Cities of the Southern Tuscany

The southernmost and largest province with the same named city is Grosseto .

The fortifications around the historic center date from the time of the Medici. In the archaeological museum " d'Art della Maremma " the visitor has an excellent overview of the history and archaeological finds.

One finds Etruscan art of the region and what the Romans turned it into later.
Furthermore, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo is worth seeing.

Who is there in May is probably interested in events :
" La merco " - a shepherd's ceremony to mark the calves and their official inclusion in the flock.

On 1 May the peasant singers are traditionally on their way through some cities.
They go from house to house, distributing small bouquets of flowers to the children and obtain
as a counter- gift something to eat.

Whose holiday domicile is probably too far away from the provincial capital is ( 1,5 - 2 hours) may visit two or three other cities of interest in the closer environment.

SOVANA , SORANO as well PITIGLIANO are tuff towns ,
they are also located in former Etruscan settlement areas.

Sorano

These settlements can also be called villages , as small as they are.

The tranquil SOVANA is not more than a main road  the "Via di Mezzo" and other small streets .
The population is just about 150 people.
In the heyday , however, the place was a politically and ecclesiastically important center .
The church of Santa Maria (13th century) at the Piazza del Pretorio is one of the most beautiful in Tuscany.

SORANO , with about 3500 inhabitants has, you could say , a really magical charm .
The medieval village is hanging on a hill to the foot of the river Lente .
The basement of the buildings are very interesting, some have been carefully restored and are visitable .

A sight for example is The Collegiate Church of San Niccolo .
Likewise , only the other way , the restaurant Cantina L' ottava rima , Via del borgo 25
The premises are beaten in tuff and the rooms are decorated in a very lovely way so that they have a
a pleasant, slightly and cool climate .
The fine cuisine here is special according regional and fresh products plus a beer
from the Maremma, and an excellent white wine from the neighboring town of Pitigliano.

You can enjoy the Italian cuisine continues to also at Aia del Tufo , Podere Poggio La Mezzadria , reservations are recommended .

PITIGLIANO

Located 20 kilometers away from the lake and  extends majestically on a rock.
The castle and medieval houses cluster on the volcanic stone .
In the 6th Century the Etruscans were here .

Pitigliano

The best time of this place was in the 13th and 14 Century, when rulers include powerful families .
From these three popes emerged over time .
Even a Jewish community took root . The synagogue can be found on the Via Zuccarelli .

Beyond the Piazza Garibaldi rise an aqueduct and the castle.
Within the fort stands the Palazzo Orsini .
The interiors are known for beautiful decorations .

A highlight of the tour offer the winding streets and wonderful views of Mount Amiata.

A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY WITH MANY IMPRESSIONS

M.SCH .