Pitigliano, Sovana, Sorano, Saturnia and their tuff-rock cultures

"The southern part of Tuscany in the Maremma uplands between the ancient volcano Mount Amiata, the meanderings of the Fiora river and its tributary, the Lente, and the border with the Lazio Region is commonly known as Toscana dei tufi, Tuscany of the Tuff-rock (the towns of Pitigliano, Sorano and Castell'Azzara) because tuffrock is the first characteristic of this fascinating landscape of priceless archaeological heritage, old towns with their Medieval layout, and its wealth of exuberant nature. Here, man has made skilful use of the particular nature of the surroundings, creating unique, sometimes almost magical settings which surround the visitor and play on his every sense. Indeed the beauty and uniqueness of these places do not fail to inspire and stimulate; strolling and observing our surroundings - smells and fragrances, colours, light and shade, and flavours are a continual provocation to our curiosity and senses. Geologically, the area is marked by tuff-rock shelves that stretch from Pitigliano and Sorano to as far as Lazio and Umbria..."