This is THE place of our hiking in South of Tuscany (Pitigliano). Vie Cave (vee-ah cavay, meaning cave roads) are cut by Etruscan hand tools into the mile high tuff stone (tuff or tufa are layers of solidified ash from volcanic eruptions) of the Maremma area of southern Tuscany. They are cut into the tuff to a depth of 30 meters or more. Some are fairly wide and could have handled small carts while others are very narrow and could only be used for human and animal transport, such as pack animals, as donkeys are still used in Italy today. The Vie Cave also incorporates both Pagan and Christian sites and a necropolis.
Many ponder how and why the Etruscans carved out these amazing subterranean roads. There are several theories: Hidden roads to protect from bandits, a primitive method of moving water from the high plateaus to the valleys, Protection from invading armies, Ceremonial paths leading to ancient sites of Pagan religious importance, Paths leading to burial grounds, Roads for transport and trade between settlements, Pathways for shepherds leading their cattle to the rivers.
The vie cave roads radiate like a messy spider web from the towns of Pitigliano, Sovana, and Sorano. Some of the roads have more modern sacred Christian images, carved symbols and shrines that were installed to protect against evil Pagan spirits. You will also find ancient tombs. Some paths are green and lush, while others are rocky havens of moss and lichen.
Are you interested for the September and October tours? We are already receiving many interests. Look at the blog for the dates. September will be in the middle of the harvest seasons for olive and October leafage! Superb.
Minimum of four (4) people are needed for the Group Guided Tours. Group composed by two (2) people are accepted with a + 25% charges.
Are you curious? Contact us by using this form. No payments are need at this stage. We will get back to you as soon as the minimum number of participants has been reached.
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