Volterra, the next stop, has attracted international attention more recently for its connection to the 'Twilight' series of books and movies. Part of the second movie, 'New Moon,' was filmed here. Volterra's 800-year-old city hall claims to be the oldest in Tuscany. Civic palaces like these were emblems of an era when city-states were powerful. Alabaster has long been a big industry in Volterra. Softer and easier to work than marble, this translucent mineral was traditionally sliced thin to provide windows for Italy's medieval churches. At the Alab'Arte shop, across from Volterra's Etruscan Museum, you can watch artisans at work. Because of its alabaster heritage, Volterra attracted other types of artists, who brought with them a rich variety of crafts. On Via Porta all'Arco, or 'Artisan Lane,' you'll find book binderies and paperies, jewelry stores, and leather and bronze shops, among others. Please note: A tour guide is not included, a suggestion may be to bring a guidebook.