Pitigliano

Pitigliano is definitely one of the most famous and appreciated centres of the Maremma, recognized an Etruscan and Roman centre, it is situated on territory, which in ancient times, saw the colonization of these amazing ancient civilizations.

The town rises on an impressive cliff of tuff, which overlooks the valleys and waterways of Lente and Meleta below; as well as striking panoramas and beautiful views.

The small ancient town is found in the heart of the Area del Tufo (Tuff Area), in the internal part of the territory of the Maremma. Seen as the one of the most beautiful and unique tourist destinations in the south of Tuscany, it offers to its visitors the possibility to admire palazzi, buildings and churches of great fascination.

The splendid village of Pitigliano is situated in the province of Grosseto, and is recognized also by the name “Little Jerusalem”, a nickname which is of great pride for the town, who remember the welcome they gave to the Jewish community who lived there from the end of the 1400 to the beginning of the 1500.

In fact, the Jewish citizens integrated flawlessly into the town, cementing this sense of wellbeing by building a Synagogue. Passing through the historic alleys of this Maremman town is an absolutely pleasant and extraordinary experience, which allows you to learn about and appreciate the profound, lively and ancient spirit of this breathtaking and magical little town.

Not to miss:

Duomo of St. Pietro and Paolo: built in the Middle Ages and reconstructed during the 16th century, the face is this church is done in the splendid Baroque style, and the inside is filled with stunning works of art, painting and frescoes of priceless value. Outside it is impossible not to notice the presence of an impressive bell tower.

The Church of the Madonna delle Grazia: built just outside of the town of Pitigliano, the construction dates back to the first decade of the 15th century and for three centuries it was the residence of the Franciscan community.

The Church of St Francesco: with an attached convent, the original structure dates back to 1522. Today, however, there remains only part of the surrounding wall. Inside there are three chapels which are home to frescoes and paintings.

Oratorio Rupestre (Rocky Oratory): dating back to the Paleochristian period, the construction of this interesting historical building occurred in 397 B.C and on the bottom level there is an Etruscan tomb.

The Church of Santa Maria: one of the oldest buildings in the town, it is also known as the Church of San Rocco and was built sometime before the second half the 13th century.

Palazzo Orsini: its construction was ordered by the Aldobrandeschi family and was later reconstructed between the 1400’s and 1500’s. Today the building belongs to the diocese of Pitigliano and houses some very interesting museums.

Archi dell’Acquedotto Mediceo (Arches of the Medici Aqueducts): the complex consists of two great arches which are divided by a pillar and joined to another thirteen smaller arches. In all the structure is absolutely exceptional and particular.

Aldobrandesca Fortress: whose construction dates back to the second half of the 16th century.

Monumento all Progenie Ursinea (Monument to the Ursinea Offspring): build on a pillar, the monument is a magnificent bear, the symbol of the Orsini family, and carries an epigraph which celebrates the greatness of this lineage in Pitigliano.

The Synagogue, constructed in the 16th century: it is home to stunning works of art, monuments and biblical citations, which are painted on the walls.

The Ghetto: which is in reality a sort of quarter where the Jewish population lived and built all their houses and shops.

Forno delle azzime (kosher bakery): still open today, it is joined by the Kosher butcher and Mikve baths and is situated below the Synagogue.

The Jewish cemetery: just outside the town, it is absolutely beautifully maintained and filled with wonderful statues. Its construction was desired by a young Jewish medic who wanted to bury his wife who died prematurely. It can be visited by request only.

The Civic and Archaeological Museum: which is home to amazing and fascinating displays of archeological Etruscan and Roman ruins found in the nearby necropolis of Poggio Buco. It also houses vases, ceramics, utensils and ancient objects.

The Museum of Sacred Art of the Diocese of Pitigliano: situated inside the Palazzo Orsini, the museum displays various sacred objects, money, clothes and religious works. The exhibition runs across 19 rooms, with some dedicated to the two famous Maremman painters, Francesco Zuccarelli, born in Pitigliano and Paride Pascucci, who lived in the nearby village of Manciano.

History:

The history of the enchanting village of Pitigliano is incredibly interesting and fascinating. We know that the area where the town was built was inhabited in an ancient age, possibly already during the Iron Age.

The Etruscans, subsequently, built a primal settlement here, leading a stable life in the territory; as we can tell by the presence of Via Cave, the Tombs of the Necropolises and various other archeological finds. Under the domination of the Roman Empire, however, the settlement became a real city, with bridges, infrastructure and a working aqueduct. At the beginning of the medieval period, Pitigliano was an important stronghold for the Aldobrandeschi and Orsini families.

The city then quickly became of great interest to the nearby powers and it was first controlled by the city of Orvieto, then Siena and then by the city of Florence. Finally it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, before joining the Kingdom of Italy at the end of the 19th century.