Sorano : Informazioni su Sorano

Vacanze a Sorano

Sorano : The town built on tuff rock

The town of Sorano together with Pitigliano and Castell’Azzara are part of the so called “city of tuff”, buildings constructed with a characteristic volcanic formation, found to the north of Lake Bolsena, in the heart of the Maremma.

Sorano rises on a steep tuff rock which overlooks the Lente river bed. The beauty of the place is best seen by those arriving from Sovana and from Castell’Azzara.

The first historical evidence concerning the nucleus of Sorano date back to the 3rd century A.C., the period in which the Roman conquest of Etruria started. The area is rich of findings, necropolis, temples and routes, as well as ancient hollows ‘cave’, and the underground holy roads of the Etruscans.

The foundation of the Aldobrandeschi County dates back to the year 862 and since then the destiny of Sorano is tied for approximately five centuries to the destiny of this noble family, not always happy because of the cruel struggles of supremacy and defence. In 1293 Sorano was handed over to the Orsini Family, a noble roman family, until 1604, when it became part of the territory of the Grand duchy of Tuscany. In 1737 Sorano was handed over to the Lorena, who brought a long period of economic and social prosperity. In 1869 the people of Sorano united voted in the plebiscite for the annexation of the Kingdom of Italy.

One can visit the Historical Town Centre, which is a typical example of the urbanistic system of medieval towns, with houses built in tuff stone and which develop in height, squares, alleys and arches; the Orsini Fortress, of Aldobrandechian origins, a building which under the named family, added a central tower and two bastions, became impenetrable; the Masso Leopoldino, from where one can enjoy a splendid panorama of the surrounding valleys; the medieval churches of San Niccolò and Santa Maria dell’Aquila.

The factions of Cerreto, Sovana, Elmo, Montebuono, Montevitozzo, San Valentino, Castell’Ottieri, San Giovanni delle Contee, Montorio and San Quirico are all part of the local council of Sorano.