Le Balze - Volterra - Tuscany

The countryside surrounding Volterra is made up of gently rolling hills, punctuated to the west by the wild and incredible spectacle of abrupt gorges known as Le Balze, 'the Rocks'. Over the centuries, these deep trenches, created by the continuous erosion of layers of sand and clay, have swallowed up the fortifications, churches and settlements. The Etruscan walls that once stood here fell prey to a landslide, as did the early Christian tombs. Today, the Badia, an 11th-century abbey, stands beside a chasm awaiting its inevitable fate. For the perfect view of this dramatic landscape, head west through the San Francesco Gate and pass the Borgo San Giusto until you reach Le Balze (a 20 minute walk).

Willem Vandenameele