In a land with a rich and accessible history, it is easy to see why. ItalyIt can be difficult to know where to begin. My girlfriend and I decided to take a weeklong Italian vacation in the summer of this year. Rome Then we will wind our way to Verona via the medieval city of Siena to see the Palio—a famed, centuries-old biannual horse race. Airbnb listings in Pitigliano were recommended by a Pisan. I was looking for a way to see a different side (less crowded) of Italy’s rich history. I stumbled across the Attico Panoramico Nell’antico Borgo—a panoramic penthouse in the ancient city. This apartment, located halfway between Rome and Florence was said to be in one of the prettiest spots in the area. The photos made me excited, but I could not have imagined the view that awaited me as we sped around the hairpin curves in our tiny Fiat. Tuscan The hills of Pitigliano and the surrounding area were visible.
Pitigliano is a hilltop town in Tuscany that has been known as the “Citta del Tufo” for its ubiquitous volcanic tuff stone used to build it. Pitigliano was named “Citta Del Tufo”, in reference to its ubiquitous volcanic tuff stones used in construction. This hilltop town is the quintessential Tuscany: a labyrinth built of cliffside walls, towers and churches that would have looked right at home in a Bellini painting. After parking outside the city walls—no cars allowed in the centro storico—we traversed the ancient stone bridge that led to the old city, which is perched on top of a rocky outcropping (a strategic decision dating back to the days when the town regularly found itself at war with its neighbors). It is a peaceful town despite (or maybe because of) the imposing exterior. There are many winding streets, idyllic squares with flowers, marble fountains and even stray cats.
The ancient stone building that we were going to call home was visible after we had walked through the narrow stone streets leading to the central Piazza della Repubblica. The apartment was as labyrinthine as the town, and each room contained a variety of eclectic, tasteful decor. From original oil paintings to Etruscan pottery, it was a true treasure trove. It’s a small, quirky and vibrant space, which could feel cluttered or cramped if not thoughtfully designed. From the lovely, spacious king-size bedroom (there’s an adjoining room with a daybed that can sleep a third guest) to the small but beautiful kitchen, the warm Tuscan sun flooded the house. The interiors of the penthouse were lovely, but we spent the majority of our time on the two (two!) terraces. clay-tiled terraces. The “panoramic” penthouse was a great place to view the town, and the ravine below.
