As iconic Italian cities like Venice and Florence grapple with overtourism, many travelers are seeking quieter, off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer a more responsible and immersive experience. Italy, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history, is home to a collection of charming villages that provide an alternative to crowded tourist hotspots. The association i Borghi più Belli d’Italia—which celebrates, promotes, and preserves the country’s most beautiful villages—has added new entries to its prestigious list for 2024, highlighting regions that are worth exploring.
Rassa: Mountain Charm in Piedmont
Nestled in the Sesia Valley in northern Piedmont, Rassa is a small, snow-covered hamlet perched at 917 meters above sea level. The village, with its stone and wooden houses, is crossed by a medieval stone footbridge, adding to its old-world charm. Visitors can explore the church of San Giovanni, adorned with frescoes, and its historic bell tower. Rassa serves as an excellent base for hiking in the surrounding mountains, offering nature lovers a peaceful retreat.
Bagolino: A Cheese Lover’s Paradise
Located in the Sabbia Valley of Lombardy, Bagolino is renowned for its prized cheese, bagòss, an aged cheese flavored with saffron and crafted at high altitudes. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the church of San Giorgio, which houses works by the Venetian master Tintoretto. The village comes alive each February during its annual carnival, where residents dress in historic costumes, play music, and celebrate with parades and dances.
Bertinoro: The Balcony of Romagna
Known as the “Balcony of Romagna,” Bertinoro offers sweeping views over the cities of Forlì and Cesena, extending all the way to the sea. Dominated by the Rocca fortress, which now houses an Interreligious Museum, the village is also famed for its hospitality traditions. The Colonna delle Anelle festival celebrates this ancient rite with parades, music, and religious ceremonies, inviting guests to experience the village’s welcoming spirit.
Mulazzo: Dante’s Place of Exile
Set in the Lunigiana hills, Mulazzo is historically significant as the place where the poet Dante Alighieri sought refuge during his exile. Visitors can explore the Via Dantis, a walking route with stops reflecting the nine circles of hell from Dante’s Divine Comedy. The village also features the small hamlet of Montereggio, known as the “village of booksellers,” and dramatic fortifications in Lusuolo.
Ripatransone: Italy’s Narrowest Alley
Located in the Piceno hills, Ripatransone is famed for having the narrowest alley in Italy. After navigating this tight passage, visitors can admire the monumental Cathedral of San Gregorio Magno and its towering bell tower. Known as the “Belvedere del Piceno,” the village offers stunning views of the Gran Sasso massif and the Adriatic Sea.
Gravina in Puglia: A James Bond Filming Location
Gravina in Puglia, with its striking karst ravines and cave-dwelling homes, has earned fame as a filming location for No Time to Die. The town’s 11th-century cathedral showcases Romanesque architecture, while the Chiesa Rupestre di San Michele delle Grotte features a macabre collection of martyrs’ skulls. The arched bridge over the river is a highlight for visitors, offering a unique glimpse of the town’s history and cinematic significance.
These newly added villages to i Borghi più Belli d’Italia offer travelers the chance to explore lesser-known regions of Italy, each with its own unique charm and rich cultural heritage.
