The Balze of Volterra – Piazza dei Priori, Volterra loop from San Gimignano

The Balze of Volterra – Piazza dei Priori, Volterra loop from San Gimignano

Hard

4.8

(29)

781

riders

The Balze of Volterra – Piazza dei Priori, Volterra loop from San Gimignano

03:24

62.1km

1,300m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 8, 2026

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After 32.5 km for 86 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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1.12 km

View of San Gimignano and Tuscan Vineyards

Highlight • Viewpoint

The city is simply a lot of fun - even with a racing bike.

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19.6 km

View of Volterra from distance

Highlight • Viewpoint

very scenic stretch of road with the view a little lake and Volterra on the left

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25.6 km

Viewpoint

29.2 km

The Balze of Volterra

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Volterra crags, located on the south-western side of the Volterra hill, between the Era and Cecina valleys, constitute a geological phenomenon of considerable interest. These cliffs represent the result of a long erosion process, where an upper layer of sand, more resistant to the action of water than the underlying clays, led to the formation of these characteristic overhangs. In simple terms, the collapse of the sand layer at the base caused it to collapse in "slices," thus creating the typical rock crags.

These formations rise like imposing cliffs that cut through the crumbly soil, giving the impression of hurting the Volterra hills. Over the centuries, the advance of the cliffs has led to the loss of parts of the ancient Etruscan walls, churches, houses and even the largest necropolis of the ancient city. Despite this, the beauty of this landscape of grandiose strength, one of a kind, is an authentic gift of nature.

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32.6 km

Piazza dei Priori, Volterra

Highlight • Historical Site

The city of Volterra stands on a hill between the Era and Cecina valleys, surrounded by two historic city walls: one dating back to the Etruscan era and the other built in the thirteenth century. This city, known in Etruscan times as Veláthri, was one of the major city-states of ancient Etruria. During the Middle Ages, Volterra became the seat of an important episcopal lordship. Its fame is linked to the fine workmanship of alabaster, an art that constitutes one of the most significant contributions to Italian craftsmanship.

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32.9 km

Steinwandbrunnen, Volterra

Highlight • Monument

At the end of
Viale dei Ponti you reach the stone wall fountain.

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33.3 km

Volterra

Highlight • Settlement

Who is in the region with the racing bike actually has to go to Volterra. An espresso on a piazza and soak up the flair of this beautiful old town. In addition, the view, which is due to the hillside location, terrific. Also all up (and also Ab-) rides are among the delicacies in the region.

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33.6 km

Medici Fortress of Volterra

Highlight • Historical Site

The old Medici fortress of Volterra, Fortezza Medicea, is now a prison for criminals. Those who were sentenced to at least 7 years, so quite "heavy boys". So it may be surprising at first that there are held in the winter months on 6 to 8 appointments for guests ceremonial dinners. These meals are conducted by the inmates under the direction of renowned external chefs and great internal chefs.

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