Sorano among Tuff, History and Hiking Trails

Sorano is perched on a rocky cliff and embedded in tuff. The rock settlements and paths cut into the tuff have also been used since Etruscan times. If, during your trip to Italy, you want to experience historical traces as an integral part of their surroundings, Sorano offers an unusually cohesive townscape for this.

Fortezza Orsini, Church and History

Fortezza Orsini is an example of Renaissance military architecture. Under the Aldobrandeschi family, Sorano developed into a fortified settlement protected by bastions. For more than four centuries, the Aldobrandeschi made Sorano one of the most powerful fiefs in southern Tuscany. The Chiesa della Collegiata di San Nicola stands in the centre of the town. It contains a travertine baptismal font dating from 1563. Anyone interested in the architecture and political history of Tuscan towns will find several eras brought together here within a small area.

Rock Settlements and Paths through the Tuff

The rock settlement of San Rocco includes numerous areas carved into the tuff. These include tombs, dovecotes and rock dwellings, which make the distinctive character of this type of settlement immediately visible. From San Rocco, a Via Cava leads into the valley of the Lente River and offers an impressive view of Sorano. This path thus connects the surroundings carved into the rock with a view of the town itself.

The hiking trail connecting the rock settlement of Vitozza with Sorano has also been cleared and reopened. It is considered a route of great natural-historical and historical interest for residents, hikers and visitors.

Discover Sorano with an Audio Guide

For an independent introduction to the town, Sorano's digital audio guide offers a tour lasting approximately 40 minutes. You can follow the tour on your smartphone using a QR code. The digital audio guide is available in Italian, English, German, French and Spanish. This allows you to take the tour in the language of your choice and explore the historic stops at your own pace.

Local Festivals and Rural Tradition

The connection between history and local culture is also evident in the events calendar. On 30 December, a large bonfire is lit in Piazza Busatti in Sorano at nightfall. Traditional songs are performed as the old tradition of rural culture is renewed. The Festa delle cantine in Sorano features tastings of local products and folk music. The Festa del tufo e della birra is a four-day summer event with music, local cuisine and beer. Alongside the rock settlements, fortresses and hiking trails, this gives you another way to experience Sorano: through community-centred festivals and regional flavours.

Other places to discover include Sovana, Sant'anna, Filetta, Elmo and San Quirico.

More Destinations

Other places in the same destination:

Scansano, Scarlino.

Back to the main travel overview: Grosseto.