Small towns of Italy are a fairy tale in reality, which, having seen only once, you will want to return again and again. They can be explored endlessly, discovering something interesting and new in each. Indeed, in Italy, as in any other country, it is simply necessary to step aside the busy tourist routes in order to experience the unique local charm. Of course, there are much more small fabulous cities here, so we have collected only 20 of the most unusual and memorable ones.
Small towns of Italy: Alberobello
Alberobello, a small fabulous town in the region of Puglia, will welcome you with the most unusual houses in the world. They are called trulli. It is believed that such a house can be disassembled in seconds just by taking one stone out of the roof.
Photo: Berthold Werner (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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Photo: Pug Girl / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Santa Maddalena
One of the most beautiful villages in the world is located in South Tyrol. Bet you have already seen this famous alpine landscape. At least on the picture… An iconic local landmark is the church, which houses the miraculous image of St. Maddalena. The temple was built in 1394!
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Photo: Luis Ascenso / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: mendhak / flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Small towns of Italy: Ostuni
Ostuni is a small town in the region of Puglia, characterized by its bright white houses. The explanation for this choice of color is simple: the houses are covered with a lime mortar, which reflects the sunrays and helps to keep the room cool. And in the hot climate of southern Italy, this is very important!
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Photo: Carlo Pelagalli (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: Berthold Werner (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Matera
The unique cave city of Matera exists for 9 thousand years. The houses here are carved right in the rocks, and some of them are more than one or even two centuries old. And people still live in them!
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Small towns of Italy: Montepulciano
It is impossible to forget the landscapes of Tuscany. This will be confirmed by everyone who has ever been here. You can enjoy magnificent views in Montepulciano, a small medieval town in the south of the famous region. Besides, the city is famous, of course, for its local wine and the fact that it was here in 1467 that one of the first banks in the world was created.
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Photo: lo.tangelini / flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Taormina
Taormina is one of the most famous resorts on the island of Sicily. It will conquer you with cozy old streets, luxurious palaces, ancient Roman buildings and, of course, stunning nature.
Photo: Andrea Schaffer / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: Andrea Schaffer / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: gnuckx (CC BY 2.0)
Small towns of Italy: San Gimignano
The city known as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano is located very close to Florence. The fortress of Montestaffoli, erected in 1353, ancient churches and, of course, numerous towers, which once symbolized the power and wealth of local nobles, are perfectly preserved here.
Photo: 680451 / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Photo: 680451 / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Photo: 680451 / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Malcesine
There are many towns scattered around Lake Garda, and each of them has its own unique charm and unforgettable atmosphere. One of such amazing places is Malcesine, which is comfortably located a few tens of kilometers from Verona. Significant local attractions include the 13th-century castle and the funicular that will help you to reach the top of Monte Baldo in a unique cabin.
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Photo: Eugen Kalloch (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Small towns of Italy: Civita di Bagnoregio
The small town of Civita di Bagnoregio on the top of the cliff has stunningly preserved its medieval appearance. Here you can see a church built in the 5th century, an old mill and a bishop’s palace. The city was founded by the Etruscans 2500 years ago, but over the centuries it has experienced earthquakes many times, so almost all the inhabitants left it.
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Photo: Dale Musselman / Wikimedia (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: trolvag (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Belluno
The main attraction of Belluno, in the north of the Veneto region, are, of course, the Dolomites. From the city, which is the center of the province of the same name, you can easily take an unforgettable walk with magnificent views of the Marmolada massif, Mount Antelio, Mount Civetta and the three peaks of Lavaredo.
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Photo: Franco Visintainer (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Photo: kordi_vahle / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Small towns of Italy: Urbino
The birthplace of Raphael and a unique city that keeps the spirit of the Renaissance. There have preserved majestic old palaces and churches, sandstone buildings and a powerful brick wall. In the ancient streets of Urbino, you can experience the unique atmosphere of the fifteenth century, which is uniquely combined with the aroma of perfect Italian coffee.
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Atrani
The picturesque town of Atrani, nestled between mountains and the sea, is just a few hundred meters from the famous Amalfi. Once it was a village of fishermen, but today the town has retained its unique character. Its residential buildings rise up 700 meters, and the original narrow streets sometimes look more like corridors with stairs. Atrani is listed as one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy.
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Photo: Derrick Brutel / flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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Small towns of Italy: Portofino
The cozy resort town of Portofino is located in a picturesque bay near Genoa. Ancient monuments of architecture and luxurious old mansions are perfectly preserved here. Today, creative people and celebrities who prefer a calm, measured rest away from prying eyes come here to enjoy their vacation.
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Portofino
Pretoro
Abruzzo region is famous not only for its ancient castles, but also for its unusual small towns. One of them is Pretoro, which is located right on the side of a mountain in the Majella National Park. Here you can walk along the quiet old streets, where there are almost no cars, or you can climb higher into the mountains to enjoy the stunning views of the surroundings open from the peaks of the national park.
Corleone
The legendary Sicilian city of Corleone has existed since the pre-Roman era. Even today, in its vicinity you can see the ruins of ancient fortresses and the remains of very ancient settlements. However, most of all this place is associated, of course, with the mafia.
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Photo: Daniel Enchev / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: Milos Milosevic / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Pitigliano
The small town, located on a tuff cliff, was inhabited since the time of the Etruscans. In one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany, numerous monuments of art and architecture from the Middle Ages to the 18th century have been perfectly preserved. Not far from Pitigliano are the famous thermal Baths of Saturnia.
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Photo: trolvag (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: trolvag (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Manarola
Manarola is the oldest of the five cities in the Cinque Terre National Park. It is simply impossible to forget its bright houses and soulful atmosphere! From Manarola, along the famous Road of Love, you can walk to the neighboring town of Riomaggiore. A walk along this trail will forever be remembered for its breathtaking views.
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Photo: Twice25 & Rinina25 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Procida
The city, which is located on the eponymous volcanic island, is located near Naples. During the Roman Empire, it was a resort for the patricians. Today the city is worth visiting in order to admire the medieval houses, the old abbey, built in the 11th century, the fortress and the castle. Besides, the local landscapes have not left anyone indifferent!
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Photo: CucombreLibre / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Viterbo
A small town in the region of Lazio is a real godsend for those who love antiquity, because here you can make a real journey through time. Luxurious palaces, winding streets, numerous fountains – all this will easily take you several centuries ago!
Photo: Sailko (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Photo: Claudio Caravano (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Small towns of Italy: Brisighella
Another medieval town, the history of which began in the 13th century. Here you can see the Venetian fortress, erected in the XIV-XVI centuries, the clock tower of the XII century and the Monticino shrine, which dates back to the XVIII century. In addition, Brisighella is considered one of the most beautiful small towns of Italy!
Brisighella on map
