The ways Etruscan

In the heart of Maremma Grosseto , It pierces the rock resulting in a lattice of unsuspected canyon. Being hidden in thick vegetation are not known, their presence has been reported to be John Feo, scholar and connoisseur of the place, so remember that the sensation experienced the first time that the event happened in one of these canyons, "Despite the different other, the Vie Cave have common sense that leaving: that of loss, but at the same time for protection. "And how can we not believe him! The vision for these corridors, even up to twenty meters high, which goes, in a cramped, narrow space, nature tufacea Highlands located near Sorano and Pitigliano, is particularly evocative, almost magical. It becomes then only if you think that this is not a natural phenomenon, but real way in the ground dug by the Etruscans.

The reason that led them to create these truly unique pathways have been put forward many hypotheses. Some archaeologists believe serve to drain rainwater from the high plains, making it flow in deep gorges, others argue that they were more likely to real roads of great communication. Then there is a third theory, definitely fascinating; is supported by John Feo that the Vie Cave arose in a context of worship of the earth and were later used as burial and sacred journeys. This view is supported from the mysticism that surrounds those who explore these tunnels, received in the womb of Mother Earth. That such feelings were common to the ancient already seems to be proved by the discovery of a swastika, symbol of the sun and life. Beside you can read "vertne" whose root refers to the most important Etruscan Veltha deity, the god of being and becoming, of heaven and earth.

Reinforces the sacredness of this place near the two graves, those of the Siren and Ildebranda. The latter, dating from about the third century BC, was once covered with polychrome stucco of which unfortunately remains well little, except a magnificent column, decorated with zoomorphic and vegetables. In the tomb of the Siren has remained intact pediment, decorated with sculptures representing in fact a two-tailed mermaid accompanying souls. And these are not the only surprises that await those who go into these gorges. Here and there glimpsed along the walls, from medieval tabernacles, sacred images that would be used to protect travelers from devil, Ranger for this place. Their presence testifies to the good fortune that these pathways, so efficient and walked from the wagons, they met through the ages. Today, not yet become a destination for mass tourism, enact a kind of primordial fascination from which one can only be kidnapped. Treat yourself to unforgettable emotions and then immerse yourself in this pathway, including curved and straight, in a network of rare ferns and fungi, there lead to the discovery of three charming villages: Pitigliano, Sovana, Sorano.

Sorano

Climbed on the sides of a cliff, the country is dominated at the huge amount of Orsini fortress, within which there are three cores constructed in different periods: the medieval fortress, the curtain, the ramparts and keep, and a Renaissance building beginning of the twentieth century.

The real attraction is but a few km away from Sorano is the Pompeii of tufa, the great rock of settlement Vitozza. In over two hundred caves, some of which are communicating with each other, were carved into the tufa dwellings and even their internal furniture. If you are tired of these walks and you want to relax, take the opportunity to relax at the terme di Sorano.

Sovana

If this village has been included among the hundred most beautiful villages of Italy and has been declared by UNESCO Patrimony of Humanity, there must be a reason. Indeed there are several. Small but rich in treasures, such as the Cathedral and the Fortress Aldobrandesca the necropoli rock and the church of St Mary. To venture to their discovery will be a real pleasure.

Pitigliano

More than one, two cities. Indeed below settlement built on a spur of the tuffaceous Pitigliano lies underground, consisting of tunnels, stables, cellars, Colombari, and inevitable, Vie Cave.
It is also called Little Jerusalem because she lived here for a long time, a community of Jews, which is currently very small. Ghetto is found in the synagogue, where many go to marry.
Walking through Pitigliano will also visit the seventeenth-century aqueduct, the Cathedral and, why not also attend its thermal spas.