Via Cava dell'Annunziata

Is cut deeply into the underlying volcanic rock, excavated in ancient times and used as an alternative route to the Via Cava San Giuseppe, which connects the towns of Pitigliano and Sov.ana.Along the path, in addition to countless botanical species, you can also observe an underground columbarium. Inside, the many niches in the walls were used to keep pigeons for breeding purposes during the RenaissanceAt the top of the path, which winds through the vegetation, there is a shrine dedicated to SS. Annunziata. The structure is crowned by a simple profile lintel, in them you can still draw traces of overlapping religious images. From the artificial terrace to the left of the altar you can observe an ancient hermitage (16th century).In the seventeenth century the care of the Via Cava was organized by the Confraternity of SS. Sacramento Pitigliano, which in addition to keeping the Via Cava itself in charge, held religious ceremonies related to the equinox on March 25, the day dedicated to the Annunciation and the beginning of the liturgical cycle.The traditional celebration includes young people lighting small fires along the path and starting the procession to the church of S.Mary now to the church of S. Rocco in Pitigliano.In 1785, due to the "instability of the religious structure", the Confraternity abandoned the care of the Via Cava and the procession, but the ancient path remains today and is a popular route used by many tourists and trekking enthusiasts.

Short, steep but worth the hike

Beautiful descent back to the starting point.