Sovana Medieval Village
Located just a few kilometres from Pitigliano (GR), Sovana is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages.
Its origins can be traced back to the Etruscans, who called this place Suana, or “green land”. In the immediate vicinity of Sovana, there is in fact a large Etruscan necropolis, home of the famous Ildebranda Tomb with its characteristic Greek temple form.
In Roman times, Sovana was sufficiently important to warrant becoming a bishop’s seat.
In the 5th century, it was conquered by the Lombards and fell under the rule of the Aldobrandeschi, as confirmed by the majestic remains of the fortress, before passing into the hands of the Orsini family.
Medieval dwellings line the main street that opens into the Piazza del Pretorio, where the palazzo with the same name stands along with the late Renaissance Palazzo Bourbon del Monte and St. Mary’s Romanesque Church, which contains an 8th century ciborium.
At the end of the village is the Cathedral (12th -14th century) with an ornate exterior with pilasters and arches, a wonderful portal and grandiose interior with three naves, an octagonal cupola and columns with finely figured capitals.
Sovana
58010 Sorano (GR), Italy
