The Maremma is one of the most striking corners of Tuscany, where hills map out the horizon and each stone, leaf and tree tells a story three thousand years old. Wandering along the pathways that meander through the countryside, between the thermal waterfalls and veils of steam, traces left by history can be made out: evocative Etruscan necropolises, elegant Roman villas, mysterious medieval fortresses. The charm of the Maremma is enriched by its livestock-raising traditions. The ‘butteri’, skilful cowboys, were talented enough to beat Buffalo Bill in 1911 when he challenged them to a contest at breaking in colts. The Maremman cattle-rearers still remain proud of this victory and hand down their skills from father to son.

Montemerano
Securely positioned on a hill covered by age-old olives, its historical centre is a classic example of a medieval town. The town’s highest and oldest point, the castle, dominated by its square keep, is surrounded by small squares, alley-ways and houses that still emanate ancient splendour through traces of frescoes and decorations on their façades. Near one of the town gateways is set the church of San Giorgio, renovated between the 14th and 15th centuries and home to valuable works of art.

Manciano
The monumental fortress, built by the Sienese in the 15th century, commands over the medieval part of town. The heart of this agricultural centre offers ancient elliptic narrow alley-ways with houses embellished with decorative motifs. The Museo di Preistoria e Protostoria della Valle del Fiora displays local finds.

Pitigliano
Pitigliano offers visitors a fairytale setting rising from a promontory of striking and untamed beauty, surrounded by bright green valleys. The Medicean aqueduct, the churches and the houses seem have been conjured up onto the spur of tufa overhanging the valley of the Lente and Meleta rivers. Pitigliano’s magic can be savoured by taking in the historical centre, strolling through the narrow and picturesque streets, exploring the caves and Etruscan tombs that today serve as cellars, continuing up to the Jewish Ghetto whose fame was to lend Pitigliano the name of ‘Little Jerusalem’, with its synagogue, library packed with ancient texts, cemetery and oven for cooking unleavened bread.

Sorano
The ancient Etruscan town stands on a high summit that has weathered to resemble a natural cliff and is surrounded by impressive walls to make it one of the most secure defensive systems in the county of Pitigliano. The lovely fortress commands from on high, one of the most esteemed examples of military architecture of the Italian Renaissance period. The Orsini palace and the large Etruscan necropolis are also recommended visiting.

Sovana
This was a important centre from Etruscan times and up to the 12th century. From the 1960s, improvement and restoration projects have restored its particular evocative atmosphere. A real architectural jewel is the cathedral, built in the 9th century and modified between the 11th and 12th centuries.

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