To travel in Italy is to travel amongst beauty.
It is the country with the greatest number of UNESCO sites and certified products by “Made in Italy”.
Although the architecture, art, landscapes, countryside and traditions are famous and appreciated all over the world, not everyone is familiar with the secrets and unwritten rules of the country.
Getting lost is worthwhile when amongst the alleys of one of the 271 villages, said to be the most beautiful in the country.
Explore the buildings and villas which open during the “Giornate FAI” - an extraordinary occasion, or disappear within the Sassi of Matera, a city which in 2019 will be named European Cultural Centre of the year.
Matera represents an opportunity for the region of Basilicata to showcase its beauty via special events, organised in occasion of the exciting nomination.
Put aside Venice’s lagoon, the Amalfi coast and the Cinque Terre.
Ask the Italian people the best way to discover the secrets of the peninsula.
Nothing is more satisfying for an Italian than to give hints and suggestions about their homeland.
The most loved traditions are the historical occasions, which are usually marked by a couple of days of holiday and a story of legend from the past.
An example of this is the Mastrogiurato in Lanciano, Chieti, in which an entire week in August is dedicated to middle ages.
Or there is the Natale di Roma, on April 21, when the Eternal City celebrates its birthday with parades and special events.
Some religious festivals unite the efforts of the local men, who carry through the streets of their city a religious “machine”, a monument in commemoration of the patron saint.
If nature or architecture are more your thing, you won’t be disappointed by the array of locations still waiting to be discovered.
Visit the Rocce Rosse in Arbatax, on the southern island of Sardinia.
These isolated red rocks form one of the most beautiful beaches of the island.
Or take a trip to the Castello di Sammezzano, a castle not far from Florence, in Tuscany, and a perfect example of eclecticism.
Alternatively, there’s the Civita di Bagnoreggio, in Latium, better known as the dying city, because of the plateau of eroding volcanic tuff on which the medieval town was built.
There’s the Santuario della Madonna della Corona, in Veneto, a monastric shrine high up in the mountains.
And finally, there’s the impressive Greek theatre of Siracusa, in Sicily, which houses Greek and Roman remains.
Take a trip through the Italian peninsula and discover for yourself the traditions and places still hidden within the country.
