How can I visit the sunken roads?

The simplest way is to start from Pitigliano on foot and follow the route of the Vie Cave, these narrow paths carved into the tuff. You can start near the Porta di Sovana, in the historic centre, then head down towards the paths of Poggio Cani, of the’Annunziata and San Giuseppe. The full circuit also passes through Fratenuti and the Madonna delle Grazie, before climbing back up to Pitigliano. Allow about 10 km and 3 hours of walking; the route is fairly demanding, with ups and downs. If you prefer a shorter outing, go directly to the San Giuseppe starting point, near the bridge over the Lente: this road is about 850 m and has an elevation gain of about 85 m.

Bring hiking shoes with grippy soles and water: the ground is uneven and can be slippery when wet. Some routes also include passages near watercourses; check the condition of the trails after heavy rain. You can leave your car in the parking areas near the access points, or set off from the village to avoid having to take the car again between the paths. Most of the roads are walked separately, but the Via Cava del Gradone is part of the open-air archaeological museum Alberto Manzi : access requires a ticket. The signs on site will help you choose your route; do not assume that all the roads form an easy loop or are accessible to everyone.