Moderate
4.5
(19)
59
hikers
Via Cava dell'Annunziata – Pitigliano Historic Town loop from Sovana
04:23
15.3km
360m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: August 15, 2026
Waypoints
A
Start point
Parking
1
162 m
Etruscan Necropolis of Sovana
Highlight • Historical Site
The Città del Tufo archaeological park opened its doors in 1998 with the aim of preserving and promoting the precious historical and cultural heritage of the tuff area. The surrounding area is enriched by monumental tombs, among which the famous Ildebranda tomb stands out, an Etruscan masterpiece carved from an imposing block of tuff to imitate the appearance of a temple from the Hellenistic age. Other fascinating tombs include the Pola tomb, those of the Typhoon, of the Winged Demons and of the Siren.
The magical atmosphere of the place is further enriched by the presence of suggestive hollow streets, with the Via Cava di San Sebastiano, squeezed between walls of over 20 meters, the Via Cava di Poggio Prisca and the Cavone, on whose walls you can admire engravings from different eras, including crosses with exorcistic purposes and a large swastika, a solar symbol.
The magical atmosphere of the place is further enriched by the presence of suggestive hollow streets, with the Via Cava di San Sebastiano, squeezed between walls of over 20 meters, the Via Cava di Poggio Prisca and the Cavone, on whose walls you can admire engravings from different eras, including crosses with exorcistic purposes and a large swastika, a solar symbol.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2
720 m
Via Cava and Necropolis of San Sebastiano
Highlight • Historical Site
About two hundred meters from the Tomba Ildebranda necropolis, you reach the second section of the necropolis, which includes the Church of San Sebastiano, the Siren's Tomb, the tombs in Semidado and Via Cava di San Sebastiano.
Vie Cave:
The “vie cave”, a multitude of narrow streets that lead like canyons through the tuff rock, have also been dug into the area's rather soft tuff. The Etruscans were the originators of this bizarre road system more than 2,500 years ago. Why the “vie cave” were created and for what purpose they were used remains a mystery to scientists to this day: Were the ravines merely connecting and supply routes between Etruscan settlements? Did you serve to drain the rainwater? Or were they mystical places of worship? The proximity of the Etruscan people to mysticism and astrology - and the numerous necropolises that one encounters when walking through the paths speak for the latter point of view
Vie Cave:
The “vie cave”, a multitude of narrow streets that lead like canyons through the tuff rock, have also been dug into the area's rather soft tuff. The Etruscans were the originators of this bizarre road system more than 2,500 years ago. Why the “vie cave” were created and for what purpose they were used remains a mystery to scientists to this day: Were the ravines merely connecting and supply routes between Etruscan settlements? Did you serve to drain the rainwater? Or were they mystical places of worship? The proximity of the Etruscan people to mysticism and astrology - and the numerous necropolises that one encounters when walking through the paths speak for the latter point of view
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3
4.67 km
Via Cava dell'Annunziata
Highlight • Trail
Is cut deeply into the underlying volcanic rock, excavated in ancient times and used as an alternative route to the Via Cava San Giuseppe, which connects the towns of Pitigliano and Sov.ana.
Along the path, in addition to countless botanical species, you can also observe an underground columbarium. Inside, the many niches in the walls were used to keep pigeons for breeding purposes during the Renaissance
At the top of the path, which winds through the vegetation, there is a shrine dedicated to SS. Annunziata. The structure is crowned by a simple profile lintel, in them you can still draw traces of overlapping religious images. From the artificial terrace to the left of the altar you can observe an ancient hermitage (16th century).
In the seventeenth century the care of the Via Cava was organized by the Confraternity of SS. Sacramento Pitigliano, which in addition to keeping the Via Cava itself in charge, held religious ceremonies related to the equinox on March 25, the day dedicated to the Annunciation and the beginning of the liturgical cycle.
The traditional celebration includes young people lighting small fires along the path and starting the procession to the church of S.
Mary now to the church of S. Rocco in Pitigliano.
In 1785, due to the "instability of the religious structure", the Confraternity abandoned the care of the Via Cava and the procession, but the ancient path remains today and is a popular route used by many tourists and trekking enthusiasts.
Along the path, in addition to countless botanical species, you can also observe an underground columbarium. Inside, the many niches in the walls were used to keep pigeons for breeding purposes during the Renaissance
At the top of the path, which winds through the vegetation, there is a shrine dedicated to SS. Annunziata. The structure is crowned by a simple profile lintel, in them you can still draw traces of overlapping religious images. From the artificial terrace to the left of the altar you can observe an ancient hermitage (16th century).
In the seventeenth century the care of the Via Cava was organized by the Confraternity of SS. Sacramento Pitigliano, which in addition to keeping the Via Cava itself in charge, held religious ceremonies related to the equinox on March 25, the day dedicated to the Annunciation and the beginning of the liturgical cycle.
The traditional celebration includes young people lighting small fires along the path and starting the procession to the church of S.
Mary now to the church of S. Rocco in Pitigliano.
In 1785, due to the "instability of the religious structure", the Confraternity abandoned the care of the Via Cava and the procession, but the ancient path remains today and is a popular route used by many tourists and trekking enthusiasts.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4
5.41 km
Via Cava di Poggio Cani
Highlight (Segment) • Canyon
The “vie cave”, a multitude of narrow streets that lead like canyons through the tuff rock, have also been dug into the rather soft tufa. The Etruscans were the originators of this bizarre road system more than 2,500 years ago. Why the “vie cave” were created and for what purpose they were used remains a mystery to scientists to this day: Were the ravines merely connecting and supply routes between Etruscan settlements? Did you serve to drain the rainwater? Or were they mystical places of worship? The proximity of the Etruscan people to mysticism and astrology - and the numerous necropolises that one encounters when walking through the paths speak for the latter point of view
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5
6.65 km
Pitigliano Entrance Gate
Highlight • Monument
Pitigliano is always worth a trip. Both the upper path and the lower path into the city are a pleasure. The small narrow streets invite you to explore and the small shops to shop.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6
6.81 km
Pitigliano Historic Town
Highlight • Settlement
beautiful old town with winding streets.
The hollow paths start already below the gate via Porta di Sovana.
Above the paths you have to follow the little traffic road for about 1 km, but you will be rewarded with a view of the city.
The paths can become smooth after rainy weather.
The hollow paths start already below the gate via Porta di Sovana.
Above the paths you have to follow the little traffic road for about 1 km, but you will be rewarded with a view of the city.
The paths can become smooth after rainy weather.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7
7.17 km
Chiesa di San Rocco, Pitigliano
Highlight • Religious Site
8
7.21 km
Via Porta di Savona Staircase, Pitigliano Old Town
Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site
From the slope, which runs around the old town of Pitigliano below the tuff massif, a longer staircase of stone steps (Via Porta di Savona) leads in arches in the north-west corner up to the old town gate, through which you can reach the old town of Pitigliano, which is well worth seeing. From the stairs there are interesting views of the houses on the north slope. Another access via a long stairway (Via dei Lavatoi) is located "opposite" in the southeast on this slope as another HL.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
13.7 km
Colombari
Archaeological Site
B
15.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.16 km
4.61 km
3.16 km
1.40 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.95 km
4.29 km
2.04 km
2.02 km
1.04 km
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Highest point (370 m)
Lowest point (210 m)
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Saturday 7 November
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6°C
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