Sorano, Medieval hilltop commune in southern Tuscany, Italy.
Sorano is a hilltop commune in southern Tuscany with stone buildings connected through narrow passages and streets. The settlement sits within rolling landscape and forms a tightly bound village pattern.
The location was founded by Etruscans and later expanded as a fortress by a powerful family that controlled the site through the 16th century. The stronghold was enlarged and shaped during the Renaissance period.
The name recalls a family that once ruled here, and the streets display typical Tuscan craftsmanship traditions throughout the settlement. You notice these connections everywhere in how residents use the narrow passages and maintain their homes.
The commune connects to other Tuscan cities by bus and sits on hilly terrain with winding roads throughout the region. The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon when visitor numbers are sparse.
Many houses are built directly into the tufa rock formation of the hill, causing living spaces and natural stone to blend together seamlessly. This building method was practical for earlier inhabitants and gives the settlement a distinctive character.
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