Sovana – Etruscan Heritage and Medieval Churches

Sovana offers Etruscan remains, medieval religious buildings and museums as different ways of accessing history. For planning your trip, this creates a clearly recognisable cultural profile: you can trace the development of the town from its Etruscan and Roman past through to the Middle Ages by means of specific buildings, collections and a necropolis.

Buildings from Several Historical Periods

At the entrance to the town stands the Rocca Aldobrandesca, which was built around the 11th century. Parts of the keep and the surrounding walls have been preserved. The Church of San Mamiliano was built around the 4th century AD on the remains of an Etruscan and subsequently Roman building. It is considered the oldest religious building in Sovana. The Church of Santa Maria dates from the 12th–13th centuries. A rare pre-Romanesque ciborium is located above its main altar. The Palazzo Pretorio also dates from the 12th–13th centuries. Its façade bears nine coats of arms with the names of the chief magistrates and commissioners who succeeded one another under the rule of Siena and Florence. The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul dates back at least to the 11th century and combines Gothic, Romanesque and Lombard styles. The buildings thus cover several historical periods and styles, without requiring you to limit yourself to a single era.

Museums with Different Areas of Focus

The Museo archeologico di San Mamiliano displays finds dating from the Etruscan period through to the early medieval period following the fall of the Roman Empire. The visitor route also includes the crypt of the former Church of San Mamiliano. The collection thus combines archaeological history with a specific part of the religious building. The Museo di San Gregorio VII is located on the first floor of the Palazzo Pretorio. Its exhibition route uses finds, reconstructions and documents relating to important episodes in the life of Gregory VII. Gregory VII is presented from both a religious and a historical perspective. The museum visit therefore complements the examination of the medieval buildings with a documentary exploration of a significant historical figure.

Etruscan Necropolis and Hiking Route

The Tomba Ildebranda is part of the Etruscan necropolis of Sovana. It dates from the 3rd–2nd centuries BC and is considered one of the most important monuments in all of Etruria. The Tomba Ildebranda consists of a burial chamber and a tomb monument carved entirely into tuff walls. This combination of architecture and a monument worked into the rock makes it a distinct focus alongside the churches and museums. A 10.2 km hiking route between Pitigliano and Sovana leads to Etruscan necropolises, including the necropolis of Sopraripa. This makes it possible to experience the cultural history not only indoors and in town buildings, but also along a designated hiking trail. Other destinations: [Filetta](Filetta), [Sant'anna](Sant'anna), [Elmo](Elmo), [San Quirico](San Quirico).

For the broader travel overview: Sorano.