Pitigliano
Pitigliano is a municipality in the Grosseto Maremma, situated on a steep tuff cliff in the Fiora Valley. The historic center, of Etruscan-Roman origin, retains a medieval layout with narrow streets and houses leaning against each other. Its strategic position on a rocky ridge has always favored its use as a fortified settlement.
The oldest part of Pitigliano is dominated by the 13th-century Orsini Fortress, which houses the Museo Archeologico e della Civiltà Contadina (Museum of Archaeology and Peasant Civilization), and along the walls there are numerous gates to the village, including the Porta di Sovana and Porta del Ponte; also not to be missed are the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and the Jewish ghetto, among the best preserved in Italy.
Pitigliano is surrounded by gullies, ditches and tufa quarries, which can be seen from trails that can be traveled on foot or by mountain bike. The surrounding countryside is characterized by vineyards and olive groves from which fine wines such as Bianco di Pitigliano and IGP Tuscan olive oil are made; other typical products include aged pecorino cheese, cured meats, honey and saffron from Manciano.
In summer Pitigliano hosts events such as "Settembre diVino" and the "International Midsummer Festival." The beauty of its historic center has earned it recognition as "Italy's Most Beautiful Village" and the designation "Little Jerusalem" for its historic Jewish presence.
