Beautiful Sorano is perched on an extraordinary tuff rock cliff overlooking the Lente river, has ancient Villanovan and Etruscan origins dated back to the 9th century BC, and is surrounded by imposing city walls dominated by the massive Orsini fortress which is considered one of the most important examples of Renaissance military architecture.

The old center is fascinating, with winding little alleys and steep steps, and a few condemned paths and houses that have crumbled down the cliff at its edges. It’s packed with churches, and home of the famous Jewish ghetto and synagogue, which honors Sorano’s long history as a refuge and protector of persecuted jews during the middle ages.