Sovana: Etruscan Tombs and Historic Buildings

Sovana brings together historical themes spanning a wide range of periods: Etruscan tomb architecture, religious buildings, fortress history and the history of Gregory VII. There are also two museums with different focuses and a hiking route between Pitigliano and Sovana. To help plan your stay, it is useful to distinguish between themes: a tomb monument, a church and an exhibition each offer a different way to explore the past.

Etruscan Tombs and Traces of the Past

The Tomba Ildebranda in the Sovana necropolis dates from the 3rd–2nd century BC and is considered one of the most important monuments in all of Etruria. It consists of a burial chamber and a tomb monument, both carved entirely into tuff walls. These two elements help explain the layout of the tomb: the site includes both a room carved into the tuff and the tomb monument. The Museo archeologico di San Mamiliano complements this view of Etruscan history with finds dating from the Etruscan period through to the early Middle Ages, after the fall of the Roman Empire. Its collection therefore extends beyond the architecture of a single tomb, encompassing finds from several historical periods.

Churches, Fortress and Administrative History

The religious buildings also differ in age and architectural features. The church of San Mamiliano was built around the 4th century AD on the remains of an Etruscan and subsequently Roman building; it is considered Sovana’s oldest religious building. Santa Maria dates from the 12th–13th century. A rare pre-Romanesque ciborium stands above its main altar. The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul dates back to at least the 11th century and combines Gothic, Romanesque and Lombard styles. Thus, San Mamiliano is notable for its early date and the remains of older buildings, Santa Maria for its ciborium, and the cathedral for the coexistence of three styles. These examples make it possible to compare different aspects of the religious heritage, rather than classifying the churches solely by age.

The Rocca Aldobrandesca, at the entrance to the town, was built around the 11th century; parts of the keep and the surrounding walls survive. The Palazzo Pretorio dates from the 12th–13th century. Its façade displays nine coats of arms bearing the names of the chief justices and commissioners who succeeded one another under the rule of Siena and Florence. The names associated with the coats of arms draw attention to administration and changes in authority. The palazzo therefore offers a different perspective from the churches, where construction dates, furnishings or architectural styles take centre stage.

Two Museums, Two Different Focuses

The Museo di San Gregorio VII is on the first floor of the Palazzo Pretorio. Its exhibition route uses finds, reconstructions and documents to explore important episodes in the life of Gregory VII, presenting him from both religious and historical perspectives. Different materials and two points of view come together in an exhibition about the same historical figure. The visitor route at the Museo archeologico di San Mamiliano also includes the crypt of the old church of San Mamiliano. Check the route, including the crypt, before your trip. You should also check visiting arrangements for the Museo di San Gregorio VII in advance.

Hiking Route Between Pitigliano and Sovana

Another option is a 10.2-kilometre hiking route between Pitigliano and Sovana, leading to Etruscan necropolises, including the Sopraripa necropolis. Unlike a single building or museum exhibition, this route focuses on a trail and several archaeological sites. The stated length gives you a specific distance to use when planning. The hiking route can therefore be considered a distinct focus alongside the churches, fortress remains and museums.

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