Volterra

A week in Toscana with Maxima to ride.  I parked at San Martino near Cecina.  After a flattish warm up on SR68 the road became more rolling, then downright hilly and finally steep.  At the top Volterra's fortress walls surround a pretty town full of historic buildings, shops, churches and towers.  It really seems you've ridden into a 700 year time warp.

The descent was nippy but too fun to notice.  Great switchbacks and curvy hills.  Highly recommend this ride (see it day after tomorrow on Tirreno-Adriatico stage 2)!

Large mimosa near San Martino

Ruin on hill near Volterra

Fortifications of Volterra

Palazzo

View to the south

Roman ruins; note amphitheater seating on left 

Closer view of ruins

The climb