Sorano

Infobox CityIT

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img_coa =Sorano-Stemma.png official_name = Comune di Sorano
name=Sorano
region = Tuscany
province = Grosseto (GR)
elevation_m = 379
area_total_km2 = 174.60
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 3955
population_density_km2 = 22.65
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|42|40|55|N|10|42|54|E
frazioni = Castell'Ottieri, Elmo, Montebuono, Montorio, Montevitozzo, San Quirico, San Giovanni delle Contee, San Valentino, Sovana
telephone =
postalcode = 58043
gentilic =Soranesi
saint = St. Nicholas
day = december 6
mayor = Pierandrea Vanni (since June 2004)
website = [http://www.comune.sorano.gr.it www.comune.sorano.gr.it]
mapx=42.66
mapy=11.72

Sorano is a town and "comune" in the province of Grosseto, southern Tuscany (Italy).

It as an ancient medieval hill town hanging from a tuff stone over the Lente River.

History

the are Sorano was probably inhabited by Villanovan culture, but the first historical mentions are relative to the 3rd century BC, when it was an Etruscan city under the influence of the most populous nearby Sovana.

Disappearing from history under the Roman domination, it is again known in 862 when a county was founded by Emperor Louis II, under the Aldobrandeschi suzerainty. the Aldobrandeschi were the most powerful feudataries of southern Tuscany for more than 4 centuries, disappearing in 1312 when Margherita, son of Ildibrandino, died without male heirs. His daughter Adelaide married to Romano di Gentile Orsini, who added the city to the family fiefs.

The county of Pitigliano-Sorano fought against the Republic of Siena, but was forced to accept its suzerainty from 1417. It regained a full independence in 1556, when the latter was annexed to the Duchy of Tuscany. The fortress, due to its strategic position, was frequently attacked; it was also the seat of fratricidal fights between the Orsini. In 1604, with the death of Alessandro di Bertoldo, it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

It became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

Main sights

*"Rocca degli Orsini" (Orsini castle), built in the 14th century but totally renovated by Niccolò IV Orsini. in 1552. It is considered one of the most important examples of Renaissance military architecture. It has two massive angular bastions, connected by a line of walls with the main gate, which is surmounted by a noteworthy coat of arms and by a square tower. In the interior of the walls are remains of the ancient nucleus, with a round tower and the draw-bridge, now disappeared. A cycle of 16th century frescoes of Sienese school have been recently found out.
*"Masso Leopoldino", a natural tuff stone carved to form a fortified, panoramic terrace by order of Gran Duke Leopold.

Another castle is in the "frazione" of Sovana.

ee also

*Pitigliano
*Sovana

External links

* [http://www.comune.sorano.gr.it/ Official site]