| Pitigliano
Discover this hidden gem in Tuscany
The Tuscany region has many medieval and Renaissance villages that are well worth visiting. One of the lesser known villages is the southern village of Pitigliano: the ‘little Jerusalem’ of Italy. Pitigliano has a special history, but also a special appearance. The houses here seem to be completely interwoven with the rocks on which they are built. In this blog, we will give you information on visiting this place and what you can do in the area.
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About Pitigliano
Pitigliano is one of the many striking Renaissance villages in Tuscany, but this village is very special. It seems to have emerged completely from the rock on which it rises above the valley. This type of rock is called tuff, or ‘tufo’ as it is known locally.
The village has the most impact on visitors from a distance, when you drive up from the other side of the valley. Then you will see the image on the photo below/above. This picture was taken from the vantage point Punto Panoramico Pitigliano which you find in the bend next to the church Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie. Another viewpoint that is just a bit closer to the village is Pitigliano da Sotto.
Upon entering the village, it is possible to take a walk along the village walls, with special views of the valley and the outer houses that, as mentioned, seem to shoot up out of the tuff rock.
Little Jerusalem
Pitigliano is nicknamed “little Jerusalem” because at the end of the Middle Ages, many Tuscan Jews moved to this place. Here, under the rule of the rich Medici family, they could live in peace. They had more freedom to express their culture here than in the rest of central Italy, so the street scene today still reflects their influence. This is especially visible in the old ghetto around Via Zuccarelli.
A walk through the narrow streets with local art galleries, antique shops, cosy restaurants and little squares, is one of the best things to do in Pitigliano. When we were here, it was raining and even that did not spoil the fun. It is a very attractive and cosy area!
The synagogue, which dates back to the 16th century, now houses a permanent exhibition on Jewish history and culture in Tuscany. At the Piazza San Gregorio, right next to the synagogue, you will find the impressive Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.
Orsini Square
Relax at one of the terraces at Orsini Square. This is the central square of the village with the Fontana delle Sette Cannellefountain as eye-catcher, which is part of the village wall. The water coming from this fountain is drinkable and flows directly from the old viaduct, which the Medici family once built here and since then has been another important landmark of the village.
In addition, you cannot miss the Orsini Palace in this square. This 12th century fortress currently houses the seat of the bishop, but is also a museum that is opened daily, except on Mondays.
The Vie cave
In addition to an impressive ” upper world “, Pitigliano has an equally special ” underworld “. That is to say, a world under the ground. Here, the Etruscans already dug tunnels in the soft tuft stone to bury their deceased. Later, this corridor system was expanded and used as a wine cellar. The cool tufa corridors offered an ideal climate for maturing wine.
The Etruscans, who are held responsible for the creation of the tunnels, created them not only under Pitigliano, but also in its vicinity. Today, the remaining passageways are known as “sunken roads”, or “Vie-caves”, and you can walk through them and find refuge from the heat, especially in the summer months.
The walk that starts here leads to the tiny village of Sovana, where a large Etruscan tomb remains.
How long should I allow for a visit to Pitigliano?
Pitigliano is not a place to stay for days, unless you want to see more of the region and use this as a starting point. The village itself is very nice for a day trip. That is enough to experience all the highlights.
Pitigliano is a good place to start or end your road trip through Tuscany. It is located in the southernmost tip of this region, about a 2-hour drive from Rome.
The Saturnia hot springs
Just half an hour’s drive from Pitigliano are the Saturnia hot springs. These clear blue thermal baths are a famous feature of Tuscany and very popular with the locals. They are filled by the sulphurous water that comes from Mount Amiata. By the time the water reaches the pools, it has a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius.
It is allowed to swim in the baths, but for those who do not want to do so in a crowd, we recommend going early. In that case, a visit to the Saturnia hot springs in the morning can be easily combined with a visit to Pitigliano in the afternoon.
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