Pitigliano
Built
overhanging the valley below, perched on a spur of volcanic rock known as ‘tufo’, which is compact but easily carved, Pitigliano is one of
the most magical and evocative cities in Tuscany; if not in the world. It has
remained perfectly preserved and off the beaten track of mass tourism, so much
so that in winter it resembles a ghost town where time has stood still.
Pitigliano developed in
medieval times upon the previous Etruscan settlement which is still visible
today. Many tombs have been found in the
outskirts of the town stretching as far as the nearby towns of Sovana
and Sorano and are indeed worth a visit.
The city became the home of an important Jewish community, so much so,
it was known as the little Jerusalem
when the Jewish Romans were exiled by the Pope. The small and beautiful synagogue,
recently renovated, the kosher butcher shop, and the bakery which still
makes unleavened bread and other typical Jewish sweets are all reminders of the original ghetto.
Built overhanging the valley below, perched on a spur of volcanic rock known as ‘tufo’, which is compact but easily carved, Pitigliano is one of the most magical and evocative cities in Tuscany; if not in the world. It has remained perfectly preserved and off the beaten track of mass tourism, so much so that in winter it resembles a ghost town where time has stood still.
Pitigliano developed in medieval times upon the previous Etruscan settlement which is still visible today. Many tombs have been found in the outskirts of the town stretching as far as the nearby towns of Sovana and Sorano and are indeed worth a visit. The city became the home of an important Jewish community, so much so, it was known as the little Jerusalem when the Jewish Romans were exiled by the Pope. The small and beautiful synagogue, recently renovated, the kosher butcher shop, and the bakery which still makes unleavened bread and other typical Jewish sweets are all reminders of the original ghetto.
