A Tuscan Gem: The Town Of Pitigliano
There is certainly no shortage of beautiful hill-top towns that pepper the Tuscan countryside. From sea, to mountains, there is something for everyone here and we are so proud to be from such a fruitful and wonderful corner of Italy. Since we like to feature particular places around our ‘bella toscana’ one highly recommended spot is three hours away from us in Vicchio, the lovely rock-carved Medieval town of Pitigliano in the southern area of the region. Arriving to the town is exciting in itself, one look at this place carved into the side of a cliff would take anyone’s breath away.
The area was said to have been inhabited in the Etruscan period, and later was under the control in the 13th century by the Aldobrandeschi family then passing to the Orsini’s which sparked a long-term war with the city of Siena. After, it was part of the Grand-duchy’s territory and the later kingdom of Italy. Since it was on the border on the papal states it also unwittingly became a place known for a ‘little Jerusalem’ with many Jewish settlers making Pitigliano their home.
While it is a small town, there is plenty to see, with the highlight’s being the medieval center of the city, the ancient Jewish quarter that has been populated since the 16th century, and the Etruscan sites of Maremma. Other notable sites include the 14th century fortress of Palazzo Orsini, the 16th century aqueduct across via cavour, the Church of San Rocco, the 16th century baroque church The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and Piazza becherini for panoramic views.
Local To The Area
There is a local white wine here, a crisp white ‘Bianco di Pitigliano’ that thrive in the interesting ‘tufa’ soul that is characteristic in the area. Have lunch at Ceccottino Hostaria for a taste of local food and wine made in the area.
How To Get There
While there is no train stations in Pitigliano, you can arrive by bus from the surrounding towns of Siena, Florence and Grosseto, though it is recommended to arrive by car.
Best Time To Go
The best time to go (to us) is during the ‘Infiorita’ festival when the town is covered with carpets of flowers laid down by locals, it occurs for the festival surroundung Corpus Domini (Corpus Christi), held around nine weeks after Easter.
Nearby Visits
We also highly recommend a visit to the nearby towns of Sorano, Sovana, and Saturnia (which has a wonderful natural hot springs).
Quick Booking snippet
Tuscany, an Italian region renowned for its cultural and historical wealth, is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites represent not just the architectural and artistic beauty of the region but also its significant historical heritage.
Italian cuisine, celebrated globally, is a mosaic of flavors and traditions. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Naples, each region contributes its unique essence to what we recognize as Italian cuisine. This culinary journey explores how history, culture, and regional diversity have shaped the renowned gastronomy of Italy.
Tuscany is world-renowned for its rich winemaking tradition, a heritage rooted in centuries of history and culture. In this detailed guide, which is like a true oenological journey, we will discover not only the fine wines of the region but also the traditions and landscapes that make Tuscany an unmissable destination for wine lovers.
In the heart of Italy, Tuscany stands out as one of the most emblematic regions for wine production. Famous for its landscape of gentle hills, cypress trees, and picturesque villages, this region is also a paradise for wine lovers. Tuscan vineyards, nourished by fertile soil and an ideal climate, produce wines that are appreciated worldwide […]
For those looking for a firsthand experience, the Agricultural Tourism Company Badia di Susinana offers horseback rides and trekking and riding courses with a guide, in addition to hospitality for horses and riders, located in Palazzuolo sul Senio. Alternatively, the Farm I Cavalli del Vento allows crossing beech forests and vast chestnut groves, with rides […]
Sport fishing in Tuscany offers a wide range of opportunities due to the abundance of inland and coastal waters in the region. Specifically, the province of Pistoia, with Lake Nievole in Serravalle Pistoiese, is renowned for trout fishing and other fish such as carp, grass carp, tench, and sturgeon, with a catch and release rule. […]
In Val di Chiana, to savor an authentic Chianina steak, there are several renowned restaurant options: 1. Ristorante Casa Cecco: Offers the chance to taste a Chianina steak in a farmhouse dating back to 1600. 2. Agriturismo di Trequanda: Here, Chianina meat, raised in local pastures and processed by the company’s trusted butcher shop, becomes […]
The Italian Quattrocento was a period of extraordinary artistic effervescence that produced numerous world-renowned artists. Among them, some of the most influential were: 1. Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506): A painter and engraver from Padua, famous for his frescoes in the Camera degli Sposi in Mantua.