On Saturday 7 November, at the Fortezza Orsini, archaeologists from ACT, universities and the Italian archaeological heritage authority will come together to discuss research that is bringing to light a little-known chapter of the area’s history
How much do we really know about Sorano’s medieval past? In an area renowned for its remarkable Etruscan heritage and historic towns, traces of the Middle Ages form a widespread but often difficult-to-identify and interpret part of the archaeological record.
On Saturday 7 November 2026, starting at 9.30 am, Sorano’s Fortezza Orsini will host “Invisible Middle Ages: Archaeology and Landscapes of the Sorano Area”, a day of archaeological studies organised by Associazione Cultura e Territorio (ACT), in collaboration with Sorano Town Council and the Pro Loco of Sorano.
The event will bring together researchers to share and discuss findings from different approaches to the study of the medieval landscape, contributing to a fuller understanding of the complex history of inland Maremma.
Sabato 7 novembre 2026
Three Forms of Invisibility
In Sorano and the wider Area del Tufo, the Middle Ages are invisible in at least three ways.
First, in the public imagination, where the prominence of the Etruscan heritage tends to overshadow the remains of later centuries. Second, in the historical record, which is often fragmentary and has been further diminished by the loss of important archival collections.
And third, in the landscape itself, where much of the evidence of medieval settlements, fortifications and human activity is now concealed by woodland and vegetation, in a landscape that has changed considerably since the Middle Ages.
Recognising these different forms of invisibility means questioning not only what we have yet to discover, but also the methods we use to investigate, document and interpret the past.
From Heritage Conservation to Castles, from the End of Roman Villas to the Landscapes of Transhumance
The day will open with a presentation by Jacopo Francesco Tulipano (Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the provinces of Siena, Grosseto and Arezzo), focusing on the protection and promotion of the medieval archaeological heritage.
This will be followed by Luca Mario Nejrotti (ACT), who will present research into the landscapes and castles of the Sorano area, and Manuela Mazzon (ACT), who will explore the transformations of the Roman villa at La Biagiola and its subsequent reuse as an early medieval burial ground.
Chiara Valdambrini (Fondazione Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala) will present the case of Rocca Silvana, examining the relationships between fortifications, natural resources and the organisation of the surrounding territory.
In the afternoon, Edoardo Vanni (University for Foreigners of Siena) will explore the role of seasonal pastoral mobility in shaping Mediterranean landscapes between Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
The final presentation will be given by Valentina Mili (ACT), who will discuss the results of archaeological investigations at the Roccaccia of Montevitozzo, identified as the Rocca Tédula mentioned in medieval written sources. Through archaeological excavation and the involvement of the local community, the project is bringing new historical understanding to a place whose identity has long been taken for granted.
Research, Conservation and Community Engagement
The event aims not only to provide an update on current research but also to encourage dialogue between researchers, institutions and local communities.
For ACT, which has been carrying out archaeological research, heritage conservation and public engagement activities in the Area del Tufo and Monte Amiata region since 2012, archaeological knowledge is an essential means of recognising the value of the local heritage and making it accessible and meaningful to the communities to which it belongs.
Join us on Saturday 7 November 2026, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, in the Sala del Mastio at the Fortezza Orsini in Sorano.
Programme and event materials:
For further information: info@culturaterritorio.org
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