2. Civita di Bagnoregio: the dying town in the sky
Sitting high on a delicate volcanic plateau in the province of Viterbo, Lazio, Civita di Bagnoregio appears to float above the surrounding valley, accessible only by a narrow footbridge.
Founded by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago, the town’s unique geology, characterized by soft clay and volcanic rock, has led to centuries of erosion, earning it the nickname the dying town.
Yet despite its precarious state, Civita di Bagnoregio remains one of those hidden gems in Italy where history, fragility, and beauty converge in breathtaking balance.
3. Castelmezzano: a wild jewel in the Lucanian Dolomites
Hidden in the peaks of Basilicata’s Lucanian Dolomites, Castelmezzano looks as though it has been carved from sandstone cliffs.
Its story begins in the 6th–5th centuries BCE, when Greek settlers founded a village known as Maudoro. Later, during the Norman era, the fortress Castrum Medianum (meaning castle in the middle) was constructed to guard the valley between neighboring strongholds.
Today, remnants of the castle still crown the village, including a steep stone stairway leading to a dramatic lookout point. And for thrill-seekers, the Volo dell’Angelo zipline (Flight of the Angel) offers a heart-racing ride between Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, reaching speeds up to 120 km/h and suspended more than 400 meters above the valley floor.
4. Sant’Agata de’ Goti: Campania’s precarious beauty
In the hills of Campania’s Benevento province, Sant’Agata de’ Goti balances dramatically atop a sheer tuff cliff between two streams, its medieval silhouette rising above a deep gorge.
Its origins lie in the ancient Samnite city of Saticula, and the town assumed its current name during Lombard rule in the 8th century, likely in honor of Saint Agatha of Catania. Over the centuries, Roman, Norman, and Angevin influences have shaped its layered identity.
Key highlights include the 10th-century Cathedral of the Assumption and the Ducal Castle, fortified by the Normans. Today, Sant’Agata’s cobbled streets, stone houses, and quiet piazzas offer a timeless southern Italian escape. And it’s a shining example of how the hidden gems in Italy can surprise you with their depth of character and enduring beauty.
5. Brisighella: the painted town of Emilia-Romagna
Surrounded by rolling hills and lush vineyards, Brisighella is a medieval town known for pastel-colored houses lining narrow streets.
At its heart lies the Via degli Asini (Donkey Alley), a 14th-century covered walkway originally built to protect both villagers and their animals. Nearby, the old clock tower rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Beyond its beauty, Brisighella is also known for its robust Sangiovese wines and high-quality olive oil: products that continue to reflect the land’s agricultural soul.
6. Orta San Giulio: tranquility on the shores of Lake Orta
On the serene western shore of Lake Orta in the Piedmont region, Orta San Giulio is a medieval town whose origins trace back to Roman times. Its narrow cobbled streets, flower-laden balconies, and inviting piazzas create a serene atmosphere perfect for quiet contemplation.
What makes this setting even more special is that just offshore lies the Island of San Giulio, home to a remarkable 12th-century Romanesque basilica and the Mater Ecclesiae Benedictine monastery.
Compared to the busier towns on Italy’s famous lakes, Orta San Giulio has remained a peaceful refuge, where history and nature blend seamlessly.
7. Noto Antica: Sicily’s lost city
Before the ornate beauty of modern Noto, there was Noto Antica: a thriving medieval city that fell victim to the catastrophic earthquake of 1693.
Following the disaster, the town’s inhabitants relocated to the present-day site of Noto, leaving behind ruins now scattered among olive groves and wild vegetation. Among the remnants, you’ll find crumbling churches, palaces, and defensive walls, ghostly echoes of Sicily’s resilient past.
8. Maratea: the hidden pearl of the Tyrrhenian
Maratea, nestled between rugged cliffs and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, is one of southern Italy’s best-kept secrets: a place where natural beauty and deep-rooted faith come together.
With numerous small beaches framed by dramatic coastline and winding roads, the town offers an unhurried retreat surrounded by stunning landscapes. Overlooking it all is the monumental Christ the Redeemer statue, locally known as Cristo Redentore, standing 21.13 meters tall atop Monte San Biagio. Erected in 1965, it’s one of Europe’s tallest statues of Jesus and a powerful symbol visible from miles around.
Below the statue, Maratea’s historic center, known as the city of 44 churches, boasts an impressive number of churches and chapels scattered along its narrow streets. The medieval towers and ancient buildings tell stories of a past shaped by maritime trade, faith, and resilience.
Sometimes called the other Amalfi Coast, Maratea remains refreshingly unspoiled, where tradition lives on amid breathtaking scenery: a true gem for travelers seeking authentic southern Italian charm.
9. Borghetto sul Mincio: the watermill village
Cradled by the gentle flow of the Mincio River in the Veneto region, Borghetto sul Mincio is a picturesque hamlet of Valeggio sul Mincio, renowned for its medieval charm and historic watermills.
Originally a strategic river ford during the Lombard era, it later flourished under Venetian rule from 1405, becoming a center for agriculture and milling. Today, visitors can admire the well-preserved watermills, some dating back to the 15th century, which stand as a testament to the village’s enduring heritage.
Beyond its history, local cuisine shines thanks to Tortellini di Valeggio: handmade pasta parcels filled with meats and celebrated annually during the Festa del Nodo d’Amore (Festival of the Love Knot), which honors a local legend of star-crossed lovers. During the event, thousands gather to enjoy the dish at a communal table that spans the historic Visconti Bridge.
