Sovana
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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 Sovana
Sovana offers a small but refined selection of established hotels that complement its historic setting within the tufa hills of southern Tuscany. Most accommodation occupies restored stone buildings and is known for charm, attentive service and strong guest feedback for quality and atmosphere.
Sovana Hotel & Resort is the standout choice, located in the village centre with elegant rooms, gardens and a pool, praised for its character, comfort and professionalism (€€€). Hotel Scilla offers traditional accommodation within a converted noble residence, featuring a restaurant and terrace, appreciated for its authenticity and friendly service (€€). For those seeking a countryside option nearby, Agriturismo Biologico Sant’Egle provides boutique-style rooms in a restored farmhouse, well reviewed for its sustainability, design and warm hospitality (€€€).
Sovana Hotel & Resort is the standout choice, located in the village centre with elegant rooms, gardens and a pool, praised for its character, comfort and professionalism (€€€). Hotel Scilla offers traditional accommodation within a converted noble residence, featuring a restaurant and terrace, appreciated for its authenticity and friendly service (€€). For those seeking a countryside option nearby, Agriturismo Biologico Sant’Egle provides boutique-style rooms in a restored farmhouse, well reviewed for its sustainability, design and warm hospitality (€€€).
Where is
Where is Sovana?
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The town of Sovana is situated within the Province of Grosseto and has a population of around 3,000 inhabitants.
It stands at an elevation of 291 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Pitigliano, Sorano, Saturnia and Santa Fiora Amiata. |
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Sovana - frazione di Sorano
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Comune: Sorano
Province: Grosseto Region: Tuscany Elevation: 291 metres Close by: Pitigliano, Saturnia, Santa Fiora Amiata Recommended accommodation: Sovana Hotel & Resort |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: La Città del Tufo (The Town of the Tuff Rock)
Listing headline: La Città del Tufo (The Town of the Tuff Rock)
What People Ask About Sovana
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Discover
Discover Sovana
Sovana is a small historic village in southern Tuscany, set on a plateau of volcanic tufa within the Maremma region. Surrounded by olive groves and wooded valleys, it retains a remarkably preserved medieval core with quiet lanes, stone houses and ancient churches. The settlement’s origins date back to the Etruscan period, and its compact layout reflects its long continuity from antiquity through the Middle Ages.
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul stands at the edge of the village, featuring Romanesque architecture and finely carved details. In the centre lies Piazza del Pretorio, framed by the Palazzo Pretorio, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Loggia del Capitano. Just outside the town are the Etruscan necropolis and Vie Cave, narrow pathways cut into the rock that connect Sovana with Sorano and Pitigliano, forming part of the ancient network of routes through the Tufa Towns of the Maremma.
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul stands at the edge of the village, featuring Romanesque architecture and finely carved details. In the centre lies Piazza del Pretorio, framed by the Palazzo Pretorio, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Loggia del Capitano. Just outside the town are the Etruscan necropolis and Vie Cave, narrow pathways cut into the rock that connect Sovana with Sorano and Pitigliano, forming part of the ancient network of routes through the Tufa Towns of the Maremma.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Sovana
- Centro Storico di Sovana is a beautifully preserved medieval village where narrow stone streets wind among ancient houses, brick façades, and terracotta rooftops. Arched gateways, small squares, and flowering balconies bring elegance and colour to the architecture. The village sits on gentle hills in southern Tuscany’s Maremma region, surrounded by olive groves and archaeological treasures. Its atmosphere blends quiet medieval charm with a profound sense of Etruscan history.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore stands modestly in Sovana, with a simple stone façade and an intimate interior. Inside are frescoes, finely carved capitals, and a rare 8th-century ciborium reflecting centuries of artistic heritage. The church remains central to religious life and village gatherings. It’s a peaceful place to visit while exploring Sovana’s historic streets.
- Piazza del Pretorio serves as the village’s social and architectural heart, edged with noble buildings, small shops, and inviting cafés. Locals and visitors gather here for markets, festivals, and moments of quiet conversation. Outdoor seating offers views of medieval façades and surrounding countryside. The square reflects the gentle, elegant rhythm of life in this historic village.
- Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo rises at the edge of Sovana, an impressive Romanesque church with an austere exterior and a magnificent interior. Stone carvings, crypts, and ancient inscriptions evoke the village’s deep religious and cultural past. The cathedral is both a spiritual and architectural highlight. Visiting offers insight into Sovana’s role as a medieval and ecclesiastical centre.
- Guided Etruscan and medieval tours in Sovana lead visitors through archaeological parks, ancient necropolises, and historic village streets. Local guides share stories about Etruscan tombs, medieval noble families, and regional traditions. Tours often include tastings of local wines, olive oil, and Maremma specialities. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the cultural depth and timeless beauty of southern Tuscany.
Tours and Activities
Sovana Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Sovana Photo Gallery
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
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👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Sovana
By Rail: Sovana does not have its own railway station. The nearest stations are in Albinia (about 55 kilometres away) and Orvieto (around 60 kilometres away), both served by Trenitalia. Trains from Albinia connect to Grosseto in approximately 35 minutes and to Rome in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, while Orvieto offers services to Florence and Rome in under 2 hours. From either station, Sovana can be reached by car, taxi, or local bus via the SR74 road.
By Road: The village is located in southern Tuscany, within the tufa hill area of the Maremma, near Pitigliano and Sorano. From Grosseto, the distance is around 90 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SP159 and SR74 roads. From Rome, the journey is approximately 150 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, while from Florence it is about 190 kilometres, with a drive of around 2 hours and 40 minutes. Parking is available just outside the historic centre and along the main access road.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The village is located in southern Tuscany, within the tufa hill area of the Maremma, near Pitigliano and Sorano. From Grosseto, the distance is around 90 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SP159 and SR74 roads. From Rome, the journey is approximately 150 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, while from Florence it is about 190 kilometres, with a drive of around 2 hours and 40 minutes. Parking is available just outside the historic centre and along the main access road.
Nearest International Airports:
- Rome Fiumicino Airport: Located about 150 kilometres from Sovana, with a driving time of around 2 hours and 15 minutes. It provides 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 offers numerous European and some long-haul routes.
- Florence Peretola Airport: Roughly 190 kilometres from Sovana, with a driving time of about 2 hours and 40 minutes. It serves several European and national destinations.
Private Transfers
Sovana Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a smooth and comfortable way to reach Sovana 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 organise public transport or drive along country roads yourself.
From Sovana, transfers can connect you with Rome Fiumicino Airport and Pisa International Airport, with longer routes also available to Florence Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. They are equally practical for shorter journeys to nearby towns such as Pitigliano, Sorano, and Manciano, or for travelling further across the Maremma hills and the surrounding 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 Sovana, transfers can connect you with Rome Fiumicino Airport and Pisa International Airport, with longer routes also available to Florence Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. They are equally practical for shorter journeys to nearby towns such as Pitigliano, Sorano, and Manciano, or for travelling further across the Maremma hills and the surrounding 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.
