Immersed in the landscape of the Maremman countryside sits Sorano, a charming old town that’s been around since the Middle Ages.

Sorano was one of the first towns I visited when I arrived in the Maremma and I’ve completely fallen in love with it.

I just can’t help going back to its gorgeous streets and reliving the beauty and charm that only comes with centuries of existence. And I’m not alone, Sorano is a veritable paradise for lovers of history, art and culture, all bundled into one.

Sorano is in the heart of Città del Tufo, an ancient land that was inhabited by the Etruscans and is now one of the only places in Italy to still hold the key to this fascinating civilisation.

Don’t believe me? Reserve a day to trample around the countryside the surrounds Sorano and you won’t go more than a kilometre without coming across some fascinating necropolis or ‘Vie Cave’ road built before the Bronze Age.

My Must See Attractions in Sorano:

Masso Leopoldino: Impossible to miss, the Masso Leopoldino rises far above all the other buildings in Sorano. Built in the 18th century, it was commissioned by the powerful Duke Leopold of Lorraine who hoped it would make the city impregnable. At the summit of the fortress is a terrace. From there you admire the ancient clock tower and take in all of Sorano below, as well the surrounding valley. Asute observers might be able to see ancient ‘grotte’, caves, which were once used by the Etruscans to store food and livestock.

Chiesa di San Niccolò: sitting in Piazza Busatti, the Chiesa di San Niccolò was finished in 1509 but 18th century renovations almost completely removed any signs of the original medieval and Romanesque details. But the church is still magnificient and the works of art inside vary in age and beauty. Keep an eye out for the exquisite Madonna del Buon Consiglio, which was donated by Cosimo II de’Medici in the 17th century.

Palazzo Comitale: The residence of the Orsini Counts before they build the Rocca Leopoldino in 1466. You can still see some of the counts’ private rooms, framed by arches and columns, which still bear the various coats of arms.

Fortezza Orsini: If you can only visit one thing in Sorano, visit this fortress. It is, after all, one of most detailed and complete examples of Italian Renaissance military architecture in the entire country. Designed in 1552 by Sienese architect Anton Maria Lari, it is still in almost perfect condition. Visitors can tour the gorgeous exterior and interior with a guide almost all year round. Remember to stop and admire the frescoes inside the castle- they were paint in the 16th century and have only been recently restored to their former glory!

Parco Orsini: Hidden amongst the trees, this beautiful park was once the private garden of the Orsini Counts and has some small but striking Renaissance statues depicting monsters, knights and mythological beings.