hospital. Following the enactment of a law of 1978, which required the closure of mental hospitals all over the Italy, the hospital has been abandoned and remains in a state of disrepair. Considered as ominous and fearful places, abandoned psychiatric hospitals seem to inspire many unsettling myths and urban legends often filled with horror. The former hospital of Volterra is no exception. Imagine the vacant rooms now devoured by vines and roots...

Picture the rusty bars of the windows lined with pieces of cracked and broken glass... How could you not be forced to envisage the miserable existence of the poor patients who once lived here? Many would argue that the place is still inhabited by dark presences and witnesses are ready to swear that they have heard unexplained voices coming from the abandoned rooms. This general picture is made even more disturbing by the incredible story of "NOF4", the artistic name taken by Oreste Fernando Nannetti, a patient in the asylum. Suffering from severe mental health problems since childhood, he came to the hospital in Volterra in 1958. He adopted the name "NOF4", which recalls the initials of his real name and his serial number.

Armed only with the belt buckle of his uniform, he began to inflict graffiti on the walls of the building for meters and meters. The incisions, difficult to interpret, are a set of scriptures and signs that are unknown or incomprehensible. Some say it describes the history of the world, an imaginary fantasy setting or told the artist's visions for the future, visitors from Tuscany villas might have to decide for themselves. Unfortunately, only part of Nannetti’s work remains, due to the derelict condition of the hospital. The work is now considered a masterpiece of "Art Brut".

Photo by http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Manfred_Heyde

Volterra is undoubtedly one of the most mysterious cities in all of Italy. This is thanks to the presence of the Etruscans, who first came here in the 7th century BC. The impressive "Gateway Arch" is one of the main gates of Volterra and it is always the most important monument in Etruscan cities. This particular arch was originally built around the third century BC, it was first modified by the Romans and then again during the Middle Ages. The material which it is made from is especially intriguing; large blocks of volcanic tufa, which has divided the opinions of the inhabitants of Volterra for centuries as well as historians.

Carved into the arch are three heads which date back to the Roman era. One head faces forward, looking out, and the other two are in profile and are set at a lower position. But one of the great mysteries of the city of Volterra still remains: who do these heads belong to?

As often in these cases, theories have been made, but they tend to be confusing and conflicting. As time has passed the weather has eroded much of the detail in these faces and now it is virtually impossible to make out any fine lines or specific features. According to some experts, these carvings could be representations of Jupiter and the two Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux. In Greek mythology they were the twin sons of Leda and brothers of Helen and Clytemnestra, who were transformed by Zeus into the constellation Gemini. Perhaps they were placed here to protect the city. For others, the heads may pay homage to the gods Tinia, Uni and Minerva. On a more gruesome note, others think that the presence of three heads is connected to the custom of hanging the severed heads of defeated armies at the entrance door of the city to act as a warning to future invaders. Whatever you think, this intriguing gateway is a must-see for all visitors to this part of Tuscany. Villas in the region reflect many different architectural styles, so for lovers of buildings this is a great opportunity to see one of the most significant architectural testaments to the Etruscans.

Labels: Tuscany Villas