Defensive walls in Pitigliano, Medieval defensive walls in Pitigliano, Italy.
The defensive walls in Pitigliano form a protective system surrounding the ancient town center, constructed from thick stone and positioned on natural volcanic tuff cliffs. The structure rises from the landscape itself, making the cliffs an integral part of the fortification rather than simply sitting atop them.
The fortification began in the 7th century BC with Etruscan walls protecting the settlement's weaker northwestern side. The Aldobrandeschi family expanded and reinforced the system during medieval times as their power grew in the region.
Local residents use the walls for daily walks and gathering, while visitors discover how the fortifications shaped the town's layout and continue to define its character. The structure remains woven into everyday life rather than standing isolated as a relic.
Visitors can walk along preserved sections of the walls, though some parts are steeper than others and require sturdy footwear. The town has several entry points, and exploring the circuit takes time, so plan accordingly for your pace and interests.
In the southern area, the fortifications are interwoven with the Medici aqueduct, where medieval wall sections actually support the pillars of this water system. This blending shows how older structures were repurposed in Renaissance-era construction rather than torn down.
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