Pitigliano: The “Little Jerusalem” of Tuscany

The name Pitigliano seems to derive either from the gens Petilia or from the legend of the Romans Petilio and Celiano. Perched on a tuff cliff in the Fiora Valley, the village has been inhabited since the Neolithic and was an important Etruscan center, with strong archaeological traces such as the Vie Cave and Etruscan necropolises. Documented since 1061, between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance it became the fief of the Aldobrandeschi and later of the Orsini, who left behind splendid palaces and monuments.

Pitigliano is officially recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy.

What to See in Pitigliano

Pitigliano appears as an enchanting vision carved into tuff, suspended on a cliff among green valleys. The harmony between nature and architecture is such that the village seems to rise directly from the rock. Its historic center is compact and scenic, marked by Renaissance fortifications and a picturesque urban layout of alleys, stairways, and loggias.

The most representative monument is Palazzo Orsini, renovated in the 16th century by Antonio da Sangallo, today home to the Museum of Sacred Art. Nearby are the Medici Fountain and the imposing 17th-century aqueduct. The Baroque cathedral dominates one of the main squares, flanked by the bell tower and the monument to the Ursini lineage. The Capisotto district preserves Etruscan remains and the Church of San Rocco.

In the restored Jewish ghetto, you can find the synagogue, kosher oven, and ritual baths—testimonies of the coexistence between Christians and Jews that earned Pitigliano the name “Little Jerusalem.” Just outside the town are the Jewish cemetery and the remains of Parco Orsini. Completing the landscape are the evocative Etruscan paths (vie cave), necropolises, and an open-air archaeological park, living symbols of the millenary “civilization of tuff” that still animates the village.

Events, Culture, and Traditions

Throughout the year, Pitigliano hosts events celebrating tradition, history, and culture. On March 19, the Torciata di San Giuseppe takes place, a fire ritual where hooded men with torches symbolically burn the “Invernacciu” in the square. In early July, the Nights of Archaeology bring the Etruscans back to life with nighttime theater performances in the open-air Archaeological Museum. In early September, the Wine Festival opens the ancient cellars carved into the tuff, and on September 8, the procession of the Madonna delle Grazie is held. Between late October and early November, the PitiFest celebrates cinema and Jewish culture.

What to See Around Pitigliano

Pitigliano’s location is also ideal for exploring other gems of the Maremma. Just a few kilometers away are the villages of Sovana and Sorano, also carved into tuff and rich in Etruscan and medieval history.

Nature and archaeology lovers can visit the Città del Tufo Archaeological Park.

Pitigliano thus combines a spectacular landscape, unique historical testimonies, a strong cultural identity, and a food and wine tradition that captivates every visitor.

photo credits JHVEPhoto