Sovana
Introduction
Let me introduce you to Sovana, a hamlet in the municipality of Sorano, located in the beautiful Tuscany. Sovana is known for being an important Etruscan center, as well as a medieval and Renaissance village. Keep reading to discover more about this city and its attractions.
Physical Geography
Located in the Pianetto di Sovana, a small valley between the Albegna and Fiora hills, Sovana stretches between 200 and 300 meters above sea level, in the Tufo zone on the left bank of the Fiora river. The city is crossed by numerous torrential streams that flow into the Fiora, which is located just southwest of the center. Sovana is about 75 km from Grosseto and less than 9 km from the municipal capital.
History
Sovana has a long and fascinating history that began with the conquest of Vulci in 280 BC. This led to a gradual process of Romanization culminating in the granting of Roman citizenship to the Italics. The city developed during the Middle Ages under the control of the Aldobrandeschi family. During this period, the city was already a bishopric. Sovana also became a free commune and gave birth to Ildebrando di Sovana, who later became Pope Gregory VII. Sovana was also the capital of the eponymous County of Sovana.
At the end of the 13th century, Sovana was conquered by the Orsini and followed the same fate as Sorano and Pitigliano until the 15th century, when it was conquered by the Sienese. In the mid-16th century, the fall of the Republic of Siena brought Sovana into the hands of the Medici, who included it in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Despite the attempts of the Medici and the Lorraine, the city remained depopulated and abandoned until the 20th century.
Monuments and Places of Interest
There are many attractions to visit in Sovana, including the Co-Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. This building dates back to the 10th century and was built by Pope Gregory VII on a pre-existing building from the 6th century. The structure has remained virtually unchanged to this day, except for some restoration work in subsequent epochs that did not compromise the original features. In 1999, some restoration work was carried out that allowed access to the crypt where the remains of St. Mamilian are located.
Other Attractions
The city has many other attractions, including:
- the Etruscan necropolis;
- the Pretorio Palace, dating back to the 16th century;
- the Arch Gate, an Etruscan gate that was the main entrance to the city;
- the Archaeological Park City of the Tufo, where the ancient Etruscan tombs are located.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Sovana is a city with a fascinating history and many attractions to visit. This Etruscan city was built with tuff stone and is distinguished by its medieval and Renaissance architecture. If you're planning a trip to Tuscany, I recommend including Sovana on your list of places to visit. I hope this brief article has given you some good ideas on what to see in Sovana and has inspired you to visit this beautiful city.
