2025 Sorano Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Sorano is a picturesque hill village in the southern part of Tuscany, Italy that is part of a group of ancient villages that also includes Sovana and Pitigliano. It is really quite astonishing how well preserved the village is and how unchanged over the last few hundred years.. Squeezed along the top of a rocky ridge it is when seen from the east that Sorano shows itself at its best giving the appearance of a medieval village that is literally dug into the tufa and almost indistinguishable from the hillside. Above the village is the Orsini Fortress, built in the 14th century and then rebuilt in the 16th century. Your visit falls naturally into two distinct parts: the Orsini Fortress, and the old village itself. Inside the village there is a labyrinth of alleys and staircases staircases that ascend and descend in meandering streets and give the village a unique medieval feeling. Start your visit to Sorano at the Orsini Fortress. This imposing 14th century fortress was restored and reinforced by Niccolò Orsini IV in 1552. First admire the entrance to the fortress from the central tower and where you find the powerful doorway. Before entering take a look at the low wall leading to the finely worked entrance arch, to the right and left of the entrance. On the arch itself you can see the monumental emblems of the Aldobrandeschi lords (rampant lions) and the Orsini lords (a bear). Pass through the portal and after crossing a drawbridge you come to the Fortress. Here you enter a vast square surrounded by walls and a round tower. This is the remains of the oldest tower that is still in existence from before the work performed by Niccolo Orsini IV. On the memorial tablet, on which Nicholas IV engraved all his titles, we read that Nicholas was the Count of Pitigliano, Sovana of Nola, and that he restructured the building into a barracks. #mynovgetaway #thanksgiving #mynovgetaway#thanksgiving

#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.

#mytraveldiary Sovana, a small town in southern Tuscany’s Maremma region, is steeped in history, charm, and quiet beauty. Once an important Etruscan settlement and later a medieval stronghold, the town is today a peaceful place where cobblestone lanes, ancient churches, and rustic stone houses echo centuries of life. Its preserved atmosphere makes it feel like stepping back into a forgotten age. Admission & Practical Info Sovana is free to enter and easy to explore on foot. It lies within the municipality of Sorano, in the province of Grosseto. The town can be reached by car from Pitigliano or Sorano in about 15–20 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for strolling along its narrow lanes and visiting nearby archaeological sites, such as the Vie Cave. Why It’s Worth Visiting Sovana’s highlights include the Romanesque Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, with its striking medieval architecture, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, known for its ornate ciborium. The Piazza del Pretorio, framed by the Palazzo dell’Archivio and Palazzo Pretorio, captures the town’s civic past. Beyond the town, the Etruscan necropolis and mysterious Vie Cave (sunken roads carved into tufa rock) showcase its deep Etruscan heritage. Final Thoughts Sovana is a place where history, nature, and tranquility meet. Small yet rich in character, it offers visitors an intimate experience of Tuscany far removed from crowded tourist routes—a quiet treasure for those seeking authenticity and timeless charm.