プロチェーノの洞窟・トップ5

北西に位置する凝灰岩の拍車の底にある要塞。

The overnight stay at the Castello was THE highlight of our trip. It was quirky and unique, as the elderly countess also gave a private tour of her castle. A fortified castle with 1,000 years of history, it's privately run. The rooms are furnished as they were 100 years ago, but with a private bathroom. The pool, like the restaurant, is set in an "enchanted" castle park. The restaurant is excellent, as the countess also serves and, alongside the staff, looks after the guests. The whole experience is quirky and unique.

Along the Vie Cave of Vitozza we can admire the caves that have been divided into three types: mixed-use caves (as a dwelling and stable); stables (recognizable by the presence of mangers, troughs and fences); caves for residential use (present especially on the south-west side, more sheltered and better exposed to the sun). The latter are characterized by jars for grain, wells for collecting water and chimneys. The first evidence dates back to the 11th century, when numerous castles were built throughout the area. At that time Vitozza must have been part of a large fiefdom that included 15 castles among which we remember Sorano, Pitigliano, Farnese, Mezzano, etc. (Guiniccesca land). The fiefdom must have had considerable strategic importance since thanks to the fortifications it was possible to control the natural access routes to the sea.

The area of Vitozza, near San Quirico, is one of the most important medieval rock settlements in Italy that developed on a tuff spur above the Lente valley. The settlement, already existing in the 12th century, was definitively abandoned around the 15th century due to wars and depredations. Traveling along the main dirt road you can admire the remains of fortifications, churches and also numerous caves (more than two hundred) that were used as stables, homes and places of work.

Vitozza, a significant rock settlement in the municipality of Sorano, has medieval roots, presumably at the end of the 11th century, around the castle built by the Aldobrandeschi. This castle structure is located in a rock settlement which probably saw settlements already in the Etruscan-Roman era. Over the centuries, Vitozza has passed through various dominations, including Orvieto, the Basques, the Aldobrandeschi, Siena and the Orsini. Despite its historical importance, the settlement suffered a slow decline and progressive abandonment, with the population moving to San Quirico in the sixteenth century. However, the Vitozza caves remained inhabited until the eighteenth century, as documented by the 1783 census conducted by the Lorena family. The history of Vitozza is today told through descriptive panels at the entrances to the caves, highlighting the people and families who lived there centuries ago.

Vitozza is an important rock settlement located in the municipality of Sorano. Its location is in the south-eastern part of the municipal territory, a couple of kilometers north-west of the hamlet of San Quirico. The Vie Cave path is entirely cycleable, only the final part towards Sorano is more technical.

Vitozza is an important rock settlement located in the municipality of Sorano. Its location is in the south-eastern part of the municipal territory, a couple of kilometers north-west of the hamlet of San Quirico. The Vie Cave path is entirely cycleable, only the final part towards Sorano is more technical.

Unfortunately only little remainings are left but watch out for partly collapsed basement vaults!