Volterra, a section of the medieval wall collapses

In Volterra , a section of the city’s medieval walls collapsed. No one was left under the rubble, but an elderly woman who was passing by was injured in the legs, local news reported, and medical attention was required for her. It also became necessary to evacuate three families as a precautionary measure. The collapse, which occurred Sunday morning, involves a section of the walls to the right of Porta San Felice. The situation is currently being monitored by authorities.

This is not the first time that subsidence has occurred in the walls of the Tuscan city: it had already happened in January 2014 when a section of the walls collapsed, due to heavy rains, near Piazzetta dei Fornelli. At the moment the reasons for the current collapse are not known, but it does not seem to be due to water infiltration. The one affected by the collapse is one of the most important sections of the city walls from a tourist point of view, since from this area there is a splendid view of the surrounding area.

“It would appear to be a subsidence of the wall face that overturned onto the road below,” said Mayor Giacomo Santi. “Three families have been evacuated for safety reasons and rehoused for the next few days. The Fire Department’s dog unit did not detect people under the rubble. After a discussion and on the instructions of the Fire Department, work on securing the walls and removing materials will begin from tomorrow. The permanent garrison is being organized given the closure of the entire stretch of Lorenzini Avenue. To make up for the closure of the avenue, the ZTL will remain open for as long as necessary.”

“The collapse of the medieval walls of Volterra is an alarming fact that affects one of the jewels of our territory,” said Pd deputy Simona Bonafè. “The Fire Department immediately intervened to secure the affected section, but after this landslide, other possible and dangerous criticalities must be excluded. An accurate study of the structural tightness of the wall is now necessary; I will submit a parliamentary question on the matter to ask the government for specific attention.”

Volterra, a section of the medieval wall collapses

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