Orsini Fortress and Medieval and Renaissance Museum

You can start your visit from the fortified keep (1542-1552) that was connected with two towers (San Marco and San Pietro), ordered by the cruel Niccolò IV Orsini. He made Architect Anton Maria Lari build corridors and embrasures which are still visible today. Along the way, many ventilation shafts for the underground areas were made to clear the air of toxic gases from gunpowder. As a result, the fortress is a perfect example of military engineering.

Behind the Reneissance fortress there's the Medieval Castle which is smaller but very relevant as regards its historical value. It was built as a stronghold to protect the Aldobrandeschi family in the XI century. The entrance is protected by a deep trench and a round shaped tower, where you still can see the holes where the chains of the drawbridge used to be. 

Walking on, you'll find yourself in the Piazza dei Cairoli square, where you can visit the small Medieval and Renaissance museum. It contains Medieval artifacts from the Sorano area, such as glazed ceramics and also some frescoes found in the restoration period. These frescoes have a classic floral motif and depict mythological scenes. They also contain some Gregorian musical notes from a song which is featured by Boccaccio in his famous work, The Decameron.

Guided tours start from the office of the Etruscan Park, located on the ground floor of the keep of the Orsini Fortress. While visiting the underground areas of the fortress, a light jacket is recommended.

Info: museidimaremma.it