Pitigliano
A medieval town built on towering tuff cliffs, known as 'Little Jerusalem' for its long-established Jewish community.
Pitigliano sits on a tuff plateau with cliffs on three sides, and its houses almost merge into the rock face. From the viewpoint west of the town, by the road near a small Madonna chapel, you can photograph the entire old town hanging above the gorge. Inside the town are the Orsini palace, the Medici aqueduct and winding lanes. From the 16th century, many Jews settled here, and the Little Jerusalem museum, comprising a synagogue, a matzo bakery and an underground ritual bath, is worth a visit (admission charged; closed on Saturdays). The area also has the Vie Cave, sunken lanes cut by the Etruscans, which can be explored on foot. It is about 25 km from Saturnia, and the two are often visited together.
Opening hours
Old town open all day; Jewish Quarter Museum approx. 10:00–18:00, closed Saturdays
Nearby sights
- Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia
- Monte Amiata
- Rocca di Radicofani
- Bagni San Filippo
- Rocca d'Orcia & Rocca di Tentennano
- Abbazia di Sant'Antimo
- Bagno Vignoni
- Villa La Foce