Pitigliano

Pitigliano is a small town in southern Tuscany, in the province of Grosseto, notable for its dramatic setting atop a volcanic tufa outcrop overlooking the valleys of the Lente and Meleta rivers. Nicknamed 'Little Jerusalem' owing to its historic Jewish community, it retains a former Jewish quarter with a 16th-century synagogue and narrow lanes lined with stone houses carved into the rock. The historic centre, dominated by the Palazzo Orsini and its medieval fortress, offers striking views over the surrounding cliffs, particularly attractive at sunset. The area is marked by the vie cave, ancient Etruscan routes cut into the tufa rock, which once connected the town to nearby necropolises. The region is known for its winemaking, particularly the white wine Bianco di Pitigliano, as well as local products such as olive oil and pecorino cheese. The Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, encourages outdoor activities and day trips to neighbouring villages such as Sorano and Sovana, which together with Pitigliano form a coherent touring area in this sparsely urbanised part of Tuscany.