Parco Archeologico 'Città del Tufo'

Top choice in Southern Tuscany


The picturesque towns of Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano form a triangle enclosing a dramatic landscape where local buildings have been constructed from the volcanic porous rock called tufo since Etruscan times. Known as the Città del Tufo (City of the Tufo), the area incorporates Etruscan sites including tombs and vie cave, sunken roads with high walls carved out of the tufo. All are now protected as part of this archaeological park, which also incorporates local museums.

For updates on activities within the park, see www.facebook.com/pg/Parco-Archeologico-Città-del-Tufo-179178385473482.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southern Tuscany attractions

1. Necropoli di Sovana

0.69 MILES

At Tuscany's most significant Etruscan tombs, part of the Parco Archeologico 'Città del Tufo', signs in Italian and English guide you around four…

2. Museo di San Mamiliano

1.03 MILES

In 2004 archaeologists excavating beneath the ruined 9th-century Church of St Mamiliano made the discovery of a lifetime – a cache of 498 gold coins…

3. Santa Maria Maggiore

1.04 MILES

Designed in a Romanesque–Gothic transitional style, the 16th-century frescoes in the apse of this church are perhaps the main reason to head inside; there…

5. Museo di Palazzo Orsini

1.13 MILES

Enlarged by the ruling Orsinis in the 16th century, this 13th-century castle later became the residence of the local bishop and is now a museum. Its rooms…

6. Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

1.18 MILES

Construction of Pitigliano's duomo commenced in the late 13th century; the campanile was added a century later and the facade and interior were given…

7. La Piccola Gerusalemme

1.21 MILES

Head down Via Zuccarelli and turn left at a sign indicating 'La Piccola Gerusalemme' to visit this fascinating time capsule of Pitigliano's historic but…

8. Cattedrale di San Pietro

1.23 MILES

Built over a 200-year period starting in the 12th century, this Romanesque–Gothic cathedral was commissioned by local boy-made-big Pope Gregory VII …