7 best things to do in Pitigliano Italy

Perched high on a hilltop among the tranquil nature of southern Tuscany is the beautiful borgo of Pitigliano.  

While you might have difficulty pronouncing its name, Pitigliano is one place that you’ll never forget. 

In this post, I’ll be sharing the 7 best things to do in Pitigliano Italy in 1 day.

My hope is that, by the end, you’ll be adding the ‘little Jerusalem’ in Tuscany to your Italy bucket list. 

One of the most beautiful places in Tuscany, use this post to help plan your Italy trip. 

A brief history of Pitigliano

Pitigliano has roots dating to Etruscan times.  

The Etruscans were an ancient civilization that thrived in central Italy before the rise of the Roman Empire. 

One of the Etruscans’ centers is located exactly where Pitigliano stands today. The community inhabited the town until the 5th century BC leaving extensive traces of his passages. One of its most prominent traces is the Vie Cave located just outside Pitigliano. 

What is a borgo? 

Pitigliano is considered one of the most beautiful borghi in Italy. 

Borghi can refer to a small settlement or community, typically characterized by historic features. They can vary in size, often dating to medieval times and are typically located in picturesque settings. 

Some Italian borghi I have previously covered include Asolo, Savoca and Orta San Giulio. 

Where is Pitigliano? 

Pitigliano is situated in the province of Grosseto, in the Maremma region in southern Tuscany. Sitting on the southern border with Lazio, the journey from Pitigliano to Rome by car takes around 2hr 17mins.

Instead, the distance from Tuscany’s capital of Florence up north is around 117mi (189km). This translates to a journey time of around 2hr 38mins by car. One of my top picks for villages in Tuscany, Pitigliano makes a perfect addition to a 5 days in Tuscany itinerary.

While there are public transport options available from Pitigliano to Florence, it involves taking 3 buses and a train. 

A more convenient option would be renting a car or joining a tour should you plan to visit Pitigliano. 

Some Pitigliano tours you might consider booking include: 

• From Rome: day trip to Saturnia, Montemerano and Pitigliano  
• From Florence: Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio and Pitigliano 
• From Pitigliano: private tour of Pitigliano and Vie Cave 
• From Pitigliano: private walking tour 

When is a good time to visit Pitigliano? 

We visited Pitigliano in mid-May. Usually a time of year I recommend visitors to come to Italy, this particular May weather was disappointing.  

While temperatures remained moderate, it rained heavily in Pitigliano in May during our trip. There were moments of sunshine in between but they were short lived. 

Knowing when the best time to visit Italy is isn’t as clear cut as it used to be.  

Instead, I’d advise on packing the right essentials and being prepared for any weather eventuality. Whenever you choose to visit, I guarantee that Pitigliano is 100% worth visiting.

7 best things to do in Pitigliano Italy 

1. Enjoy the views from the aqueduct  

Pitigliano’s grand aqueduct is something you first notice from afar upon driving towards the town.  

But the sight is something completely different once you see it after entering Piazza Francesco Petruccioli. The street lined with bars and hotels marks the entrance to Pitigliano’s historic center.  

And just seconds upon entering, the grand aqueduct comes into full view. Construction began in the mid-16th century with the aim of transporting water from the rivers to Pitigliano. 

The long series of arches characterize this part of the historic center. Enjoy the views of the river and beyond, it’s one of the best things to do in Pitigliano.  

Medici Aqueduct (Aquedotto Mediceo)

🎥 Watch: the Tuscan town known as 'the small Jerusalem' in Tuscany

2. Visit Orsini Palace 

Just feet away from the aqueduct arches on the right is Orsini Palace (Palazzo Orsini).  

Construction of the palace-fortress began in the 12th century under the instruction of the noble Aldobrandeschi family. In 1313, the palace was passed to the Orsini family following the marriage of Anastasia Aldobrandeschi to Romano Orsini. 

Present day Pitgiliano Tuscany 

Today, the huge building hosts the Museum of Orsini Palace (Museo di Palazzo Orsini) and Pitigliano’s Civic Archaeolgical Museum. 

The former is a museum spread over 21 rooms filled with historical works of art. Some notable pieces include the wooden statue of Madonna and Child and Madonna and Child on the throne with angels. 

Located in a wing in Orsini Palace, the Civic Archaeological Museum mainly houses artifacts excavated from the Etruscan era. 

Time permitting, visiting the palace and museums are some of the best things to do in Pitigliano in 1 day. 

Orsini Palace (Museo di Palazzo Orsini), Civic Archaelogical Museum (Museo Civico Archeologico), Piazza della Fortezza Orsini, 1 

3. See Pitigliano’s iconic fountain 

As you continue walking further into the historic center, you eventually cross another piazza. 

Piazza della Repubblica is lined with osterias, fountains and pretty trees with square-shaped crowns. 

And at the southern end of the square is one fountain that steals the spotlight. 

The Fountain of the Seven Spouts sits at the head of the aqueduct providing water to the townspeople.

Set amidst the backdrop of the Tuscan landscape, the 16th century fountain has seven spouts, each one representing an animal. 

Fountain of the Seven Spouts (Fontana delle Sette Cannelle), Piazza Della Repubblica 

Pitigliano Italy map

4. Stop by Pitigliano’s Cathedral 

The main road of Via Roma takes you further into the historic center of Pitigliano.  

A charming street lined with shops, trattorias and independent grocers, there’s plenty to browse along the way. 

And once Via Roma comes to an end, it crosses into Piazza San. Gregorio VII. Home to more shops and pretty restaurants, the piazza’s also home to the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul. 

Sources say that the cathedral dates to the 13th century. Since its completion, it has undergone several renovations before it acquired its current baroque facade.  

This exterior dates to the 18th century and features the statues of St. Peter and St. Paul on either side of the church. 

Inside the cathedral is some notable artwork, such as the Madonna of the Rosary with Saints by Francesco Vanni. 

Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Pau, (Cattedrale SS. Pietro e Paolo), Piazza San. Gregorio VII 

5. Explore the Jewish Ghetto 

Pitigliano goes by the moniker of ‘little Jerusalem’ (la piccola Gerusalemme) and for good reason. While you won’t find historical sites like in Jerusalem, visiting the quarter is one of the best things to do in Pitigliano. 

The Pitigliano Jewish community has had a long-standing connection with the town.  

The Jewish Ghetto (Antico Ghetto) consists of a main street (Via Zuccarelli) and a labyrinth of alleys and small squares. Enjoy browsing the specialty Jewish shops, like a kosher butcher and a bakery where they still make traditional unleavened bread. 

Pitigliano became an important center of refuge for Jewish people in central Italy. The growth of the community was symbolized by the construction of Pitigliano Synagogue in 1598. 

Pitigliano Synagogue 

Situated in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto, Pitigliano Synagogue is the only one in the entire province of Grosseto.  

Open to visitors, the entrance is through a large archway in Via Marghera that leads to an outdoor courtyard. Much of the synagogue’s interior decor date to the 16th and 17th centuries. 

Today, Pitigliano Synagogue is used to host special occasions like weddings and Bar-Mitzvahs. 

Additional information 

Tickets to enter Pitigliano Synagogue cost €5 ($5.45/£4.26)* for visitors over the age of 13. Men over this age need to cover their head with a kippa before entering. The synagogue sells these for €1 ($1.09/£0.86). 

The synagogue and Jewish Museum opening hours are: 

• April to October: 10.00 to 13.00; 14.30 to 18.00  
• November to March: 10.00 to 12.30; 15.00 to 17.00  
• It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays*  

Pitigliano Synagogue (Singoga di Pitigliano), Vicolo Manin 
Jewish Museum of Pitigliano (Museo Ebraico di Pitigliano) 

6. Dine at a local restaurant 

Despite its size, Pitigliano has plenty of excellent restaurants and dining options to choose from. 

During our visit, we sat down to a mouthwatering dinner at the charming Hosteria del Ceccottino. 

Located in the same piazza as Pitigliano Cathedral, the restaurant serves rustic, homestyle dishes and superb wine. 

Its sister restaurant, La Corte del Ceccottino, has a more refined dining style and is just steps away. 

Ceccottino, Piazza S. Gregorio VII, 64 
La Corte del Ceccottino, Via Vignoli, 204B 

7. Walk through the Vie Cave 

Time permitting, consider adding a walk through the Vie Cave to your Pitigliano itinerary. 

Built by the Etruscans, the Vie Cave are a series of roads that were excavated into the tuff rock. Some routes pass through rock walls that measure up to 66ft (20m) high. The roads connect the settlements and necropolises that were built during their civilization.  

Today, visitors can walk these routes through the Vie Cave to reach neighboring towns. Two popular walks include Pitigliano to nearby Sovana (approximately 4.3mi/7km) and Sorano to San Quirico (approximately 5mi/8km). 

Other places to visit near Pitigliano 

A visit to Pitigliano can combine trips to nearby places in southern Tuscany.

Some other towns to consider seeing while in the area include: 

• Montemerano 
• Sovana and Sorano Italy 
• Terme di Saturnia  
• Manciano 
• Lake Bolsena 

Where to stay in Pitigliano 

Should you prefer to extend your stay in town, the following are some Pitigliano hotels to consider booking:  

• KM 0 Dal Centro – townhouse with winery located in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto 
• Dimor'à Rooms – a modern guesthouse in Piazza della Repubblica with a roof terrace 
• Da Titta – gorgeous rustic rooms, breakfast included 
• B&B Locanda Il Tufo Rosa – cozy B&B with generous-size rooms and a prime location 

What are your thoughts on this list of the best things to do in Pitigliano Italy? Does it look like a town that you’d like to visit? Let me know in the comments below.