Sorano and the surrounding towns are filled with examples of their
Etruscan origins, dating from the period of this civilization’s greatest
splendor. Sorano was built on a high rock and this extremely picturesque
position captivates all who visit.
With the passage of time it has come
to resemble a natural cliff, only slightly refined by the Renaissance
architecture. The girding wall served to make it one of the safest
outposts in the County of Pitigliano.
Sorano belonged to the Aldobrandeschi family who developed it as a
defensive position, fortifying it with the walls that continue to
embrace the village today.
Subsequently it passed under the dominion of
the Orsini family who built a beautiful fortress, the most interesting
monument in the village.
In the middle of the 1400s, it became the site of conflicts with the
Republic of Siena without ever being conquered, thereby earning the name
of “the tinderbox of Italian wars” given by Cosimo dei Medici. In 1608
it finally became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, thereby following
its destiny.
The continuity with the past is still alive and the antique peasant
culture has retained its main activities over time. Vineyards, scrub,
olive groves, fields of wheat and sheep-farming surround the town. As a
result of this agricultural vocation, the area is increasingly renowned
for the high quality of the typical Maremman products, including an
important dairy production.
The entire surrounding territory abounds in Medieval fortifications such
as the Castle of Montorio, the Citadel of Castell’Ottieri and the castle
of Montebuono. The archeological park, “Citta' del Tufo” is unique of its
kind.
The major historical, archeological and cultural treasures of the
territory are to be found here: the church of San Sebastiano, the
Aldobrandeschi fortress and the necropolis excavated in the rock,
surrounded by the marvels of nature.
Antique tombs stand out, especially noteworthy the monumental Ildebranda.
Regarded as the masterpiece of all of the tombs, it represents the
passage from archaic Etruria to that which will soon succumb to Rome and
its empire. There are also tombs excavated in the rock walls, enveloped
and protected by thick vegetation increasing their fascination and
mystery.
The most famous is the Siren’s Tomb. These grottos, discovered
near Sorano and Vitozza, are almost unadorned compared to the others,
but are equally fascinating. They were probably originally used for
raising pigeons or as incinerators and then later, in Roman and Medieval
times, were turned into dwellings, stalls or cellars.
