8 Amazing Italian Villages You May Have Never Heard Of

(CNN) — Travelers tend to head to famous destinations such as Venice, Florence, Rome and even Naples when visiting Italy.

However, the European country is full of beautiful villages that are little known, even among some Italians.

In fact, Italy is dotted with more than 5,000 gorgeous, unassuming villages, with excellent cuisine, pristine scenery, and few inhabitants.

Here are eight gorgeous Italian villages you’ve never heard of.

Castel di Tora

The lakeside town of Castel di Tora is located in the Latium region of Italy.

The lakeside town of Castel di Tora is located in the Latium region of Italy.

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One of Italy’s central regions of Latium’s best-kept secrets, Castel di Tora is the perfect place for a day trip while in Rome. The country roads leading to the town pass through dense forest, so visitors may spot cows and sheep roaming along the way.

The town itself sits on a bushy hilltop overlooking Turano, an artificial lake built by Italian wartime fascist leader Benito Mussolini, where locals sunbathe on stone benches and glisten in the shimmering turquoise water. You can find them taking a dip.

A metal bridge connects the main road to the old town. This old town is lined with a variety of elegantly redesigned stone houses with panoramic balconies suspended over the lake.

The town’s small squares are ideal places for lunch or a quick espresso. Featuring an open veranda with panoramic views, the lakeside tavern serves fresh fish.

There are many ways to enjoy it, such as fishing for 2-meter-long carp that must be released, exhilarating swimming on the shores of the lake, and leisurely boat trips.

Fraso Sabino

It’s a bit tough to get to, and you might get lost on country roads or find yourself in a Buddhist retreat along the way, but this incredibly well-kept medieval village is well worth a visit.

Deep in Italy’s Latium region, near the city of Rieti, Frasso Sabino is like a throwback to simpler times.

Forget the bustling bars and restaurants, Sfilata Frasso — Moda e Riciclo, an eco-fashion show featuring dresses made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles and empty coffee capsules, is perhaps the only social event in town. Important event.

The ruins of Sforza Cesarini Castle, which dates back to the 11th century, tower above the Frasso Sabino.

To approach the fortress, visitors must walk uphill on the wide stone steps of the outdoor defensive walls.

Campiglia Marittima

The medieval village Campiglia Marittima is located near the beach on the Etruscan coast.

The medieval village Campiglia Marittima is located near the beach on the Etruscan coast.

Borghi Piu Berri D’Italia

Located in Tuscany, this hilltop village overlooks the beautiful beaches of the popular Etruscan coast.

Fishermen have found refuge here in the past. And today day-trippers head to Campiglia he Marittima for tranquility, nature and fine wine. On a clear day, views from this area, located about 90 kilometers southwest of Florence, extend to the Tuscan archipelago and Corsica.

The ruins of the walled viewing fortress Rocco overlook this medieval town surrounded by greenery, and its ancient quarter is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled alleys and passageways.

Lucerna

Perched high in the Alps in the Trento region, Lucerna is an incredibly unique place. About 200 villagers live in this small village, and they speak an old and rare dialect of Bavarian origin called Cimbro (or Cimbrian), brought over by medieval settlers.

The road and site signs here are in a variety of languages, and locals are so proud of their roots that they stand out from the crowd while navigating the area’s many forests. You may think that you have wandered into another country.

Lucerna also has excellent ski slopes, and visitors can enjoy winter activities such as dog sledding and snowshoe hiking.

The Bear Trail (yes, you can hit it) has miles of trekking routes leading to scenic spots overlooking snow-capped mountains.

Bobio

The Italian town of Bobbio has an ancient bridge of unusual construction.

The Italian town of Bobbio has an ancient bridge of unusual construction.

Pixelshop/Adobe Stock

This village in Emilia-Romagna is a potential filming location for the TV series Game of Thrones.

Upon entry, visitors are greeted by the impressive sight of Ponte Gobbo, an ancient stone bridge that connects Bobbio with the main road.

Also known as the ‘Devil’s Bridge’ or ‘Hunchback Bridge’, this irregular structure is 280 meters (about 920 feet) long and features 11 uneven arcades.

Founded by the Celtics during the Italian invasion, Bobbio consists of a picturesque walkway leading to a labyrinth of winding alleys lined with palaces of the nobility.

St. Columbanus, an Irish monk, contributed to Bobbio’s grandeur by founding the Abbey of Bobbio, one of the town’s most famous landmarks.

There is also Bobbio Cathedral, a quaint cathedral with priceless ancient manuscripts and other treasures. As for the town’s activities, Bobbio often hosts small fairs showcasing delicacies such as snails, grapes and truffles.

Petritri

Although its name may derive from an ancient word loosely meaning “burial place” in the local dialect, Petritri is now a coveted wedding destination.

In recent years, couples have flocked to this secluded corner of Italy’s Marche region to exchange vows among the pristine meadows and clean air of this small village.

Overlooking green hills dotted with olive groves, vineyards and mulberry trees, Petritri offers stunning views of the Adriatic coast.

Homemade moccolotti (more commonly known as rigatoni) with rich meat sauce and pecorino sheep cheese stand out as local specialties.

bukkeri

Located near Syracuse in Sicily, Bucheri offers a quiet respite from the crowds, yet close to cozy beaches and stunning scenery.

The rural villages have the ruins of majestic castles, but the most picturesque place to visit here is undoubtedly the ancient snow caves, or ‘Nivieres’. This is a natural refrigerator built to store ice and snow, and the town’s small chapel and Damso-style cottages.

In the Middle Ages, special snow collectors known as ‘nivaroli’ collected ice from the mountains to make ice cream or a delicious slushy called granita.

Although made in a much simpler manner today, granite is still very popular in the villages.Other local favorites include pasta dishes with saffron and local truffles.

Civita Castellana

The beautiful Civita Castellana is based in the Lazio region of central Italy.

The beautiful Civita Castellana is based in the Lazio region of central Italy.

obli / adobe stock

Perched on a brownish-red tuff cape near the Umbrian border, Civita is a place where time stands still.

The town’s long, winding main road leads to an ancient district overlooking chasms and caves built by an ancient Italian tribe called the Farisi, believed to have once been used as a hideout for bandits.

The river near it has porous rocks with deep fissures and fissures that once housed the burial grounds of ancient pre-Italic tribes.

Major highlights here include the town’s mosaic-covered Duomo, Civita Castellana Cathedral, and the magnificent ancient fortress.

There is also a range of artisanal ceramic boutiques, as well as fresh ricotta cheese and premium hams that visitors can purchase directly from the farmers.

Source: www.cnn.com

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