Comprehensive Guide to Exploring Pitigliano

1. Overview of Pitigliano

Pitigliano is a stunning medieval town in the Maremma of Tuscany, dramatically perched atop a tufa ridge. Etruscan tombs dot the cliff face and valley. Pitigliano is also known as Piccola Gerusalemme or Little Jerusalem.

2. Piccola Gerusalemme – Little Jerusalem

The Jewish Quarter of Pitigliano was settled by Jews in the 16th century when the town became a haven for Jews escaping the enclosed ghettos of cities like Siena and Florence. Even when the Jewish Quarter was enclosed in 1622, relationships persisted between Jews and non-Jews, and it was known as the liveliest Jewish ghetto in Italy. By the mid-19th century, the ghetto population reached about 500, accounting for a third of Pitigliano’s residents, though many left for larger cities. By WWII, none remained.

Visitors can explore parts of the ancient Jewish Quarter, which include a small museum, the restored synagogue from 1598, ritual baths, dye works, the kosher butchering area, and bread ovens.

3. What to See in Pitigliano

The tourist information office is located on Piazza Garibaldi, just inside the main city gate. Here, visitors can inquire about tours of the caves and tunnels beneath the town. In addition to touring the Jewish Quarter, Pitigliano offers a wealth of medieval charm. Notable sights include:

• Palazzo Orsini: A 14th-century fortress at the town’s entrance, currently a museum housing artworks, Etruscan artifacts, and a medieval torture chamber. The town is fortified by the 15th-century walls of Orsini Fortress.
• 16th-century Aqueduct: Running along the town’s edge and across Via Cavour, it showcases the remarkable engineering of its time.
• Chiesa di San Rocco: The town’s oldest church, dating back to the 12th century, with an ancient tomb unearthed during recent renovations.
• Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul: Originally built in the Middle Ages, remodeled in the 16th century in Baroque style, this cathedral houses several impressive artworks.
• Underground Tunnels and Caves: These ancient tunnels, developed during Etruscan times, can sometimes be explored on guided walking tours, with a Christian cave chapel dating back to about 400 AD believed to be the oldest in Italy.
• Piazza Becherini: Offers stunning views of the valleys surrounding Pitigliano.

4. Etruscan Tombs and Towns of the Maremma

• Etruscan Sacred Ways and Tombs: The Maremma valleys are dotted with sacred pathways known as Vie Cave. These narrow passageways carved through the tufa rock connect to neighboring Etruscan strongholds and are intriguing to explore, often revealing Etruscan and Roman inscriptions.
• Sorano, Sovana, and Saturnia: Nearby towns with rich Etruscan and medieval history. Sorano features two castles, Sovana has a well-preserved medieval center, and Saturnia is one of Italy’s oldest cities.
• Local Wine Production: Maremma is known for its vineyards, producing Bianco di Pitigliano, a well-regarded white wine. Kosher wine production continues in the region.
• Monte Argentario: A beautiful coastal area in the Maremma, 60 km from Pitigliano, once an island but now connected to the mainland. It serves as a gateway to the Tuscan archipelago.

5. Location and Transportation in Pitigliano

Pitigliano is situated in Southern Tuscany’s Maremma region, a less-traveled part of Tuscany compared to the central hill towns. It’s located approximately 140 km from Rome and 175 km from Florence, about 48 km southeast of Grosseto and 25 km west of Lake Bolsena in the Northern Lazio region.

While there is no train station in Pitigliano, bus services connect it with Siena, Florence, and Grosseto. The town’s compact size makes it easily navigable on foot. However, a car is highly recommended for exploring the stunning countryside, Etruscan sites, hot springs, and other charming towns in the Maremma region.

6. Where to Stay and Eat in Pitigliano

• La Casa degli Archi: Features several charming apartments right in the heart of the old town.
• Locanda Il Tufo Rosa: A cozy guesthouse located at the entrance to the old town, offering comfortable accommodations.
• Albergo Guastini: A centrally located 3-star hotel featuring 27 rooms, many with beautiful views.
• Hotel Valle Orientina: A 3-star hotel about 2 miles from town, offering a spa, a thermal pool, and an on-site restaurant.

A fantastic dining option is Hostaria del Ceccottino, located in the center of town, where you can savor Tuscan specialties and local wines from Maremma.