Secret Cities of Italy

Italy. The name sparks images of gondolas, the Trevi Fountain, and Michelangelos David. Indeed, travelers who visit only Venice, Rome, and Florence will find plenty to hold their attentionbut they will also miss out on so much more of what Bella Italia has to offer . . . Bursting with gorgeous photographs and abundant travel information, this book is a showcase of 60 of Italys off-the-beaten-path towns and villagessome of which are only a short drive from the more popular tourist spots. Ranging in size and brimming with charm, these destinations feature historic town centers, quaint stores, villages atop rocky cliffs, castles, and streets bustling with restaurants. This comprehensive tribute spotlights the wonders of Italy, from breathtaking art and ancient sites to opulent cathedrals and local marketplaces. Not to be overlooked are the stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights found throughout the storied boot-shaped land. A trip to Italy is already on the bucket list for many travelers, and this book is sure to inspire even more Italian adventureswhether real or daydreamed. Spotlighting: Northern Italy Glurns The Proud Town in the Mountains Aosta The Wild and Romantic Mountain Resort Orta San Giulio Hidden in the Mountains Como The Small Town by a Picturesque Lakeside Bassano del Grappa The High-Proof Delight Aquileia The Mighty Bishops See Brescia The World Heritage Town in a Prime Location Treviso Mainland Venice in Miniature Torcello The Dreamy Island Turin The Cool Classic Town Pavia Spiritual Greatness and Simple Beauty Mantua The Favorite of the House of Gonzaga Montagnana The Walled-In Wonder Parma Something for the Eyes, Ears and the Palate Ferrara Emilia-Romagna for Romantics Pomposa The Hidden Abbey Genoa The By-Passed Metropolis Bologna The Great Unknown Ravenna The Imperial City Triora A Village Idyll in Ligurias Mountains Central Italy Orsigna The Elective Home of Tiziano Terzani La Verna A Place for Holy Legends Urbino Treasure Trove in The Marches Monteriggioni The Round Miracle Gubbio Strolling through the Middle Ages San Galgano Mysterious Middle Ages Giardino Spoerri A Garden Full of Ideas Spoleto A Festival Makes History Pitigliano The Jerusalem of Italy Orvieto A First-Class Destination Civita di Bagnoregio A Village in a Top Location Bomarzo A Fantastical Spot in the Country Tuscania Lazios Bright North Tarquinia A Cemetery with Adjacent Small Town Caprarola A Mannerist Manifesto San Clemente The National Monument Rome Underground Palestrina Built Within a Temple Ostia Antica Pompeii Vibes Ninfa Visiting a Magic Garden Southern Italy Caserta The Largest Castle in the World Trani Cathedral by the Sea Naples Italys Most Fascinating City Herculaneum Pompeii in Miniature Paestum An Exquisite Doric Temple Matera A Cozy Cave System Martina Franca A Stylish Old Town Lecce The Bastion of Architecture Otranto Apulias Magical South Diamante The Perfect Seaside Resort Tharros The Anchorage of Antiquity Barumini World Heritage Site in the Country Stromboli A Great Island Spectacle Palermo The Underestimated Town Monreale Dipped in Gold Cefal A Charming Old Town by the Sea Agrigent A Classic of Antiquity by the Sea Piazza Armerina A Villa Causes a Sensation Syracuse From Poorhouse to the Precious City Noto Risen from the Ashes