After a delightful afternoon at Paolo and Alba’s charming home near Montevitozzo, where the idyllic Tuscan hills and the song of the cicadas created an enchanting atmosphere (details in this article), we set off for Sorano, an exceptional Tuscan village perched on a rocky cliff.
● Sorano is famous for its troglodyte dwellings.
● The village has a historic lineage dating back to the Etruscans. (The Etruscans were an ancient people of central Italy, known for their advanced culture and influence on ancient Rome. They thrived between the 8th and 1st centuries BC, leaving significant marks on art and architecture.)
● Sorano is a unique Tuscan town built directly into volcanic tuff formations. Tuff is a porous rock formed from the accumulation of volcanic ash and debris. The volcanic tuff of Sorano primarily comes from eruptions of the Vulsini volcanoes, located in the Vulsini volcanic complex. These volcanoes are situated in northwestern Tuscany, in the Tuscia region.
Strolling through the cobbled streets of Sorano, you’ll be immersed in a timeless atmosphere. The Sorano Castle, an imposing medieval fortress, dominates the landscape and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding lush green hills.
The city’s walls bear witness to a rich historical past, while the cave churches add a touch of mystery and charm to this fascinating place.
The village of Sorano is a true labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, where each turn reveals a new fragment of historical charm. The alleyways snake between ancient stone houses, some of which are carved directly into the local tuff, a type of volcanic rock. These buildings, with their rustic facades and tiled roofs, are often adorned with solid wooden doors that add a touch of character.
In Sorano, you’ll notice a unique feature: water bottles hanging at the bottom of each door. These bottles are carefully placed for a very practical reason. They serve to deter pets, like dogs, from relieving themselves in front of the houses. This simple yet effective gesture reflects the importance the residents place on maintaining the cleanliness of their village while being considerate of the needs of animals.
This practice also highlights a facet of Italy: a country that is deeply dog-friendly and cat-friendly. Italians are known for their affection towards pets. Numerous cats wander freely through the streets of Sorano, visible to all… except Mana 😆
The alleyways are so narrow that they almost seem to close in on themselves, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Strolling through these passages, you’ll discover fascinating architectural details: stone arches, ancient fountains, and small shaded squares where locals gather to chat. Each house has its own style and story, told by its time-worn walls.
Getting to Sorano and finding parking is relatively easy. The village is well-served and accessible from the main roads of Tuscany. You’ll find several parking options both on the outskirts and in the center (paid or free), allowing you to leave your car with peace of mind while easily accessing the main attractions of the village on foot.
In the top right corner of the map below, you can choose between several map types (hybrid, satellite).
The “P” icon on the map represents the closest parking area to the entrance of the old town (about a hundred meters away).
To get directions to this location, click on its icon and select “ Directions.” This will open your route directly in Google Maps.
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