While only some are open to the public, they are an architectural feast with grand frescos and beautiful art.Īlso impressive and worth a visit is the Te Palace (which has nothing to do with the drink), which also boasts some grand halls, and perhaps my favourite spot, the Teatro Bibiena, a true Italy hidden gem if ever there was one! We have to thank the Gonzaga rulers for most of the grand architecture in Mantua, whose Ducal Palace presents some 600 odd rooms. The city is surrounded by three artificial lakes, one coated in lilypads which call out for a sunset boat cruise, but the real magic is hidden behind closed doors in the numerous grand rooms. Home to the largest residential building in Europe after the Vatican, Mantua is packed with art and architectural gems. Wow! What a city, and to be honest, I’m surprised this incredible place is somewhat off the beaten path in Italy still. Whether you explore the castle of Massafra and marvel at its old Viaduct or visit the beaches or perched town of Castellaneta, this triangle of close-by spots provides plenty of fascinating history to discover. If the accommodation prices in Matera make you bulk, then staying at relatively nearby Massafra or Castellaneta, which are more off the beaten path, are good bets.īoth are much quieter and relaxing but offer plenty of lesser discovered attractions. The inhabitants all left these cave-like homes when diseases were rife, but they are now open to discover and visit, with the history of poverty levels of the past left behind. The selection of caves that make up the Sassi, the old part of the city which is now surrounded by the new section, is incredible to explore. Matera has become more well known in recent years thanks to being awarded the Capital of Culture 2019, but this fascinating spot, one of the longest inhabited human settlements in the world, is a must-visit. Matera, Basilicata (and Massafra, Puglia) Read More: Trento, the perfect sized city breakĤ. While the region of Trentino is popular with neighbouring countries to visit by car, it’s still a relatively off the beaten path destination in Italy. Over a weekend, I could walk the streets with no rush to be anywhere, turning down little alleyways, grabbing drinks in the main square under the impressive cathedral and enjoying being in a city where the locals seemed as excited to be there as I did. The cobbled streets of the city were spotless, a far cry from some of the filthier areas of the larger Italian cities, while the impressive Buonconsiglio Castle, galleries and outside frescos provide enough culture without being overwhelming. It won’t exhaust you like a weekend in Rome, but it still provides ample opportunity to experience the best of Italy culture, art, food, more food and that relaxed vibe that makes Italy so unique, making it a firm favourite on my Italy hidden gem list. The capital city of the Trentino region, Trento, is a perfectly sized city break. This is a dreamy town where white-washed walls are brightened up by purple and pink flowers in pots, and little restaurants offer alfresco dining in the quaint streets. What is obvious from the ground level, though, is how adorable, cute, and any other travel-cliche description you can throw in it was. The name of the town comes from the circular shape it was built in, although this isn’t obvious from ground level. The coffee gave more of a kick here, the gelato felt sweeter here, and every time I turned a corner, my camera would start working overtime again. Locorotondo became one of my favourite places in Puglia, and I absolutely fell in love with it. If you are looking for a beautiful hidden gem in Italy, then Locorotondo is the town for you! Dating back to the 10th century and with an age-old charm, an overnight stay in Castelmezzaono is undoubtedly on my hit list when I return to Basilicata. Hidden islands in europe full#While the town itself is mesmerising, especially when viewed from a distance to admire its unique location, the surrounding area is full of epic hikes, forests and national parks. Hidden islands in europe zip#Travelling between the two can be completed on the ‘ Flight of the Angel‘ – a high-speed zip wire that connects these two off the beaten path Italian towns together. This stunning Italy hidden gem is well worth the detour from the main road cutting through Basilicata, and it comes paired up with another beauty on the opposite mountain, Pietrapertosa. Perched against the backdrop of the Dolomiti Lucane, visiting Castelmezzano was a total accident during my recent Southern Italy road trip. Read: My favourite unforgettable experiences in Italy
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