8 Most Breathtaking Towns In Italy
It's no secret that Italy is a traveler's dream, with enchanting towns running through the country from north to south. These eight breathtaking towns in Italy range from northern lakeside mountain towns such as Riva del Garda and Varenna all the way down to Procida, perched on an island off the coast of Naples. Each town will keep you spellbound with layers of preserved history, in some cases dating back to ancient Roman times, sitting side-by-side with modern culture. From medieval structures and floor mosaics to mountainous hikes and lakeside walks, the journey through one or all these towns will delight and inspire.
Riva del Garda
Surrounded by mountains on the northwestern tip of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda takes one’s breath away. Surrounded by a canal on the lakefront, La Rocca di Riva del Garda, or the Riva Castle, also doubles as the civic museum Museo Alto Garda. The museum exhibits a 15th through 19th century picture gallery, a Middle Paleolithic to early Middle Ages archaeological section, and a prehistoric through WWII history section. The ancient stone and mortar structure with four corner towers is a medieval sight to behold.
Only a three-and-a-half-kilometer commute from the castle and museum, Il Bastione Lounge and Restaurant offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Upper Garda area. Built right next to a 16th-century Venetian keep, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner on the terrace where both history and modernity come together.
Meanwhile, the Sentiero del Ponale foot and cycle path presents the opportunity to take in another panoramic view of Lake Garda. Carved into the cliffside, the 10-kilometer out-and-back trail immerses pedestrians and cyclists into Garda’s more natural attractions. From a medieval castle turned museum and a restaurant on the hillside built next to a Venetian keep to a hiking and biking path above the lake, Riva Del Garda maintains its natural and historic gifts.
Varenna
On the eastern shore of Lake Como in Northern Italy, Varenna adds a colorful warmth to the lakeside. The Passeggiata Degli Innamorati, or Lover’s Walk, begins at the ferry terminal and follows a red railing south over the water and then leads pedestrians into the town.
On the southern end of town, the lakeside Villa Monastero, which has turned into a museum and botanical garden, invites guests to explore the interior and grounds. First built during the 12th century as a convent, the structure was then transformed into a residence in the 17th century. After changing hands multiple times over the centuries, the villa was finally donated to the public as a museum in 1939, which now consists of 14 fully furnished rooms and a two-kilometer lakefront garden.
On a bluff above the villa, the Castello di Vezio, or Vezio Castle, overlooks both the town and the lake. The medieval military outpost served as the lake and village’s defense against both looting and wars. A unique modern plaster cast ghost installation can now be found throughout the castle and grounds. The castle terrace creates a scenic view of the lake and mountains. From the Lover’s Walk on the lake to the lake front villa and garden to the view of the area from the castle bluff, Varenna offers a very scenic experience.
San Gimignano
In Northwestern Italy, San Gimignano creates a warm medieval atmosphere. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Historic Center of San Gimignano retains its original architecture. In the Piazza del Duomo, the 14th-century Torre Grossa is the town’s tallest stone tower, standing 54 meters high. In 1632, the tower was struck by lightning and underwent 17 years of repair. The tower offers the possibility to be able to climb and enjoy a breathtaking view of the historic center and the landscape.
Just down an alley from the piazza, the Galleria Continua displays a mix of past and contemporary art by famous and emerging artists. Exhibitions regularly rotate, refreshing the space for visitors and providing artists with more opportunities to share their work with the public.
At the end of the same alley, the Romanesque-style Chiesa di San Lorenzo, or Church of Saint Laurence, preserves their extensive 15th-century frescoes. In reference to their patron saint, the frescoes show the theme of the afterlife. Now operating as a civic museum, the frescoes are open for public viewing. From the medieval tower to the contemporary art gallery and historic church turned civic museum, San Gimignano features a mix of historic and modern attractions.
Spello
In the centralal Italy province of Perugia, Spello projects a medieval warmth with a mix of green foliage against stone structures. In the southeastern end of town, the Villa Dei Mosaici Di Spello maintains 500 square meters of ancient stone tile mosaic flooring. The images range from geometric designs, animals, and mythical creatures to human figures and scenes. The archaeological site and restoration efforts created the museum to share the breathtaking art with viewers.
Near the center of town, the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, or Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, houses Spello’s Municipal picture gallery in its 16th-century Palazzo dei Canonici. The chapel preserves a hand-painted Deruta majolica floor and frescoes that are open to public viewing.
On the north end of town, the Torre di San Severino, or Tower of Saint Servinus, still stands today. The stone grounds around the tower are open for exploration with a scenic view of the area and a tree sculpture art installation. The historic town of Spello features mosaic flooring, hand-painted frescoes, and stone towers that take one’s breath away.
Bevagna
Also located in central Italy, in Perugia, Bevagna celebrates its medieval roots within the museum circuit. In the north end of town, the 18th-century Palazzo Lepri palace now houses a picture gallery, an archaeological museum, and a decorated council room open for public viewing. The picture gallery features a historic 16th-century painting, and the archaeological museum showcases friezes and the remains of a colossal Roman statue.
Also found in the north end, the Roman Baths preserve the second-century public complex. The main room displays a large black and white mythological figure and marine creature tesserae floor mosaic.
Near the center of town, the Teatro Torti occupies a historic building. The 19th-century theater takes guests’ breath away at the first glimpse of the frescoed ceiling and the open boxes bordered with railings. The medieval town of Bevagna takes one back in time through preservation and restoration efforts within its museum circuit.
Vieste
Perched on top of a rocky cliff in Italy's eastern coastline, Vieste delivers a heightened experience. On the south side of town, the medieval Castello Svevo Aragonese, or the Swabian Castle of Vieste, stands the test of time. In the 16th century, the ruins were absorbed by new construction, and viewers can still see the exterior of the sizeable historic structure today.
Near the center of the downtown area, the Scalinata Dell’amore, or the Stairway of Love, leads from the old city to the town hall. The white painted staircase with red hearts and lyrics surrounding the legend of the white monolith on Castle Beach is a one-of-a-kind public art installation.
On the southeastern shore, the Museo Malacologico Vieste, or the Malacological Museum of Vieste, displays a rather extensive private collection of marine fossils and shells with a mix of both local and global finds. The museum occupies an old 17th-century building, complete with a curved ceiling made of stone. The historic coastal town offers a unique assortment of attractions to pique public interest.
Polignano a Mare
On the southeastern coast of Italy on the Adriatic Sea, Polignano a Mare naturally blends in with the cliffside upon which it rests. The centrally located Lama Monachile is a scenic cove and beach found between two cliff faces. The proximity to the historic town also makes it a convenient stop to take in the view of the Adriatic waters.
Not far from Lama Monachile, the Monumento a Domenico Modugno, or Monument of Domenico Modigno, stands just above the stairs that lead down to a rocky terrace. The bronze statue honoring the famous local singer and songwriter throws his arms open in a perpetual embrace.
On the eastern shoreline, the Museum of Contemporary Art Pino Pascali showcases works and memorabilia belonging to the Italian artist. The museum also displays a rotating exhibit that features work by the current winner of the Pino Pascali competition. Polignano a Mare celebrates both its natural inspiration and its artistic influences.
Procida
Accessible by ferry, Procida occupies an island off the coast of Naples. The colorful buildings invite explorers to take a break from the mainland. On the eastern shore of the island, the Palazzo d’Avalos still stands for viewing today. The medieval structure transitioned from a castle, a royal residence, a military school, and a prison over the centuries.
On the northeast side of the island, the Marina Grande features seaside shops, cafes, restaurants, and the eye-catching Chiesa di Maria Santissima della Pietà e San Giovanni Battista. The bright yellow 17th-century structure adorns the square and even attracts the eye from the sea.
On the southeast side of the island, the Belvedere Elsa Morante offers a scenic view of Spiaggia della Chiaia, or Chiaia Beach, and the Marina Corricella. The viewpoint is named after the well-known Italian author who set her novel Arturo’s Island in Procida. With medieval history and literary inspiration, the island of Procida maintains its visual appeal.
From rocky mountains down to sandy beaches, these 8 breathtaking towns in Italy offer a mix of attractions from visiting medieval structures such as Riva Castle in Riva del Garda to contemporary art museums such as Galleria Continua in San Gimignano. Take a walk or hike to panoramic viewpoints like the Lover’s Walk in Varenna. Feast your eyes on the ancient mosaic floors in Spello and Bevagna and the natural cliffs beneath Vieste and Polignano a Mare. These historic Italian towns just might take your breath away.
