Sovana
Assumed to have been place of importance in Etruscan and Roman age, Sovana became the Episcopalian seat in the 6th century. However today, the history and evolution of the city dates back no further than the 12th century, due to a peculiar lack of documentation.
In the Middle Age Sovana consisted of one castle, built by the renowned Aldobrandeschi family. A fortress and other numerous public buildings and churches followed sortly after. In this period, Sovana enjoyed a level of celebrity as the birthplace of Ildebrando of Soana, who later become Pope Gregorio VII, in 1073. This importance decreased in the 14th century, when control passed to the Orsini family. The town suffered epidemics of malaria, frequent wars and economic crisis, causing a notable decrease in the population.
Today the village appears isolated and abandoned, consisting of less than 500 inhabitants. However, the ruins of the medieval structures in Sorano give light to the beauty and importance of the town in the past. It’s significance at the forefront of economic and social development in the zone is demonstrated in the monuments which still stand, the churches, the well constructed and lovely houses and streets and its fortress. This astounding history and beauty is even continued outside of Sovano, with the surrounding zone covered in Etruscan graves and caverns.
