Sovana is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
Sovana is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy with a rich and fascinating Etruscan heritage since the 2nd and 3rd century B.C.
Aldobrandeschi Castle
Aldobrandeschi castle in ruins is the landmark of Sovana that rises in front of your eyes, standing majestically in the middle of the road as you drive to Sovana from Pitigliano. This castle reminds us of the medieval times when the aristocracy lived here in luxury and richness. Aldobrandeschi Family built the castle on the ruins of an Etruscan/Roman fortress.
Sovana is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The best time to visit this fascinating village is in June when the perfume of jasmine embraces you from every corner of the little streets and invades your senses with its unique fragrance. Just let yourself mesmerized by this amazing old village!
Sovana has Etruscan origins
Sovana is located on the ancient Etruscan city of Suana dating back to the Bonze Age. Here you can admire the tufa buildings when you walk from Pretorio Square to the 11th century old Cathedral built on Etruscan remains.
On the right hand street, among the little tufa houses stands out an imposing house where Pope Gregorio IV was born.
On this street you can shop for Etruscan design jewelry and pottery in the little shops embellished with colorful flowers. And you can relax and enjoy an espresso or ice-cream on one of the charming terraces along the way. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants on the main street of this charming village!
The treasure of Saint Mamiliano
Pretorio Square houses the remains of the old Christian Church of Saint Mamiliano, Saint Mary’s Church, Archivio Palace, and Pretorio Palace. Pretorio Palace houses the research center of history and archeology of Sovana.
On the remains of the Church of Saint Mamiliano there is a museum where you can admire the treasure of Saint Mamiliano.
The story tells that Saint Mamiliano was spreading the Gospels in Tuscan islands and he went to Montecristo island where he retired. On the island of Montecristo he fought a dragon and won the battle. In that place appeared a great treasure named the treasure of Saint Mamiliano.
Alexandre Dumas wrote the novel Count of Monte Cristo based on the search for this treasure.
But the treasure’s location was not on the island of Montecristo. In 2004 the restoration work began to the Church of Saint Mamiliano in Sovana. The excavations under the altar revealed an amazing treasure of 498 gold coins dating back to San Mamiliano’s time.
Etruscan tombs in Sovana
Sovana is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy where you can admire the Etruscan tomb of the Typhoon dating back in the 4th century B.C. The tomb is at the end of Via del Cavone and has Etruscan inscriptions on the walls.
Pola Tomb is another beautiful Etruscan tomb excavated in the tufa rock and dating back to the 3rd century B.C. This tomb was adorned with a colonnaded portico that is partially preserved till today.
Etruscan necropolises in Sovana and surrounding area
The necropolises of Colonia, mount Resello, Sopraripa, San Sebastiano and Poggio Felceto show us the great Etruscan presence here since the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. The monumental tomb of Ildebrando is an Etruscan heritage that you must visit.
Etruscan roads named Cavoni
Sovana (Suana) is located on the important Etruscan roads called cavoni (excavated roads in the tufa rock and other rocks) that were linking Vulci with Volsinii and Central Etruria. The cavoni with steep walls carved into tufa rock still exist today. You can travel back in Etruscan times when you take a walk on the Via Cava in the woods on the footsteps of the Etruscans.
