Sovana Cathedral
A significant Romanesque-Gothic cathedral in Tuscany, known for its intricate portal sculptures and historical depth.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Sovana Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A significant Romanesque-Gothic cathedral in Tuscany, known for its intricate portal sculptures and historical depth.
"A beautiful, atmospheric cathedral, though some find the entry fee a bit steep for what's inside."
💰 Admission Fee
Expect a small fee (€2.50-€4) for entry. Some find it a tourist trap, others reasonable for upkeep.
⛪ Crypt Exploration
Don't miss the crypt! It's just to the right of the altar and has a pretty altar and saint's bones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Romanesque-Gothic Architecture
Exterior and Interior
A significant medieval monument showcasing a blend of architectural styles, a testament to Tuscan heritage.
Sculptural Decoration
Main Portal
Admire the rich details of the main portal, featuring mythical creatures and symbolic figures.
Crypt Visit
Below the Altar
Descend into the atmospheric crypt to see a pretty altar and relics of a saint.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ticket & Entry Fees
Sovana's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Admission Fee
Expect a small fee (€2.50-€4) for entry. Some find it a tourist trap, others reasonable for upkeep.
⛪ Crypt Exploration
Don't miss the crypt! It's just to the right of the altar and has a pretty altar and saint's bones.
🖼️ Architectural Details
The main portal boasts rich sculptural decoration. Look for mythical creatures and symbolic figures.
🚶 Sovana Town
Sovana is small with limited interest beyond the cathedral. Manage expectations for the town itself.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Admission Fee
Expect a small fee (€2.50-€4) for entry. Some find it a tourist trap, others reasonable for upkeep.
⛪ Crypt Exploration
Don't miss the crypt! It's just to the right of the altar and has a pretty altar and saint's bones.
🖼️ Architectural Details
The main portal boasts rich sculptural decoration. Look for mythical creatures and symbolic figures.
🚶 Sovana Town
Sovana is small with limited interest beyond the cathedral. Manage expectations for the town itself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sovana Cathedral is appreciated for its significant Romanesque-Gothic architecture and intricate portal sculptures, offering a glimpse into medieval Tuscan heritage. However, some visitors find the admission fee and the perceived commercialization detract from its spiritual atmosphere, with criticisms regarding access for worshippers.
"Better from outside if ones know how to look than inside where there's nothing to see and you'll have to pay €2.50 to enter.
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is located in the area where the Etruscan Acropolis probably stood, the foundation of the current building took place between the 8th and the 9th century. It is one of the most important Gothic Romanesque buildings in all of Tuscany. The main entrance of the Cathedral is currently on the left side since on the main facade, in the fourteenth century, the episcopal building was leaning. The portal has a rich and elegant sculptural decoration, a reinforced knight, a bicudate siren, peacocks, the tree of life, roses, leonine protomes and spiral figures are recognized."
Enjoy life
"The cathedral may seem like it's nothing special, but for some reason I found it very beautiful. The ticket is only 2.5€"
Silvia Bánovská
"Many of the complaints below are valid, but we still very much enjoyed the Cathedral. Very atmospheric. Interesting art remnants from the time. There is surprisingly little to see in town ( despite the hype on the web) and this structure is probably one of the best things in town, along with the church on the piazza. Sovana itself has one street of minimal interest compared to Piti or even Sorana. Admission E2.50 seems minimal given the costs of upkeep."
Kent Sandy HAYGLASS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sovana Cathedral is located in the small town of Sovana, Tuscany, Italy. The easiest way to reach it is by car, as public transport options can be limited. If driving, use GPS navigation to Sovana. Parking is generally available in the town.
Public transport to Sovana can be infrequent. Buses may connect from larger nearby towns, but it's advisable to check local schedules in advance. Renting a car is often the most convenient option for exploring this region of Tuscany.
Sovana is a very small town, best explored on foot. The main street has limited interest, but the cathedral is the primary attraction. Allow a short time to wander and soak in the atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee, typically ranging from €2.50 to €4 per person. Some visitors feel this turns the church into a tourist trap, while others consider it a reasonable cost for maintenance. +1
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival.
Some reviews suggest that normal entrances are barred for tourists, forcing entry through a backdoor with a ticket counter. It's unclear if there's a dedicated entrance for believers wishing to pray without charge.
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check locally or look for recent visitor information. As it's a functional church, hours may be subject to religious services.
Advance booking is generally not required for Sovana Cathedral due to its small size and the nature of the visit. Tickets can typically be purchased upon arrival.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find remnants of interesting art and historical elements. The main draw for many is the crypt, which features a pretty altar and saintly relics. +1
Visitor opinions are mixed. Some find it very beautiful and atmospheric with interesting art, while others feel there's not much to see inside and it's become a tourist trap. It's often considered one of the best things in Sovana town. +1
Sovana Cathedral is a significant example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, making it one of the most important medieval monuments in Tuscany.
Information on official guided tours is limited. You may find descriptive displays inside the cathedral in several languages.
The foundation of the current building took place between the 8th and 9th centuries, likely on the site of an Etruscan Acropolis. It's a key Gothic-Romanesque structure in Tuscany.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask at the entrance. Some visitors have shared photos, suggesting it's generally permitted, but be respectful of worshippers.
The exterior, particularly the main portal with its intricate sculptures, offers great photographic opportunities. The crypt also provides a unique, atmospheric setting for photos.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites and historical areas. It's highly unlikely to be permitted and could lead to penalties.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Buffs
Consider researching the history of the Gothic-Romanesque period in Tuscany before your visit to fully appreciate the cathedral's significance. The town of Sovana itself, though small, is steeped in history, with the cathedral being its most prominent landmark.
Budget Travelers
Given that Sovana is a small town with limited other paid attractions, the cathedral offers good value for its cost. It's a worthwhile stop if you're exploring the Maremma region of Tuscany and looking for historical sites without a hefty price tag.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
The main portal is particularly noteworthy, adorned with a rich and elegant sculptural decoration. Visitors can identify elements like a reinforced knight, bicudate sirens, peacocks, the tree of life, roses, and leonine protomes, offering a fascinating glimpse into medieval artistry and symbolism.
While the exterior and portal are significant, the interior offers a more subdued experience for some. However, the crypt, accessible near the altar, provides a more intimate and atmospheric encounter with the cathedral's history, featuring a notable altar and relics.
Visitor Experience & Criticisms
Criticism also arises regarding the perceived lack of accessibility for worshippers. Reports suggest that normal entrances are barred for tourists, forcing them to use a back entrance with a ticket counter and a souvenir shop that some find 'tasteless' and out of harmony with the building's architecture. This has led to questions about whether the current setup aligns with the church's role as a place of prayer.
Despite these criticisms, many visitors still find the cathedral to be atmospheric and beautiful, often considering it the highlight of a visit to the small town of Sovana. The historical remnants and the crypt are frequently mentioned as worthwhile aspects, even by those who express reservations about the commercialization.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit