We're considering visiting these two towns this summer. I would love to hear from someone who has been to these Etruscan hill towns.
Posted by
Denver
787 posts
Yes, we Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano in one afternoon, on a trip from a place we were staying a bit further north. I liked all of the towns, and would like to return someday. I was most interested in exploring an "Etruscan cleft," and we did locate (between Pitigliano and Sovana) one called la Cava di San Guiseppe, and walked up it a ways. It was a bit spooky. Pitigliano was slightly larger, and seemed quite prosperous. I think Romans buy houses or apartments or in Pitigliano, and visit on the weekends. Outside of Sorano, we stopped at Orsini castello, a ruined castle that is also the site of a 3-star hotel, Hotel della Fortezza.
Posted by
OP
Saint Helens, OR, USA
304 posts
The 3 towns look wonderful from what I've seen on Google Earth. I was hoping to explore the Etruscan ruins too. Looks like it may be worth while finding time on the itinerary.
Posted by
Wichita
831 posts
Ray,
I enjoyed a stay at the hotel della Fortezza in Sorano. Used it as a base to tour the area. Loved my time there. While the hotel was great I would stay in Pitigliano next time for a greater selection of restaurants.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
Sorano is very small. Pitigliano is interesting, the town melts up from the rock base below (like melting candles!)...the view from the road is worth the visit. you can see the caves below that the Etruscans occupied! We saw these towns while on a bike tour. Great way to visit, but not for everyone. Pitigliano is important for it's Jewish heritage and ghetto.
Sorano you can see in an hour, Pitigliano about the same, maybe 2 hours. You can walk from one end of town to the other in 5-10 minutes! You might consider a quick visit to Sovana as well. At the end of town there is an interesting church, and there are Etruscan caves all around this area. Both are worth a visit, I can promise you you will not find very many English speaking tourists!
Posted by
Singapore
354 posts
Pitigliano is a gem! The Jewish history is fascinating and it looks pretty spectacular on the tufa cliff. I didn't know anything about it when I went there on a daytrip but it was a surprise, and certainly time well spent. You can also explore the Etruscan tombs in the area.