In the heart of the suggestive Tuscany region, a treasure of inestimable value awaits to be discovered: the “Città del Tufo” Archaeological Park inaugurated in 1998 thanks to the inspiration of the municipal administration of Sorano. This hidden jewel is an ode to history and culture that have remained unchanged for centuries, a heritage to be valued and made known to the whole world.
A unique heritage
The main objective of the Park is to offer an extraordinary experience of discovery through a series of archaeological, historical and naturalistic sites of exceptional importance. This fascinating adventure takes place in the Tufi Area, which embraces the territories of Sovana, Sorano and Vitozza (San Quirico).
Although the Etruscan era represents the most evident period within the Park, with its necropolises crowning the hills surrounding Sorano, numerous and significant remains from the late ancient and medieval era enrich this extraordinary collection. Here you will find castles, churches, fortifications and rock dwellings, each with its own story to tell.
A journey to the necropolis of Sovana
The monumental area of the Archaeological Park is located in Sovana, on the northern hills of the Calesine stream. Along suggestive paths among the dense Mediterranean scrub vegetation, you will be able to explore the necropolises with their colonnaded tombs (such as the Pola tomb and the Ildebranda tomb), the aedicule tombs (including the tomb of the Typhon, of the Winged Demons and of the Siren), and the dice, semi-dice and false-dice tombs. The magical atmosphere of this place is further enriched by the presence of the mysterious Vie Cave. These ancient narrow and winding paths allow you to easily overcome the differences in height between deep valleys and plateaus, immersing yourself in a unique and enchanting natural environment.
Particularly evocative are the Via Cava di San Sebastiano, with walls more than 20 meters high, and the Cavone, where the walls are covered with a variety of ferns, mosses and lichens that create an extraordinary picture.
Discovering Sorano
Continuing towards Sorano, you can visit the rock settlement of San Rocco. It is so called due to the presence of a small church dedicated to the Saint. Here, you can explore numerous structures carved into the tuff, including tombs, columbaria and rock dwellings. Next to the church, a steep and winding via cava leads to the valley of the Lente river, while from the panoramic point of San Rocco, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the village of Sorano.
The magic of vitozza
The area of Vitozza, near San Quirico, one of the most significant medieval rock settlements in Italy, deserves a special visit. This community developed on a tuff spur above the Lente river valley and, although abandoned in the 15th century due to wars and depredations, it still retains a unique charm.
Along the main cart road, you will be able to admire the remains of fortifications, churches and over two hundred caves used as stables, homes and workplaces. All this is immersed in a natural environment of exceptional beauty, which adds a magical dimension to this journey through time.
In conclusion, the “Città del Tufo” Archaeological Park is a jewel that combines the millenary history of the area with the uncontaminated beauty of Tuscan nature. A trip to this extraordinary place is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Sorano and experience an outdoor adventure among breathtaking landscapes.
Photo by Irina B from GoogleMaps. For further information you can consult the official website of the Città del Tufo Archaeological Park.
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