Smaller, well-preserved villages with medieval centers, as well as those on hills and hills that proudly look at the sea - these are the most beautiful Italian villages.
Italy boasts many small villages with their own special features - these are places worth visiting and exploring, also for their unique cultural, artistic and historical heritage. So what are they? the most beautiful Italian villages, which are best to visit in summer and autumn?
Aprilia
Liguria
The village of Apricale is located in the province of Imperia, in the hilly Liguria. Its name comes from the Latin word "apricus", which translates as "exposed to the sun". It is located on a hill between Bordighera and Ventimiglia, surrounded by olive trees and forest, not far from some of the most beautiful beaches in Liguria.
The historic village, first mentioned in the 9th century, still stands proud with medieval walls, three entrances and a castle. Its specialty is the paintings on the walls in the very center, which earned it the nickname "village of artists".
Sabbionet
Lombardy
Sabbioneta is located in the province of Mantua and is known for its historic center with a palace protected by medieval walls. It was built in the 16th century by Vespasian I. Gonzaga, and has been since 2008 on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In addition to a truly unique atmosphere, it also boasts a wonderful theater Teatro all'Antica, built in 1590 in the style of antiquity.
Whipped
South Tyrol
You will find Vipiteno in the province of Bolzano, and it has all the charm of Tyrolean villages, including palaces and a square with a medieval touch. It is divided into an old and a new part, separated by a tower Torre delle dodici (Zwölferturm), the symbol of the village.
The historic center offers many small shops and beautiful houses with corner piers (bay windows), and it is a village an excellent starting point for lovers of nature and sports activities throughout the year.
Pienza
Tuscany
In the heart of the Valdorcia region lies Pienza, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996. It is an "ideal Renaissance village" built in the 15th century, designed by Enea Silvio Piccolomini, later Pope Pius II.
It is the main street of the romantic and enchanting village Corso Rossellino, where you will find small shops with typical products, such as pecorino cheese. Not far away are two more beautiful villages - Montalcino and Montepulciano – which are also worth your time.
Gavoi
Sardinia
Gavoi is a village in Barbagia, in the interior of Sardinia. It boasts a rich culture, gems for nature and archeology lovers, as well as cheese Fiore Sardo, delicious local products.
Granite houses on wooden foundations are arranged like an amphitheater, but here you will also find important historical buildings and artificial lake Gusana. The village of Gavoi is also known for its literary festival Isola delle Storie, which is usually organized between June and July.
Norcia
Umbria
The medieval walled village from the 14th century is home to an important Italian saint Benedict of Nursia (patron of Europe) and the "capital" of the Valnerina valley. Some buildings, including the church dedicated to the saint, suffered major damage in the 2016 earthquake, but the village still retains its charm.
So here you will also find many local products, such as cheeses and cured meats, and not far away another Italian beauty is waiting for you - Vallo di Nera.
Roccascalegna
Abruzzi
Among all the beautiful villages of Italy, there is also this little pearl hidden, the village of Roccascalegna, located in the province of Chieti.
pristine beauty, spectacular castle, located on the edge of a cliff and the Opatija church from the 12th century are just a few things that you must see at least once in your life. From here you can embark on a wonderful Costa dei Trabocchi beach, which stretches from Ortona to San Salvo.
Bolsena
Latium
Bolsena is a picturesque and fascinating village in the province of Viterbo, which boasts, among other things, volcanic lake, the largest in Europe. Don't overlook the fort Rocca Monaldeschi, where you will find a museum and an aquarium, and the Basilica of St. Christina, which includes several buildings from different architectural periods.
As an interesting point, we should add that a Eucharistic miracle is said to have taken place in the oldest part of the village in 1263 (Corporal from Bolsena).
Alberobello
Apulia
Alberobello, located in the province of Bari, is indeed impossible to miss. The whole world knows it, it's a city of celebrities trulli houses, which are sufficient reason for the village to belong on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
On the narrow and steep streets there are over 1,000 trulli houses (Monti and Aia Piccola), which were built according to the ancient technique. Therefore, it is an experience for yourself and something you should see at least once in your life. On Corso Vittorio Emanuele you will find the most important monuments and buildings such as Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian and so on Trullo Sovrano, the only trulli house on two floors.
