Pitigliano - Tuscany

The tiny town of Pitigliano perches atop a cliff in the southeastern part of Tuscany. Most of the town is carved from the porous tufa rock of the area, a volcanic byproduct that is easily shaped into grottoes. Some of these caves date from the time of the Etruscans, between the 10th and 8th centuries BC and were used as wine cellars or sheds.

History
Pitigliano's fame lies not in its Etruscan artifacts or architecture, but in its historically high percentage of Jewish residents. In the 13th century, many Jews moved from Rome to this town on Tuscany's border, seeking a place to make their living undisturbed. The synagogue and "unleavened bread bakery" attest to this. The town is first mentioned in historical annals of 1081 as being under the jurisdiction of the Orsini family. Pitigliano remained an Orsini property until the mid-16th century, when it entered the protection of the Medicis. By the 17th century, there was a ghetto large enough to earn Pitigliano the name "little Jerusalem." Jews made up a third of the population by the 19th century, placing the small town in significant danger during WWII. The Jews left a marked influence on Pitigliano's cuisine, with matzoh and kosher recipes for risotto permeating the menus of local restaurants. Many traditional Jewish holiday dishes, as well as Gefilte fish and Hamentashen, have interesting Italian-twists in Pitigliano.

The fortress of the Orsini, with graceful arches along the bottom aqueduct, is worth visiting. It is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. during the winter; and from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. during the summer. It is closed on Mondays.

Sights
The old synagogue suffered when it was allowed to degenerate in the early part of the 20th century. However, it is currently being restored and you can see the beautiful rococo façade. It is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and Saturdays.

The fortress of the Orsini, with graceful arches along the bottom aqueduct, is worth visiting. It is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. during the winter; and from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. during the summer. It is closed on Mondays.

Transportation
Pitigliano is on the SS74 road that runs from Albinia (on the Tyrennian coast) to Orvieto.

Links: http://www.pitigliano.net/Pitigliano/index.htm