Italy’s network of most beautiful villages, I borghi più belli d’Italia, an association created to protect and promote Italy’s small towns that have a significant artistic, historical and cultural heritage, has six new additions, announced this October.
Two of them are in southern Italy, three in central Italy and one in northern Italy. Discover them below.
Tropea - In the southern region of Calabria, Tropea, famous for its onion, the cipolla di Tropea, is located along the Costa degli Dei and is described as the ‘pearl of the Thyrrenian’. On a cliff overlooking the sea, the church of Santa Maria dell'Isola is the symbol of town. Tropea has been nominated to be the 2022 Italian capital of Culture.
Monte Sant’Angelo - Located at the highest point of the Gargano plateau in Puglia, Monte Sant'Angelo boasts a breathtaking view over the Tavoliere delle Puglie plain and the Gulf of Manfredonia and is home to two Unesco World Heritage Sites: the Lombard remains in the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, a world-famous pilgrimage destination, and the ancient beech forests part of the Umbria Forest serial site.
Monteleone d’Orvieto - Surrounded by nature, this small village in Umbria originated as a castle part of the territory of Orvieto. The view from the central Piazza del Torrione is beautiful, just as the historic center. With a calendar rich of traditional events, such as the living nativity scene and the many culinary festivals, Monteleone d’Orvieto is one of the liveliest of the area.
Bassano in Teverina - Inhabited since Etruscan times, Bassano in Teverina is located on a tufaceous spur overlooking the Tiber valley in Lazio, 90 kilometers north of Rome. Architectural highlights include the Clock Tower, built by incorporating the bell tower of the adjacent Church of Santa Maria dei Lumi, the Madonna della Quercia church and the Old Fountain. The surroundings also offer interesting places to visit such as Bomarzo and the famous Parco dei Mostri.
Casoli - Casoli is a medieval town nestled in the hilly landscapes of Abruzzo, among vineyards, olive trees and nature reserves. Casoli itself is on a hill with beautiful, encompassing views that range from the Majella massif in the Apennines to the Costa dei Trabocchi. Its symbol is the Castello Ducale.
Montechiarugolo - Located in Val d’Enza, on the lower hills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, this tiny village with only 87 residents centers around the medieval Castle, which is the main attraction. Inside, you can admire numerous frescoes and precious pieces of furniture.
