Pitigliano
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Latest page update: 24 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Pitigliano
Pitigliano has a good selection of well-established hotels and historic residences, many set within ancient stone buildings that overlook the tufa cliffs and valleys below. Accommodation here is known for charm, comfort and strong guest feedback for service, location and authenticity.
Albergo Guastini is a leading choice in the town centre, offering modern rooms within a historic building, a restaurant and terrace, praised for its cleanliness, friendly staff and excellent breakfast (€€). Relais Valle Orientina, located just outside the town, provides a wellness-focused stay with thermal pools, a spa and on-site dining, earning high ratings for relaxation and service (€€€). Another well-reviewed option is Hotel Corano, which offers comfortable rooms, parking and a restaurant in a convenient setting near the main road, appreciated for its value and accessibility (€€).
Albergo Guastini is a leading choice in the town centre, offering modern rooms within a historic building, a restaurant and terrace, praised for its cleanliness, friendly staff and excellent breakfast (€€). Relais Valle Orientina, located just outside the town, provides a wellness-focused stay with thermal pools, a spa and on-site dining, earning high ratings for relaxation and service (€€€). Another well-reviewed option is Hotel Corano, which offers comfortable rooms, parking and a restaurant in a convenient setting near the main road, appreciated for its value and accessibility (€€).
Where is
Where is Pitigliano?
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The town of Pitigliano is situated within the Province of Grosseto and stands at an elevation of 313 metres above sea level. It has a population of around 4,000 inhabitants.
Places of interest nearby include Sovana, Sorano, Saturnia, Montemerano and Capalbio while the recommended accommodation is the Hotel della Fortezza in Sorano. |
Comune di Pitigliano
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Province: Grosseto
Region: Tuscany Population: 3,548 (in 2024 - source) Size: 102 km² Elevation: 313 metres Close by: Sovana, Sorano, Saturnia, Montemerano, Capalbio Recommended accommodation: Hotel della Fortezza (9 km) |
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One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: La Piccola Gerusalemme Toscana (The Little Tuscan Jerusalem) |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Listed since: 2003 1 of 24 in Tuscany listed by Touring Club Italiano |
What People Ask About Pitigliano
Is Pitigliano worth visiting?
Yes, Pitigliano is worth visiting for its dramatic cliffside setting, historic centre, and Jewish heritage. Known as “Little Jerusalem,” it combines Etruscan remains, medieval streets, and Renaissance palaces in a striking location.
What are the main attractions in Pitigliano?
Key attractions include the Palazzo Orsini, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and the historic Jewish ghetto with its restored synagogue. The Etruscan Vie Cave pathways and surrounding necropolises are also major highlights.
How do I get to Pitigliano?
Pitigliano is in southern Tuscany, about 80 kilometres from Grosseto and 110 kilometres from Orvieto. The nearest train station is in Albinia on the Tyrrhenian coast, around 50 kilometres away, so driving is the most convenient option.
When is the best time to visit Pitigliano?
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with comfortable weather for exploring the town and archaeological sites. Summer brings festivals and lively events, while winter is quieter but still atmospheric.
How long should I stay in Pitigliano?
One full day is ideal to explore the historic centre, Jewish quarter, and nearby Etruscan sites. Many visitors also combine Pitigliano with Sovana and Sorano as part of a two-day trip through the tufa towns.
Related links
Discover
Discover Pitigliano
Pitigliano is a striking hill town in southern Tuscany, built on a ridge of volcanic tufa above the Lente River valley. Its houses appear to rise directly from the rock, forming a dramatic skyline that overlooks deep ravines and wooded hills. The old town is entered through the Porta Sovana, leading into a network of narrow lanes, arches and small squares surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings.
The Palazzo Orsini dominates the historic centre, reflecting Pitigliano’s role as a feudal stronghold during the Middle Ages. The Cathedral of Santi Pietro e Paolo and the Church of Santa Maria contain notable artworks, while the Jewish Quarter and its restored synagogue illustrate the town’s long-standing Jewish heritage. The surrounding area includes the Vie Cave, ancient Etruscan pathways carved into the rock. Pitigliano forms part of the Tufa Towns together with Sovana and Sorano, linked by scenic roads through the Maremma hills.
The Palazzo Orsini dominates the historic centre, reflecting Pitigliano’s role as a feudal stronghold during the Middle Ages. The Cathedral of Santi Pietro e Paolo and the Church of Santa Maria contain notable artworks, while the Jewish Quarter and its restored synagogue illustrate the town’s long-standing Jewish heritage. The surrounding area includes the Vie Cave, ancient Etruscan pathways carved into the rock. Pitigliano forms part of the Tufa Towns together with Sovana and Sorano, linked by scenic roads through the Maremma hills.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Piigliano
- Centro Storico di Pitigliano is a spectacular medieval town where narrow stone streets weave among ancient houses, arched gateways, and terracotta rooftops. Dramatically perched on a tufa cliff, the town’s buildings appear to rise seamlessly from the rock itself. Pitigliano sits in southern Tuscany’s Maremma region, surrounded by deep valleys and wooded hills. Its atmosphere blends quiet medieval mystery with the vibrant life of a historic cultural crossroads.
- Chiesa di San Pietro e Paolo stands prominently in Pitigliano, with a simple yet elegant façade and a serene interior. Inside are baroque altars, frescoes, and fine decorative details reflecting local artistry. The church remains central to religious life and community events. It’s a peaceful place to visit while exploring the town’s winding alleys.
- Piazza della Repubblica serves as the social and cultural heart of Pitigliano, edged with palaces, local shops, and cafés. Locals and visitors gather here for markets, festivals, and daily conversation. Outdoor seating offers views over the surrounding valleys and the town’s impressive cliffside position. The square reflects the lively yet relaxed rhythm of this unique town.
- Quartiere Ebraico di Pitigliano lies within the old town and tells the story of the town’s Jewish community, once known as “Little Jerusalem.” The area includes the restored synagogue, ritual baths, and ancient cellars carved into the tufa rock. Walking through these narrow lanes offers a poignant connection to centuries of cultural coexistence. It’s one of Pitigliano’s most distinctive features.
- Guided historical and cultural tours in Pitigliano lead visitors through Etruscan caves, medieval streets, and Jewish heritage sites. Local guides share stories about noble families, hidden tunnels, and regional traditions. Tours often include tastings of local wines, olive oil, and Tuscan specialities. It’s an exceptional way to connect with the cultural depth and dramatic landscapes of southern Tuscany.
Tours and Activities
Pitigliano Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Pitigliano Photo Gallery
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👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
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8. Volterra
9. Pienza
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👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Pitigliano
By Rail: Pitigliano does not have its own railway station. The nearest stations are in Albinia (about 55 kilometres away) and Orbetello-Monte Argentario (around 60 kilometres away), both on the Rome–Grosseto line operated by Trenitalia. Trains connect Albinia to Grosseto in roughly 35 minutes and to Rome in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. From either station, Pitigliano can be reached by car, taxi, or local bus via the SR74 road.
By Road: The town is located in southern Tuscany, near the border with Lazio, in the area known as the Maremma. From Grosseto, the distance is about 85 kilometres, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SP159 and SR74 roads. From Rome, the journey is around 150 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, while from Florence it is roughly 190 kilometres, with a drive of around 2 hours and 40 minutes. Parking is available just outside the historic centre, particularly near the panoramic viewpoints.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town is located in southern Tuscany, near the border with Lazio, in the area known as the Maremma. From Grosseto, the distance is about 85 kilometres, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SP159 and SR74 roads. From Rome, the journey is around 150 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, while from Florence it is roughly 190 kilometres, with a drive of around 2 hours and 40 minutes. Parking is available just outside the historic centre, particularly near the panoramic viewpoints.
Nearest International Airports:
- Rome Fiumicino Airport: Located about 150 kilometres from Pitigliano, with a driving time of around 2 hours and 15 minutes. It offers extensive domestic, European, and intercontinental flight connections.
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: Approximately 200 kilometres away, the journey takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. It provides numerous European and some long-haul services.
- Florence Peretola Airport: Roughly 190 kilometres from Pitigliano, with a driving time of around 2 hours and 40 minutes. It serves a variety of European and national destinations.
Private Transfers
Pitigliano Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and reliable way to reach Pitigliano or continue your journey to other destinations in southern Tuscany and central Italy. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to coordinate public transport or navigate winding rural roads yourself.
From Pitigliano, transfers can connect you with Rome Fiumicino Airport and Pisa International Airport, while longer routes are also available to Florence Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. They are equally practical for shorter journeys to nearby towns such as Sovana, Sorano, and Manciano, or for travelling further across the Maremma hills and the wider Tuscan countryside.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Pitigliano, transfers can connect you with Rome Fiumicino Airport and Pisa International Airport, while longer routes are also available to Florence Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. They are equally practical for shorter journeys to nearby towns such as Sovana, Sorano, and Manciano, or for travelling further across the Maremma hills and the wider Tuscan countryside.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

