Sorano
Sinter dominates the landscape and architecture in the atmospheric town of Sorana, in the backcountry of Maremma. The fortified rock, Masso Leopoldino is a mighty sight in the city, which was founded by the Etruscans.
Crooked lanes, historical houses, spires and romantic courtyards define the route into the historic centre of Sorano. The beautiful church San Niccol�, a 13th century construction in the centre of town, has been renovated many times throughout the centuries.
Picturesque sinter city
Buildings decorated with emblems and crest of arms stand on terraces in the rock, over 400 metres above an open river valley. The view of the river Lente below, and across to the impressive, green sinter cliffs, is magnificent.
Fortezza Orsini
The influential Aldobrandeschi family ruled Sorano, before the Orsini family replaced them at the end of the 13th century. The Orsinis built an enormous fortress on the sinter rock to the south of the town. Its central tower still looms over the roofs in Sorano today.
Masso Leopoldino
In the 18th century, the grand duchy of Tuscany was under the rule of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine. During this time, the Lorans had a giant, smooth block cut out of the surrounding sinter.
It stands in the middle of town, like a fortress, complete with battlements and a bell-tower. However, as they soon realised, the defensive construction did more harm than good to Sorano. Landslides now constantly threatened the houses underneath the sinter cliffs. Today, you can enjoy a wonderful from the leveled-off cliff area.
Etruscan necropolis
On the ridge bordering the valley of the river Lente, the Etruscans built the necropolis of San Rocco. The third and second century B.C. gravesite contains multiple burial chambers, all embedded in the sinter. A typical Etruscan narrow pass, the Via Cava di San Roco, leads from here to Sorano.
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