Rustico in Sorano

This is the tuff country of southern Tuscany, with ravines cut into volcanic rock and a chain of hill towns that includes Sorano, Sovana and Pitigliano within about 15 km. The area lies in the inland part of the Maremma and close to the edge of the Monte Amiata volcanic massif, which rises to the north-east beyond the immediate cluster. The Fiora river valley is nearby, and the area is known for the Vie Cave, the Etruscan sunken roads cut into the tuff around Sorano and Sovana. Sovana has a Romanesque cathedral and an important Etruscan necropolis, and the archaeological area includes the Tomba Ildebranda. Pitigliano is the nearest larger hill town and is built on a long tuff spur above deep ravines. The area is known for Etruscan archaeology, tuff settlements and white wine production around Pitigliano and Sovana.