The Volterrans couldn't bear the thought of losing their arch, so they ripped up the stones in the street to plug up the arch, & then convinced the Nazi commander that the Allies couldn't get into the town. We were there on June 28, & there were photos like this all over town, to commemorate the Volterran "victory" of the Nazis. They were liberated by the 88th Division of the US Army in a matter of days, their arch intact. Our guide told us a story about her husband's aunt, 7 at the time, who was given a "lifesaver" candy by an American soldier. A new meaning for "lifesaver" for sure!