The picturesque town of Sorano may have Etruscan roots but it is characterised by its medieval historic town centre and dominated by the great Orsini Fortress and Castle, a perfect example of Renaissance military architecture.
This structure has evolved and changed over the years into the complex which exists today. Its history is rich and complex and it makes a wonderful place to visit.
The complex of buildings now includes a hotel, museum, chapel, the theatre of Count Niccolo IV Orsini and a secondary school specialising in languages.
This structure has evolved and changed over the years into the complex which exists today. Its history is rich and complex and it makes a wonderful place to visit.
The complex of buildings now includes a hotel, museum, chapel, the theatre of Count Niccolo IV Orsini and a secondary school specialising in languages.
There were three main phases of building; the castle, then the keep, bastions, rampart walls and the Palazzo Ricci Buscatti which was added in the 19th century. Originally, building began under the Aldobrandeschi family and continued by the Orsinis after it was inherited by Count Orsini Bertoldo in 1380. The palazzo was the residence of the Ilari family and then renamed after the Ricci Buscattis and is now home to the language lyceum.
Tours can be taken of the fortress and last just one hour. They are pretty easy-going with a pace that isn't overwhelming, meaning that the whole family can enjoy it. However, there are some steep staircases that may be difficult for younger children to navigate.
Tours can be taken of the fortress and last just one hour. They are pretty easy-going with a pace that isn't overwhelming, meaning that the whole family can enjoy it. However, there are some steep staircases that may be difficult for younger children to navigate.
The tours take you all around the complex, including into the dungeons and labyrinth of tunnels below, the oldest part of the buildings dating to the Etruscan period, which run 15m deep into the earth. Tickets cost €4.00 with reduced rates for children, students and the elderly and this also grants entry into the museum.
Inside the 14th century castle is said museum, the Museo del Medioevo e del Rinascimento, which is housed in what was the private rooms of the structure. The museum showcases archaeological discoveries made during the recent restorations of the buildings and the items found in rubbish deposited into two wells in the town centre of Sorano.
You can see ceramics, coins, paintings, maps, castle plans, perfume bottles, items of clothing and really get a sense of what it was like to live in the castle. You can also visit the wonderful tower room with its original frescoes, still in position but mounted on plasterboard to preserve them. These feature a hummingbird, parrot, two mythological scenes and the only painted 16th century musical score in the world. The spectacular view over the town from the tower is also not to be missed.
Steps from the fortress lead right down into the heart of the town, leading you into even more adventures. Why not find a luxury villa nearby and experience all that Sorano has to offer?
Inside the 14th century castle is said museum, the Museo del Medioevo e del Rinascimento, which is housed in what was the private rooms of the structure. The museum showcases archaeological discoveries made during the recent restorations of the buildings and the items found in rubbish deposited into two wells in the town centre of Sorano.
You can see ceramics, coins, paintings, maps, castle plans, perfume bottles, items of clothing and really get a sense of what it was like to live in the castle. You can also visit the wonderful tower room with its original frescoes, still in position but mounted on plasterboard to preserve them. These feature a hummingbird, parrot, two mythological scenes and the only painted 16th century musical score in the world. The spectacular view over the town from the tower is also not to be missed.
Steps from the fortress lead right down into the heart of the town, leading you into even more adventures. Why not find a luxury villa nearby and experience all that Sorano has to offer?
Photo credits
picture 1: GiorgioPro~commonswiki / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Zyance / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Zyance / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 1: GiorgioPro~commonswiki / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Zyance / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Zyance / CC BY-SA 3.0;
