PITIGLIANO IN MAREMMA TUSCANY

A breathtaking town carved into the Tufo rock, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, Pitigliano is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Also known as Little Jerusalem, thanks to the large Jewish community it hosted within its walls in the 16th century, Pitigliano is definitely one for the bucket list next time you’re in Tuscany.

Perched on a cliff of local stone known as ‘tufo’, the town stands majestically at the crossroads of the valleys of the Lente, Meleta and Prochio, with a wonderful view of the wild and unspoiled Tuscan Maremma countryside.

If you’re visiting with your own car, stop at the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie before entering Pitigliano for a spectacular first view of its spectacular skyline. The massive tufaceous rock supports the entire town, which began as a prehistoric village and blossomed into a modern town.

At night, the view is even more spectacular, illuminated from above by the natural light of the moon, the village seems to be suspended in the void, supported by a mysterious force.

The history of Pitigliano is ancient. Legend suggests the town was founded by two young Romans, Petilio and Celiano, who, fleeing Rome after stealing Jupiter’s golden crown, took refuge in the countryside around Pitigliano, founding the first community from which the city originated, named Petiliano after those two Roman brothers, then becoming, in the following centuries, Pitigliano.

Aside from the legend, Pitigliano can trace its roots farther back than the Roman Empire. The territory was already inhabited in the Neolithic Age. With the arrival of the Etruscans, the Tuscan town was transformed into a veritable city. The Etruscans built the Vie Cave, ancient roads excavated by hand into the tufaceous rock, used as a way of communication and defence and to connect the first villages with the wonderful Necropolis, the Cities of the Dead.

Today Pitigliano is a jewel of art, history and culture, every corner of its Old Town tells a story rich in history. Every narrow alleyway, piazza, panoramic view and museum is one you won’t soon forget.

WHAT TO SEE IN PITIGLIANO

The tourist attractions that you simply can’t miss when you visit Pitigliano in the Maremma Tuscany.

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EVENTS IN PITIGLIANO

The main events in Pitigliano. From the Torciata di San Giuseppe in March, to the famous Infiorata flower festival in June, to the Festa del Contadino, which takes place on the first weekend of August and Calici di Stelle, an unmissable event dedicated to wine and the local cuisine in Pitigliano. Also worth catching is the Festa della Contea, a medieval festical also held in August and Settembre DiVino, the town’s most famous festival celebrated in the tufa rock cellars and attracting thousands of visitors each year. And finally Christmas in Pitigliano, with plenty of events and activities to celebrated the most wonderful time of the year.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN PITIGLIANO

A selection of the best accommodation in and around Pitigliano for your stay.

WHERE IS PITIGLIANO?

A gorgeous Tufa rock city, Pitigliano is located in the south of the Tuscan Maremma.

On the border between Grosseto and Viterbo, close to both Bolsena Lake and the Terme di Saturnia, Pitigliano is one of the most important towns in the so-called Città del Tufo, a district which also includes Sovana and Sorano.

Pitigliano can be easily reached both by car on the SS74 that connects Orvieto and Albinia, and by bus using connections from Grosseto, Orvieto and Viterbo.

The nearest railway stations are in Albinia, Orbetello, Grosseto and Viterbo, from the station, you can reach Pitigliano by bus, for Tuscany with the Tiemme line, for Lazio with the Cotral line.

The nearest airports are Rome’s Fiumicino – 155km – Florence – 237km – Pisa – 241 km.

WHAT TRAVELLERS ARE SAYING

The reviews on Pitigliano and its tourist attractions, written by tourists on Tripadvisor.

LOCAL PRODUCTS

The food and wine local to the Tuscan village of Pitigliano, from its famous Bianco di Pitigliano DOC to its Sfratti, a traditional Jewish biscuit, to its kosher wines and migliaccio crepe.

SURROUNDINGS

Pitigliano is one of the most important villages in the Tufo area, together with Sovana and Sorano, from which it is only a few kilometers away.

The village of Pitigliano enjoys a strategic position, a short distance from some of the most important centers of the Tuscan-Laziale Maremma. In about 30 minutes by car you can reach Saturnia, famous for its thermal waters, Manciano “La Spia della Maremma”, Montemerano, one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy” and Scansano, the city of Morellino. Also in about 30 minutes by car you arrive at Lake Bolsena to visit the enchanting villages that overlook its clear waters: Bolsena, Montefiascone, Capodimonte, Marta, Gradoli, Grotte di Castro, Latera, Valentano, San Lorenzo Nuovo and Acquapendente. Also in the territory of Tuscia you can visit the towns of Civita di Bagnoregio “The City that Dies” (about 44 km from Pitigliano), Tarquinia (about 70 km from Pitigliano) and Tuscania (about 45 km from Pitigliano), famous all over the world. for their priceless archaeological heritage. Absolutely not to be missed is the city of Orvieto, reachable in just 1 hour by car. Monte Amiata and its characteristic villages are about 50 km away, do not miss the opportunity to discover Santa Fiora, Arcidosso, Castel del Piano, Seggiano and Castell’Azzara. In addition to history and unspoiled nature, Maremma also offers dream experiences in terms of well-being: a few kilometers from Pitigliano are the Terme di Sorano and Terme di Saturnia, two of the most important spas in southern Tuscany. With a few more kilometers you can also reach the Terme di Vulci, the Terme di Viterbo (establishments and free spas) and the wonderful Terme di San Casciano.

curiosities and news about Pitigliano

Curiosities, legends, anecdotes and up-to-date news about the city of Tufo.