In the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, where volcanic rock has shaped villages, necropolises and hand-carved roads, the territory of Sorano unfolds through eight itineraries. The journey begins in the village of Sorano, dominated by the Orsini Fortress and overlooking the Masso Leopoldino, and continues to Sovana, with its medieval center, the Cathedral of San Pietro and its extraordinary Etruscan necropolis. At Vitozza you can discover one of the largest rock-hewn settlements in Italy, a village of caves nestled in the woods, while an itinerary dedicated to the hamlets broadens the view to the whole municipality. Each route is available in a full version, to explore history, art and archaeology in depth, and in a children's version, which turns fortresses, Etruscan tombs and cave towns into adventures to explore. An invitation to discover, step by step, the secret soul of this corner of Tuscany.
Available itineraries
Sorano
A village entirely carved into tufa, where every stone tells centuries of life, power and devotion. The route crosses the Synagogue and the Jewish Ghetto, the Collegiate Church of San Nicola and the Palazzo Comitale, together with the underground cellars dug into the rock. It then climbs up to the imposing Orsini Fortress and the panoramic terrace of the Masso Leopoldino. In the end it descends along the Vie Cave, the mysterious Etruscan corridors cut into the tufa. A journey where nature and man have worked the same stone for millennia.
Sorano for Kids - A Journey Through the Tuff Village
An adventure inside a village made of rock, towers and secret passages. Discovering the fortress of the Orsini knights and the cellar-caves dug beneath the houses. Synagogue, churches and ancient gates become stops in a treasure hunt between history and legend. From the great terrace of the Masso Leopoldino, the eye embraces the whole valley. The journey ends among the Vie Cave, the corridors carved out by the Etruscans.
Sovana
Sovana reveals its dual soul: the medieval village and the great Etruscan necropolis hidden in the woods. The journey begins at the Rocca Aldobrandesca and the Museo di San Mamiliano, guardian of a treasure of gold coins, continuing to the Cattedrale di San Pietro and the places linked to Pope Gregory VII. Then the landscape changes and the guiding voice turns the gaze toward the Tomba Ildebranda, the Winged Demons, the Siren and the Typhon. Closing the journey, the deep Vie Cave such as the Cavone. A unique dialogue between stone, faith and archaeology.
Sovana for Kids — A Journey through the Tuff City
A great tale of adventure among castles, cathedrals and ancient tombs carved into the rock. Children discover the Rocca Aldobrandesca and the museum where a real treasure of gold was found. The voice explains, with wonder, that right here a child was born who would become Pope. Then we enter the Etruscans' woods, among temples and tombs populated by mysterious figures. The journey ends in the Vie Cave, gigantic corridors dug by hand into the tuff.
The Hamlets of Sorano
The Municipality of Sorano is a constellation of hilltop villages, each with its own distinct character. This itinerary opens the view onto the entire territory, from Sorano and Sovana to the most hidden hamlets like San Quirico, Montorio and Castell'Ottieri. The voice tells of San Giovanni delle Contee, Montevitozzo, San Valentino, Montebuono and Cerreto, suspended between tuff and woods. Each stop preserves churches, fortresses and traditions far from the major tourist flows. A route for those who want to understand the widespread soul of an entire territory.
Sorano and its Villages - For Children
A journey to discover the many small villages that, all together, form the large territory of Sorano. Every stop is a surprise: a fortress, a little church, a view among the woods of the Maremma. The story explains why so many small villages were built perched on the tuff hills. From Montevitozzo to Cerreto, every hamlet is a piece of a great map to explore.
Rock Settlement of Vitozza
Immersed in the woods along the Lente river, Vitozza is one of the largest rock settlements in Italy: an entire village carved into the rock. The route leads among the remains of the First and Second Castle and the striking Chiesaccia, a silent ruin amid the greenery. The voice guides the gaze into the numerous caves inhabited for centuries and towards the dovecotes. The walk ends at the springs of the Lente and the ancient aqueduct. A place suspended in time, where nature has reclaimed what man had carved out.
Vitozza, the city of caves, for children
Welcome to the city of caves, where people once lived inside the rock as in a village of stone. They will walk among dozens of caves, the old Chiesaccia and the columbaria, the "little houses" dug for the pigeons. The tale explains how people lived without light and without running water, and why the Lente river was so precious. An outdoor adventure, between woods and legends.
