Pitigliano
 

In this part of our itinerary, we leave Lazio and enter into Tuscany, or more specifically, into the area of the province of Grosseto in Maremma. We are near the volcanic lakes of Lazio, especially Lake Bolsena, and other surprising towns are awaiting. One such town is Pitigliano, a characteristic village of the grossetian Maremma, unique since it was constructed entirely on a large mass of tuff (therefore making it one of the most interesting places in the land of tuff). In order to arrive in Pitigliano you need to take a long, windy road, from which you will immediately be able to admire the centre of the town. Many different antique populations have left their mark here: starting from the Etruscans all the way to the ancient Romans. During the medieval, Pitigliano was a stronghold of the Aldobrandeschi’s and then of the Orsini’s. Pitigliano is rich with monuments and buildings that recount history, and passing through this town you will see the empowering cathedral (dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul) that is accompanied by a bell tower, and the Church of Santa Maria (previously called San Rocco) whose left side features a bas-relief from the 12th century. Also noteworthy is the sanctuary “Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie”, the splendid Palazzo Orsini (with a beautiful internal courtyard), and the Fortezza Orsini.

 
Foto: Cristiano De Scisciolo (www.cdsweb.it)
 

Sovana
   
Striking and rich with tons of historical and artistic monuments: this is Sovana. Sovana’s territory includes everything except for La Rocca and the cathedral. La Rocca was the hinge of the defensive walls that were constructed during the medieval, and by passing through here you will reach the Piazza Pretorio. In this beautiful medieval piazza you can admire the communal building, the Loggia del Capitano, and the Palazzo Pretorio. Particular attention should be given to the church of Santa Maria, with three naves, which was constructed on a pre-existing roman temple. Inside you can view the spectacular pre-Roman ciborium (an architectural structure in the form of a canopy that is above the altars), which is the sole exemplar in all of Tuscany. The cathedral is also very amazing, with a beautifully decorated portal. Located along the street that connects Sovana and San Martino sul Fiora, the necropolises (discovered in 1843 by Ainsley) have always been a stopping point for tourists and scientists. Especially noteworthy is the Tomba della Sirena (tomb of the siren) and the Tomba di Ildebranda, from the 3rd century B.C., whose façade is similar to that of a temple carved in the rock.
 
Foto: Cristiano De Scisciolo (www.cdsweb.it)

Sorano
   
This medieval town is absolutely striking. It is arranged on many levels on top of a steep tuff cliff. This town is also characterized by the array of alleys, courtyards, arches, portals, external stairs, loggias, and cellars carved into tuff where the various phases of wine production were carried out in the past. These characteristic cellars, called Soranesi, are unique in Italy and are currently used by their individual owners, and only a few have been open to the public. Among those open to the public, we make note of the cellars of the Locanda Aldobrandeschi, located on the street Via del Ghetto, and of the restaurant La Terrazza, located on Via del Borgo Basso. During the week of the soranesi, in June, these cellars become open to the public.
  
Foto: Cristiano De Scisciolo (www.cdsweb.it)

Saturnia
   
This town of Maremma, famous for its sulfur baths with healing properties, has origins so ancient that they have been lost in history. The beauty farm “Terme di Saturnia” offers its clients every type of relaxation treatment. The thermal waters reach a temperature of 37°C, and the pools can be used all-year-round thanks to a tunnel that brings in warm air. This structure also offers numerous other activities, such as bocce ball, tennis, a sauna, Jacuzzi tubs, and golf. Here you can take a dip in the pools surrounded by nature, and near the famous waterfalls Cascate del Mulino, which are visited in both the summer and winter since there is a small stream that brings thermal sulphur water.
 
Foto: Giuseppe Catalano