Welcome to my very first Italy Pic of the Day! After moving to Italy in 2020, Italy has become my everyday so, everyday I’ll be sharing a little slice of what I love about my new country. This week, I’ll be focusing on Pitigliano! Easily one of my favorite non-touristy towns in Tuscany and apparently one of Lori Zainos as well. She recently named Pitigliano along with Vieste, Amalfi and Alberobello as one of the 19 most beautiful villages in Italy.
Known as Italy’s “Little Jerusalem,” Pitigliano rises out of volcanic rock, a village founded by the Etruscans that once had a thriving Jewish community. A walk through the Jewish quarter is a must, as well as a trip to the Orsini Palace and Museum.
Lori Zaino for The Points Guy
Photo of Pitigliano, Italy
Loveliest Non-Touristy Town in Tuscany | Pitigliano
I wholeheartedly cheer Pitigliano’s inclusion in the list of Italy’s most beautiful villages because, it’s one of the least touristy villages on the list. Pitigliano is also one of the architecturally most stunning towns in southern Tuscany.
Driving into town, Pitigliano rises out of the side of a tuff spur. Like Sovana and Sorano, Pitigliano is a city carved out of Tufaceous or “Tuff” rock (volcanic rock). Collectively these cities are known as Città del Tufo (Cities of Tufo).
If you take a closer look at our Italy Pic of the Day from Pitigliano (zoomed in on below) you see some of the cave carvings Etruscans once called home. Look towards the bottom of the city at the ridge line.
Why Pitigliano, Italy Makes for Beautiful Pictures
Pitigliano dates back to 1636. Which means the centro (city center) streets are too small for modern cars. Which just leaves, people, cats and Apes and a lot of decedent silence to wander through. It’s a lot of fun to wander and photograph a city that feels like you have it to yourself!
While looking through Paolo’s collection of photos of Pitigliano, I came across the one below showing why sunset photos of Pitigliano are so beautiful. It’s all about the Tuff!
Tuff rock is formed from volcanic ash that has cooled and compacts into solid rock. Soft enough to carve, solid enough to construct it has a natural yellowish glow and porous surface. Perfect for reflecting the setting sun during magic hour, which you can catch tomorrow in our Italy Pic of the Day post!
Love your blog. Would love to know where you moved to as my husband and I want to move to Italy as well.
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Hi Hope. We’re saving the news of where for (fingers crossed) just a few more weeks. I say fingers crossed as we’re working on paperwork and contracts that we hope wrap up soon! If you want to chat areas of Italy feel free to connect with me at Brandy@alorconsulting.com
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What a cute town! Great pictures again! Maggie
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Thank you Maggie! More coming up. Going to see how folks like this format. Italy is endlessly beautiful and it’s such a joy to live and explore here, I’m hoping shorter posts are more fun for my friends here on ALOR. Have you tried long vs short posts on your blog and found a difference over time?
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When we travel the posts tend to be longer otherwise we get so far behind. When we’re home I try to make them shorter, but this next one will be long again. I did get one complaint about a long post, but otherwise I don’t see much difference. My family complains that there are too many! but I only post once a week. It’s difficult to tell since views are increasing but so are our followers. Let me know what you find.
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I will! Thanks for taking the time to answer. My Mom did tell me my shortest was the best yet 😂
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Mom’s know best!!
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Loved the pic😊😊
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Thank you! Have you seen Pitigliano?
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Never been to Italy.. Planned to visit in 2021. But after seeing the current situation..not really sure when international travels will be possible..
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I’m so sorry. My family is back in America and it’s mentally challenging to wrap my brain around what happening right now. I’ve lived away from my parents for 20 years and returned frequently for holidays and unexpected surprise trips but right now it’s scary even with dual citizenship. I hope for everyone’s sake that travel can feel safe again soon. I hope these Italy Pic of the day posts feel like a quick chance to get away during the everyday.
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Oh yes.. I am trying to be positive as much as possible.. M thankful that just before the lockdown happened, my parents came to my place.. So its a blessing in disguise to have them here from the past 6 months…
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That’s fantastic, truly a gift these days. Hugs are the best things ever!
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Hugs and moms home cooked meals… Lucky to have a mom, who loves cooking…
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I love this Pic of the Day thing! You’re certainly in the right environment for it! Can’t wait for more!😊
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Thank you! Italy is a bountiful beauty for Paolo to photograph. Hope you’re doing well. Cheers my friend.
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Yeah. Italy is definitely a treat! I am well, thank you 😊
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