Suvereto

The town displays an enchanting architectural harmony and its ancient walls enclose paved streets lined with stone houses, historical buildings, impressive churches, and shadowy cloisters.

Thick cork, chestnut and oak woods, and Mediterranean scrub grow down to the sea. The Wine Route winds its way through countryside rich with grapevines and centuries old olive trees. The region is swarming with agricultural enterprises, oil mills, wineries, and farm-holiday resorts where you can try local products and traditional dishes.

The town keeps its antique traditions alive through magical festivals inspired by history and folklore that are held throughout the year, thanks to the mild climate.

The old Town

A pentagonal wall punctuated by eight towers encloses Suvereto’s splendid historic center. The Rocca, the castle garrison in ancient times, stands on the hill dominating the town. The Palazzo Comunale, City Hall, dating back to 1200, is one of the most beautiful examples of civic architecture in Italy, and is a symbol of the town’s autonomy.

Concerts and historical commemorations are held in the impressive medieval setting of St. Francis’ Cloister (chiostro di S. Francesco) every year. St. Justus’ Church (Chiesa di S. Giusto), constructed around the year 1000 in Romanesque style with Byzantine decorations, stands between the walls, the parish church, and the gate to the town.

Important sacred sculptures, paintings, and paraments are on display in the adjoining Museum of Sacred Art. The Church of Our Lady Above the Door (Chiesa della Madonna di Sopra la Porta), in the town center, and Holy Cross Church (Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso) are also of particular interest and worth.

The ancient public fountains, such as the Fountain of the Angels (Fontana degli Angeli) and the one to the Belvedere, are notably interesting from an architectural point of view and were once used for domestic purposes.

TEXTS AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF  "COSTA DEGLI ETRUSCHI" TOURIST AGENCY