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Pitigliano
     
   


Pitigliano | The Tuff Area

 
   
The scenery of the mountainous Monte Argentario, which reaches 635 metres at its highest point, Il Telegrapho, is dramatic, with headlands, bays and shingle beaches. Much of the area is still uninhabited and superb walking country. The main tourist centres are the ancient ports of San Stefano and Ercole. Three 16th century castles, remnants of the Spanish fortification of the Argentario, look down upon the yacht-filled harbor of the attractive little town of Porto Ercole.

Leaving the coast, the road travels deep into the hills of the Maremma to the Area del Tufo, one of the most important Etruscan centres. Tufo is a volcanic porous rock used here for centuries as building material, for stone "bricks" or hollowed out to form tombs, cellars and sunken "via cave", pathways. The towns of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana form a triangle enclosing the protected area the "Città del Tufa". Pitigliano situated on a steep tuff rock, high above the Olpeta, the Fiora and the Lente rivers, is one of the most scenographic villages of Tuscany. In particular arriving from the direction of Manciano, along road n° 74, in correspondence of the curve in front of the church of the Madonna delle Grazie which provides a scenographic backdrop to the town.
As you approach from Manciano, the cliff-top town of Pitigliano soars above you, its quarters linked by the arches of a medieval aqueduct. Etruscan tombs pock the cliffs. The great fortress dominates the town. The cellars of this mighty fortification now house a museum. Behind the fortress, from the beautiful Piazza della Republica there is a stunning view. Via Zuccarelli brings you to a synagogue and old Ghetto - once known as "Little Jerusalem", Pitigliano had a thriving Jewish community, established in the 16th century by Jews fleeing the Papal States. Although many of the towns Jews survived Nazi occupation most have now emigrated, but their influence, particularly in the cuisine, is still felt here.
Around Pitigliano the rock sculptured passageways, the Via cave, hollowed out by the Etruscans, spread out in every direction. The "Via Cave di San Giuseppe" is one of the easiest to find -more than 10 metres from top to bottom this pathway leads to Sovana.

9 Kilometres northeast of Pitigliano, along a road lined with tombs and caves, you come to the medieval village of Sorano, high on a promontory at the confluence of three rivers, built to defend the valleys by Etruscans and Romans. A series of landslides threatened the existence of the town in the 1920s. Here, below the perfectly restored example of renaissance military engineering, the Fortezza Orsini, steps lead you to the Selciata pathway- a walk around the town walls.

Northwest of Pitigliano is another important Etruscan town, Sovana, dating back to the 7th century BC or earlier. The ancient capital of this part of the Maremma and once a rival to Siena, Sovana is now a little village with ancient ruins and Romanesque architecture. The town was at its most important from 11th century AD, but declined during the 14th Century, - its low lying position made it vulnerable to Malaria - and the Sienese. The intricate 16th century fishbone patterned paving of the Via di Mezzo, the main street, has recently been restored. In the Piazza del Pretorio, at the end of this street is the 13th century church of Santa Maria, one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. You can learn more about the history of the area in the nearby Palazzo Pretorio Museum and in the Torre dell'Architetto find an ancient clock which is operated by a system of weights. From the Piazza you can walk through gardens and olive groves, once thoroughfares, to the huge Duomo and then on to find traces of the Etruscan walls.

North of the town is the Etruscan Necropolis containing over 100 tombs, many of which can be explored- hidden amongst the tufa cliffs and along rivers. The most spectacular tomb, Tomba di Sileno was discovered in 1963. This area forms part of the Tufa Archaeological Park. The unique Città del Tufa, Archaeological Park was opened in 1998. The park covers three areas of interest - Sovana, Vitozza (one of the most important cliff settlements in Italy) and Sorano.
East of Sovana lies the hill town of Saturnia, famous today because of its Spa complex which grew up around the sulphur springs, waterfalls and streams which have drawn those seeking a panacea for their ailments for more than 3000 years. The Etruscans who built the town above are thought to have used these surreal bubbling turquoise waters in sacred rites.
The town itself occupies a strategic position, on the summit of a truncated cone, overlooking the Albegna valley. Known as Aurinia, it was one of the most important Etruscan towns. In Roman times its position on the Via Clodio link added to its significance. The Via Clodio passed through a medieval arc known as the Porta Romana, which rests on Etruscan, or even older town walls. It was the Romans who gave this town its name Saturnia. This ancient town with its many natural beauties typifies this mysterious corner of Tuscany which has been said to be "closer in time and spirit to the ancient Etruria than to the glitter of the Renaissance".
 
   
 
   

Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Known for its enchanting landscapes, its fantastic and genuine food and beautiful towns as Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Siena.
Podere Santa Pia is an enchanting Tuscan farmhouse, nestled in the vineyards and olive groves of the rolling Maremma hills. This privileged location offers a spectacular vista over the charming medieval town of Cinigiano and the entire Ombrone Valley. It is the perfect place for your relaxing holiday with your friends and family. The property consists of 4 large bedrooms furnished in a classic Tuscan style and 2 bathroom with shower, a big full-equipment kitchen with a fireplace and a big living room and dining room. With its original kitchen and the wood burning pizza oven, Podere Santa Pia offers an upbeat atmosphere. The farmhouse has been renovated and provided with all modern comforts (satellite TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, washing machine, dishwasher, and so on), with an eye to preserve the typical and charming elements of these rural lodgings. There you have, then, cosy and warm rooms with traditional terracotta-tiled floors, stone walls and wood-beamed ceilings. And the kitchen, furnished for pleasant meals with traditional Tuscan dishes (bread soup or "ribollita", tomato soup, "fettunta", Florentine-style steak, stewed wild boar, cinta senese cured meat, and other Tuscan specialities).
The impressive garden (9000 square mt.) allows you to enjoy a relaxing holiday and is perfect for taking time out and lounging about while sipping on a glass of local wines, Montecucco DOC and Brunello DOC.
Sitting in the garden, one can enjoy our dawns and dusks, with their jubilee of colours ranging from dark yellow to pink, orange and red. In this scenario, it is often possible to observe the flight of pheasants, falcons and buzzards, great tits, chaffinches and sparrows.
This is an enchanting place far from noise, ideal to regenerate body and mind, where one has the opportunity enjoy pleasant walks or rides on mountain bike. The summer breeze that caresses Podere Santa Pia guarantees "cool" holidays even in the hottest weather.

Tuscan farmhouses | Podere Santa Pia

 
         
Orvieto
Lago Bolsena
Saturnia, Cascate del Gorello
         



Sorano, Sasso Leopoldino
Montemerano
Magliano in Toscana

The Tuff Area is named after tufo, a volcanic, porous rock commonly used as a building material. The tuff has been carved over the centuries to build houses, cellars, tombs or used to make "tufi", big square bricks which are typical of the villages and towns of this area of the hills of the Maremma.
The major centres of this area, which has still not experienced mass tourism, are Pitigliano, Sorano and Manciano. The perfectly preserved necropolises in Sovana and Poggio al Buco, the vie cave (amazing roads carved in tuff that pass through the woods), and medieval villages like Magliano in Toscana contribute to make this area one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. It also boasts naturalistic treasures such as the hot springs and spas of Saturnia, and the hills of the river Fiora, which supplies water to the vast majority of the Maremman villages and towns.
There are many historical buildings of great artistic and achitectural value, such as the Cassero Senese in Manciano, the Orsini Fortress in Sorano and the one in Pitigliano, the Aldobrandeschi castle and the Cathedral in Sovana, home city of Pope Gregory VII (1073). Another remarkable building is the Synagogue of Pitigliano from the 16th century: it has been recently restored and it stands as a reminder of the strong ties between the Maremma and the Jewish people.

Saturnia hot springs and the Tufa Towns
This itinerary covers the interior of the Maremma, an area still unknown to mass tourism, that will allow you to capture the mysterious heart of its appeal. The traveler feels as if he has entered an enchanted land populated by fairies, wizards and brigands, where you will be strongly tempted to wander without a precise goal, letting yourself be carried away by the emotions of the landscape. You will visit the great Etruscan necropolises and medieval cities like Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano, which seem to have grown from the very rock on which they stand. You will soak in the hot waters of Saturnia.
The itinerary can be covered in two days, but it's worth staying longer to explore the territory through fascinating trekking on food, mountain bike or horseback. You can select from hotels in Saturnia, hotels in Pitigliano and hotels in Sorano for a stay characterized by relaxation and charm. Those who prefer a different type of lodging will be able to choose from comfortable bed & breakfasts and Maremma holiday farms in ancient villages or the open countryside.

Manciano is a town in a scenic location that has been nicknamed the “spy of the Maremma” because from here you can see the surrounding territory in every direction. Inside its walls, the village has narrow little streets that follow an elliptical route. The top of the hill is dominated by a castle with an imposing tower. Nearby, you will find the Museo di Preistoria e Protostoria, which documents the rich Pre-Etruscan period of this region, from the Paleolithic to the Bronze Age, with many archeological finds on display. Near Manciano, don't miss an opportunity to visit the town of Montemerano, an authentic medieval jewel constructed on a hill covered with olive trees. You will be enchanted by the poetry of this village, which surrounds its castle and is enclosed by a wall. Visit the Romanesque-Gothic Church of San Giorgio that contains precious frescoes and works of art, including a polyptych painted by Sano di Pietro in 1458.

Saturnia is a city of mysterious origins that, according to legend, was founded by the god Saturn. In the Middle Ages, it was completely destroyed by Siena because it was considered a center of conspirators. Today, its fame is linked to the nearby Saturnia Hot Springs, whose sulfurous waters gush all year round at a temperature of 37.5°. In the Middle Ages, these springs were the source of disturbing legends: the place was the meeting place of wizards and witches, magic spells and witches' sabbaths and it was said that this was the devil's doorway from hell. The waters were thought to be bewitched because they gave off a strong satanic odor (sulphur). The springs are divided between two sites: the enchanting natural pools with waterfalls where access is free and you can always bath; the Terme di Saturnia Spa Resort complex, an oasis of relaxation with four open-air hot spring swimming pools, waterfalls, hydromassage and mud treatments.

Sovana, the ancient capital of the Aldobrandeschi, seems to be a corner frozen in a remote age, rich with history and artistic beauty that creates an deep and unforgettable impression. Sovana was one of the principal Etruscan cities and was reborn in the Middle Ages when it became the property of the Aldobrandeschi family. During this period, Pope Gregory VII was born here. Its splendor lasted until about 1300, when it began a slow decline that lead to its complete abandonment in the 19th century. The village has been reborn in the last ten years, thanks to the discovery of the great Etruscan necropolis and, today, is a favorite destination of academics and tourists.
Once you have crossed the threshold of the Rocca Aldobrandesca, you can continue on to Piazza del Pretorio, which has several lovely buildings, such as the Church of Santa Maria, dating from the late Romanesque period, the Palazzo dell’Archivio, with its strange clock, and, facing the church, the Palazzo della Loggia and the Palazzo Pretorio. The latter houses a small, but interesting, museum of the area's history and archeology.
In the immediate vicinity, you will find the fascinating Sovana Necropolis, with many tombs of various types. Don't miss the Necropolis of Poggio Felceto, where you will find a complex of spectacular tombs including the Tomb of Hildebrand, the masterpiece of all Etruscan burial places. In Sovana, you can also experience a walk in the enchanting “Vie Cave”, imposing walkways excavated from the tufa by the Etruscans, perhaps as communication lanes, perhaps for magic rites. Among the best known is the “Cavone,” with tombs cut into the rock and inscriptions.

Sorano
The Rocca Degli Orsini is one of the most interesting places to visit in Sorano. The castle was originally built in the 14th century but was completely renovated later on by Niccolo IV Orsini. The castle has two large angular bastions which are connected to the main gate with a line of walls. The two bastions are known as Saint Peter's Bastion and Saint Mark's Bastions. The main gate itself is quite impressive, decorated with a coat of arms and there is a Square tower close by. Inside the walls are the remains of the complex of the castle. Many parts of the castle have now been destroyed like the draw bridge and a round tower. A series of frescoes have recently been found at the site which is believed to be from the Sienese School.
The town of Sorano has developed between the Rocca Degli Orsini and the Masso Leopoldino which is a large natural tuff rock. The tuff stone had been carved to form it into a terrace by the orders of Gran Duke of Leopold. The fortified terrace provides beautiful views of the town and the nearby hills and landscapes. The oldest part of Sorano has developed around the feet of Masso Leopoldino. Since there aren't many places to visit in Sorano, the castle and the Leopoldino rock becomes the two most visited places in Sorano. Leopoldino is also quite popular among the locals because of its panoramic views and on weekends the locals can be seen flocking to the terrace and enjoying the views.