Lucca
The quiet Tuscan republic that wrapped its independence in walls and elegance Lucca is the sort of city that makes a first impression by refusing to make too much noise. Tuscany has no shortage of famous places, and Lucca seems…
Alessia
Matera
The stone city that went from national shame to one of Europe’s great symbols of rebirth Matera does not look like a city that was built. It looks like a city that emerged from the earth. Houses, churches, stairs, courtyards…
Bari
The Adriatic city where Saint Nicholas, seafaring history and southern street life meet Bari is often introduced as the gateway to Puglia, which is true but slightly unfair. Gateways are places people pass through. Bari deserves to be entered. It…
Lecce
The golden Baroque city where stone, sunlight and Salento imagination became an art form Lecce seems to have discovered that sunlight is an architectural material. Its churches and palaces are carved from a soft local limestone that changes color through…
Assisi
The Umbrian hill city where one man’s idea of poverty changed the spiritual map of Europe Assisi is one of the few cities in Italy where the landscape itself seems to lower its voice. Built along the slopes of Mount…
Catania
The black-and-white Sicilian city that learned to live beneath a volcano Catania is a city that lives under the gaze of a mountain capable of reminding everyone, from time to time, who is really in charge. Mount Etna is not…
Perugia
An Etruscan hill city of stone, chocolate, students and stubborn independence Perugia is a city that makes you earn the view. It sits high on a hill in the heart of Umbria, and almost every arrival involves climbing, escalators, stairways,…
Amalfi
The tiny maritime republic that once traded with the world and still clings magnificently to the coast Amalfi is small enough to cross on foot in a short time and large enough to occupy an extraordinary place in Mediterranean history.…
Como
A lakeside city of Roman roots, silk, rationalist architecture and understated northern elegance Como is frequently introduced through its lake, which is understandable because Lake Como has a talent for stealing attention. Mountains descend steeply into deep blue water, villas…
Positano
A vertical village of fishermen, fashion and impossible beauty on the Amalfi Coast Positano is one of those places that seems to have been designed by someone who considered flat ground unimaginative. Houses climb the cliff in tiers, stairways substitute…