Cliffs of Volterra, Natural cliff formation in Volterra, Italy
The cliffs of Volterra are clay formations with visible geological layers that rise steeply from the landscape around the town. Erosion constantly reshapes these slopes, exposing bands of sediment in different colors and textures.
The cliffs have served as burial grounds since around 1000 BC, with numerous Etruscan urns discovered over the centuries and now housed in local museums. Medieval monks later built the Camaldolese Abbey on the cliff edge, adding a religious layer to this ancient sacred site.
The Camaldolese Abbey, constructed in 1034 on the cliff edge, stands as a testament to medieval religious architecture with its preserved cloister.
Several walking trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the cliffs and require sturdy footwear due to steep and uneven terrain. Take your time on these paths, as the ground can be slippery, especially after rain or when dew is present.
Over centuries, the advancing erosion has swallowed entire historical structures including churches, abbeys, and portions of the ancient necropolis. These lost buildings now exist only in archaeological records and local memory, making the landscape itself a witness to how nature reclaims human creation.
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