What if we varied the pleasures to abandon the great cities of art such as Rome, Florence or Venice for a while?
Beyond the magnificent churches, palaces, squares and museums of these unmissable destinations, Italy is full of hidden gems, villages to explore, little-known corners to survey.
To discover
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From Emilia-Romagna with the proud Modena to the surprising Ragusa nestled on the edge of a Sicilian ravine via Varallo, the "Jerusalem of Piedmont", here are ten places that also shine with their terroir, their architecture and exceptional gastronomy. peer.
Andiamo!
Read alsoWhy the train is the best way to travel around Italy
In Emilia-Romagna: Modena, Ravenna, Bologna
MODENA: VINEGAR, OLD STONES AND FERRARI
Capital of Romanesque art thanks to the monumental complex of Piazza Grande, the bell tower (known as Ghirlandina) and the cathedral, the city of Modena has been listed since 1997 on the Unesco World Heritage List.
Angelo Nacchio
Shopping bag in hand, it is at the market that you will find real balsamic vinegar of Modena PDO.
A precious 100 ml bottle (from € 40 to over € 1,500), containing a tasty nectar that takes 12 to 25 years, sometimes up to 150 years, to achieve this syrup texture.
But this jewel of Italian gastronomy cannot hide the Piazza Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its superb
12th century
Duomo
, flanked by a 90-meter bell tower.
An exceptional heritage that rivals today the cars - raised to the rank of work of art - of the fascinating Enzo Ferrari museum, located 20 km from the brand's factory in Maranello.
Read alsoSaga: Enzo Ferrari, a life dedicated to the automobile
Getting there
The nearest international airport is in Bologna, a city connected to Modena in 30 minutes by train.
Tourist office: piazza Grande, 14, Modena;
Phone.
: +39 059/2032660;
www.visitmodena.it.
Sleep there
Best Western Premier Hotel Milano Palace:
building of character housing a 4-star hotel with sleek contemporary rooms.
(Corso V. Emanuele II, 68; tel .: +39 059/223011; www.milanopalacehotel.it; double room 150-535 €).
Hotel Rua Frati 48 in San Francesco:
5 stars offering elegant modern and minimalist rooms which magnify the architecture of this historic residence.
(rua dei Frati Minori, 48; tel: +39 059/7474410; www.ruafrati48.com; double room 485 - 975 €).
Good food
Osteria Francescana:
excellent modern restaurant by three-star chef Massimo Bottura, who regularly appears on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list.
(via Stella, 22; tel .: +39 059/223912; www.osteriafrancescana.it; 12-course menu € 290).
Read also Massimo Bottura's anti-waste kitchen
Do not miss
Palazzo dei Musei:
a rich collection of art where you can admire Velasquez, Tintoretto, Greco, Reni, Bernini, Carrache, etc.
(largo Porta Sant'Agostino, 337; www.palazzodeimuseimodena.it).
Museo Enzo Ferrari (MEF):
on the origins of the brand and its creator, born in Modena (via P. Ferrari, 85; www.musei.ferrari.com).
RAVENNA AND ITS PALEOCHRETIAN MONUMENTS
The imposing 6th-century Basilica San Vitale remains Ravenna's iconic masterpiece.
Waspa69
A slap.
Entering the modest 5th-century Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, you don't expect such a profusion of sublime mosaics, the oldest on the site.
Because Ravenna was equipped very early with prestigious Christian monuments to celebrate its status as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, then that of Byzantine Italy.
In all eight buildings listed as World Heritage by Unesco and of which the imposing Basilica San Vitale from the 6th century remains the emblematic masterpiece, endowed with delicate mosaics.
In short, a formidable artistic fusion of Greco-Roman fundamentals, Christian iconography and the oriental style.
Go
The closest international airports are in Bologna and Rimini, cities with a train connection to Ravenna in 1 to 1 hour 10 minutes.
Tourist office: piazza San Francesco, 7;
Phone.
: +39 0544/35755;
www.turismo.ra.it.
Sleep there
Palazzo Bezzi Hotel:
beautiful, sober and modern 4-star, with a garden terrace and a rooftop (via di Roma, 45; tel: +39 0544/36926; www.palazzobezzi.it; double room 70 - 170 €).
Good food
Ristorante Alexander:
served in a former cinema, contemporary cuisine, inspired by the sea, the land and above all by tradition (via Bassa del Pignataro, 8; tel .: +39 0544/212967; www.ristorantealexander.it; menus 35 - 45 €).
Do not miss
Early Christian monuments
(www.ravennamosaici.it).
BOLOGNA, A RICH CAPITAL OF THE REGION
Visiting Bologna is always a good idea.
This medium-sized city, less known from classic Italy tourist routes, nevertheless contains all the characteristic gems of the country.
Vanni Lazzari
Oh scandal.
An athletic bronze god Neptune - naked and trident in hand - stands on a pedestal dominating four voluptuous mermaids, who knead their breasts to make water squirt out of them.
Signed Jean de Bologne, this 16th century fountain aroused the indignation of the church.
But today it magnifies the splendid Piazza Maggiore - picturesque medieval heart of the city - surrounded by prestigious palaces.
Not to mention its churches, Renaissance buildings and its Bologna School initiated by local painters, which is exhibited in museums.
Go
International airport on site.
Tourist office:
piazza Maggiore, 1 / e;
Phone.
: +39 051/6583111;
www.bolognawelcome.it.
Sleep there
Grand Hotel Majestic:
18th century palace revealing a magnificent 5-star hotel with a very classic look (via dell'Indipendenzia, 8; tel .: +39 051/225445; grandhotelmajestic.duetorrihotels.com; double room 180 -1,400 €).
Hotel Corona d'Oro:
elegant and classic 4-star rooms, in an astonishing medieval mansion (via Oberdan, 12; tel .: +39 051/7457611; www.hco.it; double room 210 - 710 €).
Good food
Trattoria da Me:
tasty cuisine rooted in the land and served in a deliciously vintage atmosphere (via San Felice, 50; tel: +39 051/555486; www.trattoriadame.it; à la carte: 40 - 70 €).
Do not miss
Basilica di San Domenico:
from the 13th century, with works by Michelangelo (piazza San Domenico).
Basilica di Santo Stefano:
curious complex of nested Romanesque churches (piazza Santo Stefano).
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna:
one of the richest in the country, to marvel at Giotto, Perugino, Raphael, Titian, Reni, Carrache, etc.
(via Belle Arti, 56; www.pinacotecabologna.beniculturali.it).
Le Due Torri:
famous pair of medieval towers, identity of the city (via di Porta Ravegnana; www.duetorribologna.com).
Read alsoItalian museums in search of opening
In Lombardy: Mantua, Sabbioneta, Cremona
MANTUA, CITY OF ART AND WATER
Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Mantua flows peaceful days along the Mincio river.
Press photo
A few steps in the historic center of Mantua take us into an imposing and majestic medieval universe;
extensively embellished by a few great artists of the Renaissance, in the service of the Gonzaga dynasty.
We also visit their fabulous Palazzo Ducale planted on the magnificent Piazza Sordello.
Without forgetting their sulphurous Palazzo Te, considered one of the most important monuments of the Renaissance.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mantua spends peaceful days on the banks of the Mincio river, which lends itself to pleasant cruises.
Go
The nearest international airport is in Verona, a city connected to Mantua in an hour by train.
Tourist office:
piazza Mantegna, 6;
Phone.
: +39 0376/432432;
www.turismo.mantova.it.
Sleep there
Hotel Casa Poli:
a contemporary 4-star voucher (corso Garibaldi, 32; tel: +39 0376/288170; www.hotelcasapoli.it; double room € 120-200).
Palazzo Castiglioni:
several elegant and cozy suites in a picturesque 14th century palace, owned by the same family since the Renaissance (piazza Sordello, 12; mob .: +39 3488034576; www.palazzocastiglionimantova.it; double room 260 - 320 €) .
Good food
Trattoria “Il Cigno” dei Martini:
simple local specialties of good quality (piazza Carlo d'Arco, 1; mob .: +39 0376/327101; à la carte € 40 - 80).
Do not miss
Palazzo Ducale
(piazza Sorcello, 40; www.ducalemantova.org).
Palazzo Te
(viale Te, 13; www.palazzote.it).
Basilica di Sant'Andrea:
Renaissance jewel containing the relic of the Blood of Christ (piazza Mantegna).
SABBIONETA, BORN OF A FANTASY
The Ducal Palace, or Palazzo Grande, is the historic building in the small town of Sabbioneta, in the province of Mantua.
Adobe Stock
Lost in the open countryside, it is a surprising small fortified town, born in the 16th century in the whimsical spirit of Duke Vespasian I of Gonzaga, who wanted to have his own capital.
Built in a star shape according to the innovative urban planning principles of the Renaissance, it was intended to be an “ideal city” for its 3000 inhabitants.
The Duke surrounded himself with a court of intellectuals, artists and ambassadors who contributed to his influence throughout Europe.
A dynamic and brilliant atmosphere which contrasts with the current Sabbioneta: asleep in a magnificent decrepitude.
It is classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site and is included in the list of the most beautiful towns in Italy.
Go
Connection from Mantua in 50 minutes by bus (apam.it).
Tourist office:
piazza d'Armi, 1;
Phone.
: +39 0375/221044;
www.visitsabbioneta.it.
Sleep there
Albergo Giulia Gonzaga:
no other choice than this practical, clean and rather quaint little hotel (via Gonzaga, 65; tel: +39 0375/528169; www.albergogiuliagonzaga.it; double room 60 - 85 €).
Good food
Ristorante Corte Bondeno:
5 km from Sabbioneta, excellent country restaurant with direct access to the land (via Loria; cel .: +39 3458012912; www.ristorantecortebondeno.it; à la carte 30 - 40 €).
CREMONE, SEND THE VIOLINS
Homeland of the Stradivarius, the Italian city of Cremona has become the world laboratory of luthiers.
Press photo
Cremona is first and foremost a charming little historic heart, which flourishes around the beautiful Piazza del Comune.
We discover the 12th century Duomo, flanked by its Torrazo - a vertiginous bell tower over 110 m high!
- and its superb octagonal baptistery.
An architectural ensemble characteristic of the transition between Romanesque art and Gothic style.
But the city is also distinguished by its long tradition of luthiers, of which the famous Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) - known as Stradivarius - built the legend.
A prestigious craftsmanship evoked in the Museo del Violino and which also takes place at the option of the many small workshops in the city center.
Go
The nearest international airport is in Milan, a city connected to Cremona in 1 hour 10 minutes by train.
Tourist office:
piazza del Comune, 5;
Phone.
: +39 03762/407081;
www.turismocremona.it.
Sleep there
Delle Arti Design Hotel:
a 4-star design, which stands out in the historic center (via Bonomelli, 8; tel: 0372/23131; www.dellearti.com; double room 125 - 195 €).
Antica Corte Pallavicina Relais:
in the countryside 13 km from Cremona, a few charming rooms in this picturesque 14th century residence on the banks of the Po.
Excellent starred restaurant and
culatello
factory
, famous local ham cut from the buttocks of the pig (strada del Palazzo Due Torri, 3, in Polesine Parmense; tel: 0524/936539; www.anticacortepallavicina.it; double room 180 - 620 €) .
Good food
Locanda Torriani:
fine cuisine that revisits tradition with talent and taste (via Torriani, 7; tel: 0372/30017; à la carte € 40 - 70).
Do not miss
Museo del Violino
(piazza Marconi, 5; www.museodelviolino.org).
In Piedmont: Varallo
VARALLO, THE “JERUSALEM OF PIEDMONT” AND ITS STUNNING SACRED MOUNT
The Sacred Mountain of Varallo observed from the center of the city.
Press photo
From the village, a small vintage funicular takes us up to its astonishing Sacro Monte, created in the 15th century by a fervent Franciscan monk returning from Jerusalem.
Up there, a steep path connects 45 chapels, each dedicated to an event in the life of Christ.
Through the moucharabiehs, one is struck by the realism of the staging, made up of 800 human-sized terracotta statues, capped with real hair and enhanced with frescoes.
An astonishing monument classified as World Heritage by Unesco in the heart of Valsesia, a mountainous region suitable for hiking.
Go
The nearest international airport is in Milan, a city connected to Varallo in 2 hours by bus (www.beranzelli.it).
Tourist office:
Corso Roma, 38;
Phone.
: +39 0163/564404;
www.atlvalsesiavercelli.it.
Sleep there, eat
Albergo Italia:
the historic 3-star hotel in Varallo, with functional and clean rooms (corso Roma, 6; phone: 0163/51106; www.albergoitalia.net; double room € 90).
Villa Crespi - Relais & Châteaux:
overlooking the lovely Lake Orta, 12 km from Varallo, a charming 5-star hotel set in a superb 19th century Moorish villa with a cozy atmosphere.
It is also THE good table of the region - both inspired and well in the tradition, directed by the starred chef Antonino Cannavacciulo.
(via Fava, 18, in Orta San Giulio; tel: 0322/911902; www.villacrespi.it; double room 360 - 980 €; menus 150 - 190 €).
Do not miss
Sacro Monte di Varallo
(www.sacromontedivarallo.com).
Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie:
must-see for its superb scenes from the life of Jesus, painted in 1531 by Gaudenzio Ferrari (piazza Gaudenzio Ferrari, 6).
Read also48 hours in Turin, the beautiful stranger of Piedmont
In Umbria: Perugia, Assisi
PERUSE, CHEF-PLACE PRESERVED IN AN AUTHENTIC JUICE
For some, Perugia is considered the pearl of Umbria.
Adobe Stock
To go up to Perugia, take the escalator!
Because the rich regional capital is perched on a steep rocky promontory, surrounded by ramparts and crisscrossed by narrow streets.
A curious medieval-Renaissance atmosphere - alive and somewhat confined - which has for its heart the magnificent Piazza IV Novembre, its 13th century fountain, its Duomo and without forgetting the splendid Palazzo dei Priori, which contains the treasures of a museum of essential art.
Go
The international airport on site.
Tourist office:
Corso Roma, 38;
Phone.
: +39 075/5736458;
turismo.comune.perugia.it.
Sleep there
Locanda della Posta Boutique Hotel:
beautiful contemporary and minimalist 4-star hotel, in a former 18th century coaching inn (corso Vannuci, 97; tel: +39 075/5728925; www.locandadellaposta.it; double rooms 100 - 235 €) .
Hotel Brufani:
5-star rooms - elegant and classic - in a 19th century building set on the panoramic edge of the city, with a superb spa-swimming pool under medieval vaults (piazza Italia, 12; tel .: +39 075/5720210; www .sinahotels.com; double rooms 160 - 560 €).
Good food
Antica Trattoria San Lorenzo:
modern, Mediterranean-oriented fine cuisine (piazza Danti, 19a; tel: +39 075/5721956; menus 30 - 120 €).
Do not miss
Palazzo dei Priori : du XIIIe siècle, sa Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria recèle la plus riche collection de peinture régionale, dont les chefs-d'œuvre du Pérugin, maître de Raphaël (corso Vannucci, 19 ; tél. : +39 075/5721009 ; gallerianazionaledellumbria.it).
Cappella di San Severo : fresque de Raphaël (piazza Raffaello ; tél. : +39 075/9471766).
Basilica di San Pietro : église-musée connue pour son incroyable collection d'art (via Borgo XX Giugno, 74 ; tél. : +39 075/33753 ; www.fondazioneagraria.it).
ASSISE, VILLE-MUSÉE DE PÈLERINAGE
Célèbre pour être le lieu de naissance et de mort de Francesco Bernardone, François d'Assise, l'un des plus grands saints de l'Église catholique romaine, Assise possède un patrimoine culturel et historique très riche. Andrea Cova
En pénétrant dans la basilique Saint-François, le grand Giotto nous prend par la main ! Car ses sublimes fresques colorées – racontant la vie du saint – ornent les deux églises superposées du brillant sanctuaire, intense lieu de pèlerinage depuis le XIIIe siècle.
Mais Assise – nichée sur un rocher fortifié et classée au Patrimoine mondial de l'Unesco – compte bien d'autres trésors de pierre au détour de ses ruelles moyenâgeuses. À l’instar de sa séduisante Piazza del Comune, où cohabitent un surprenant temple romain à colonnes et plusieurs palais médiévaux !
Y aller
L'aéroport international le plus proche se trouve à Pérouse, ville reliée à Assise en 20 minutes de train.
Office de tourisme : piazza del Comune ; tél. : +39 075/8138680 ; www.visit-assisi.it.
Y dormir
Hotel Il Palazzo : très beau 3 étoiles moderne et épuré, dans un palais du XVIe siècle (via San Francesco, 8a ; tél. : 075/816841 ; hotelilpalazzo.it ; chambre double 90 - 210 €).
Hotel Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum : chambres 5 étoiles feutrées, au design minimaliste sublimant l'architecture de cet ancien couvent médiéval. Magnifique spa en sous-sol, bordé de vestiges romains (via Eremo delle Carceri, 1a ; tél. : 075/8155150 ; www.nunassisi.com ; chambre double 265 - 635 €).
Bonne table
Ristorante La Locanda del Cardinale : cuisine de terroir revisitée avec délice et servie dans un palais du XVIe siècle recelant des ruines romaines (piazza del Vescovado, 8 ; tél. : 075/815245 ; www.lalocandadelcardinale.com ; menus 50 - 70 €, à la carte 50 - 80 €).
À ne pas manquer
Basilica di San Francesco (piazza San Francesco ; www.sanfrancesco.org)
Basilica di Santa Chiara : construite au XIIIe siècle, elle abrite le crucifix géant devant lequel Dieu parla à Saint François (piazza Santa Chiara ; www.assisisantachiara.it).
À lire aussiDe Pérouse à Spolète, sept lieux pour se ressourcer en Ombrie, «poumon vert» de l'Italie
En Sicile : Raguse
RAGUSE, DEUX VILLES EN UNE… RELIÉES PAR UN ESCALIER
Située sur une falaise d'environ 550 mètres, Raguse est une des magnifiques villes baroques classiques de Sicile. Adobe Stock
En dévalant la Scalinata – charmant escalier sinueux qui connecte les deux quartiers de la ville – on découvre une volée de palais, d'églises et aussi quelques superbes panoramas sur Raguse, campée sur deux promontoires rocheux, au bord d'un ravin.
Classée au Patrimoine mondial de l'Unesco avec sept autres villes baroques des environs, Raguse fut reconstruite après le tremblement de terre de 1693 qui dévasta le sud-est de la Sicile. Bref, un déluge de superbes monuments baroques pour une silhouette unique !
À lire aussiItalie : en voiture sur les routes de Sicile
Y aller
L'aéroport international le plus proche se trouve à Catane, ville reliée à Raguse en 3h45 à 4h30 de train (changement à Syracuse).
Office de tourisme : piazza San Giovanni ; tél. : +39 0932/684780 ; www.comune.ragusa.gov.it.
Y dormir
a.d. 1768 Boutique Hotel : palais du XVIIIe siècle livrant un superbe 4 étoiles de charme aux chambres épurées ; mélange de mobilier vintage et design (piazza Duomo ; tél. : +39 0932/663133 ; www.1768iblahotel.it ; chambre double 110 - 470 €).
San Giorgio Palace Hotel : belles chambres sobres et contemporaines pour ce 4 étoiles niché à flanc de colline. Restaurant étoilé sur place. (via Ottaviano ; tél. : +39 0932/686983 ; www.sangiorgiopalacehotel.it ; chambre double 70 - 235 €).
Bonne table
Ristorante La Fenice : cuisine inventive et toute en saveurs, mijotée par le chef étoilé Claudio Ruta (via Ghandi, 3 ; tél. : +39 0932/604140 ; www.lafeniceristorante.it ; menus 55 - 85 € ; à la carte 65 - 90 €).
À ne pas manquer
Duomo di San Giorgio : du XVIIIe siècle, avec son élégante façade, sa haute coupole et sa sacristie renfermant un magnifique autel Renaissance signé Gagini, vestige de l'église d'origine détruite (piazza del Duomo).
Vallata Santa Domenica:
unusual path traversing the bottom of the green ravine which borders the city.
See also
- Venice inaugurates the Rialto Bridge after its restoration
Published in July 2020, this article is regularly updated