Sorano: A City Grown from Stone

#europeonbudget Sorano seems carved out of the rock rather than built. Narrow streets cling to sheer walls, houses blend into the tufa, and a fortress looms over everything. This small town in southern Tuscany is rarely mentioned in guidebooks—and in vain. It's called "little Matera." It has the same magic of ancient stone and soft light filtering through the houses. In the center are cobbled streets, wine shops, and viewpoints overlooking the Lente River Valley. 📍 Location: Tuscany region, province of Grosseto, near Pitigliano and Sovana. 🕐 When to go: Spring or September—fewer tourists, and especially beautiful sunsets. ⸻ How to get to Sorano 🚗 By car: The most convenient way. From Rome: About 2.5–3 hours on the E80, turning off for Viterbo and Pitigliano. From Florence: About 3 hours via Siena and the Sorano–Pitigliano Road (SP22). Parking is available at the Fortezza Orsini fortress. 🚆 By train: The nearest stations are Orvieto (48 km) and Albinia (60 km). From there, you can take the Autolinee Toscana bus or taxi. Buses run irregularly, so plan your trip in advance. 🚌 From nearby towns: From Pitigliano: About 20 minutes by local bus or taxi. From Sovana: Even shorter, about 15 minutes. ⸻ What to see: — The Fortezza Orsini fortress is a huge citadel with panoramic views. — The old town and the Masso Leopoldino viewpoint are the best sunset spot. — The Etruscan caves of Vie Cave are ancient passages carved into the rock. ☕ Tip: In the evening, stop by the small enotecas on the main street—Morellino di Scansano wine is served generously and unhurriedly. ⸻ Sorano is a place where the past hasn't disappeared, but simply become part of the landscape. The stones, the walls, and the scent of herbs—everything here seems to whisper, yet it lingers in the memory.