Following the path of the Etruscans in the Vie Cave of Pitigliano
Below I have quoted an article written on June 25th by the Italian Touring Club as part of the #Estateneiborghi initiative.
In Pitigliano, Bandiera Arancione of the Italian Touring Club in the heart of the Maremma, it is possible to follow a trail that will take you back in time, when the Etruscans dwelled these territories.
This evocative experience begins from the historic center of the village, together with a certified Trekking Guide (The Red Road). You will descend the valley following the course of the river, and then go back up using the Vie Cave.
But what is a Via Cava?
The Vie Cave are ancient trails dug by the Etruscans into the tuff rock. These ‘shortcuts’, which reach up to 25 meters depth and are hundreds of meters long, constitute a unique naturalistic environment. The particular conformation and environmental conditions have given rise to a real microclimate favorable for the growth of ferns, mosses and lichens.
Walking along this path you will feel transported into another time and another dimension, while Lorenzo (the local guide) will reveal you the secrets of these places and of the Etruscan people. Every detail, rich in meaning and symbolism, will reveal itself to your eyes along the way.
This special experience combines history, nature and…taste. Infact the hike ends with a visit to an historic cellar dug into the tuff rock where it will be possible to taste local wines and sample typical cured meats and cheeses.
The hike lasts about 3 hours, it is a loop, is about 6 km long and is of medium-easy difficulty with a slight difference in height.
For the original article from the Italian Touring Club click here
