Italy is often regarded as one of the world’s most desirable destinations, and with good reason: who doesn’t like excellent cuisine, works of art, and fashion? We all know that we can find these things in Italy’s most well-known cities, such as Rome, Florence, and Milan; nevertheless, due to the large number of visitors that visit these places, they may grow rather crowded and lose part of their original beauty.
The best way to see Italy is from the crowds of tourists visiting the big sites. Learn about a different side of Italy. You could be pleasantly surprised to uncover some of the country’s best attractions and some of your most unforgettable travel experiences in one of the underappreciated places below.
Altamura
Please go to Altamura for some of their renowned bread and maybe a night at their hotel carved into a cliff face. The area is vibrant and old, making it a perfect spot to get lost and discover new places. Altamura’s Romanesque Cathedral is one of the city’s most defining characteristics.
The lovely Cathedral is surrounded by intriguing tumuli and mediaeval walls originally used as tombs (gravestones). The amazing megalithic walls of Altamura, which were constructed about 500 B.C. and are responsible for the city’s name, are an integral part of the landscape. Fossils found in Altamura are of high quality, with some indicating that humans were in the area as early as 400,000 B.C.
Genoa
Genoa, the site where Christopher Columbus was born, has long been an important port for Italian maritime commerce and remains one of the busiest in the country today. Even though it’s not a top-of-the-list Italian travel destination, Genoa is a beautiful and exciting city you shouldn’t miss.
Most visitors to Genoa stop at the aquarium, the biggest of its kind in Europe. If you like the finer things in life, such as art and architecture, you should check out the Prince’s Palace and the Raccolte Frugone’s art galleries. It’s no surprise that Genoa is so well-liked among foodies. Pesto was created in Genoa, and the cheap and tasty flatbread known as focaccia can be found everywhere.
Matera: Off The Beaten Path In Basilicata
While Matera is still almost entirely off the main path in Italy, the city is becoming more popular as word of its beauty spreads thanks to its designation as the 2019 European City of Culture. Matera, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, offers a plethora of intriguing historical monuments dating back centuries, if not millennia, for you to explore. While its old cave homes are fascinating, a day spent just strolling about and taking in the scenery is a rewarding way to spend time there.
Whether it’s the stunning setting on the edge of a gorge, the uniform appearance of its ancient buildings clustered together in a beautiful mess, or the winding alleys that weave between lovely old churches, getting lost in all of its amazing histories is a pleasure, as you constantly discover new corners of the town.
Siracusa (Syracuse)
Siracusa is a fascinating and significant city with deep historical and theological origins. The Italians have conserved many of Siracusa’s ancient Greek landmarks, including the Temple of Apollo, making it a fantastic setting for reenacting some of the greatest Greek legends in the world’s espresso capital. Incomparable in terms of local flavour, shopping options, and culinary excellence.
The city’s patron saint, Saint Lucy, is honoured with a feast day in the middle of December, and the city is also respected for its reference in the Bible as a town visited by the Apostle Paul. The city’s status as a World Heritage Site has far-reaching implications, helping it achieve economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion.
Ragusa
This is a fantastic holiday spot in Sicily. Ragusa Superior and Ragusa Ibla are the two main divisions that may be made. Ragusa Ibla is where tourists visit the city’s ancient buildings, whereas Ragusa Superior is where the locals live.
An earthquake devastated the city in the 17th century, although many structures were reconstructed using the same materials. It would be a shame to miss the stunning Cathedral and Palazzo Bernini. After that, you may pass between Ragusa’s old and new parts on the Ponte Vecchio, which was constructed in 1825.
You may not want to visit the most popular travel destinations if you are put off by the prospect of joining the masses in lengthy lineups at tourist sites. Although everyone is familiar with cities like Venice, Rome, and Florence, visiting one during peak tourist season may be a hassle. There is no shortage of allure, splendour, and history in Italy. And you need not necessarily go to the popular tourist spots to do so. There are a lot of beautiful, historic, and less-populated urban areas.
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