Towns and Cities to Explore in Central Italy

Even after the big summer rush, we're still thinking about vacations, specifically those in Italy. This time we stop in the center, in all those areas dedicated to lovers of the countryside, silence and good food. Where exactly? Between Lazio, Marche, Umbria and Tuscany.

As soon as you arrive in Tuscany, you cannot help but be enchanted by the beauty and vastness of its territory. Here it ranges from the sea to the countryside up to the cities of art; in short, it is impossible not to please everyone. Furthermore, it is among the lands from which one can be most delighted: meats, cheeses, wines, mushrooms, cured meats.

Ready to go?

Pienza - tiny village of just 1,990 inhabitants in the province of Siena adorned with splendid Renaissance palaces and flowers in every corner. The decorum that exists is remarkable and the tranquility that one breathes is immediately perceived by those who stop in this village even for just a few hours. It is forbidden not to taste a good plate of pici all'aglione.

Arezzo - wonderful city in Tuscany, seat of the oldest university and birthplace of Giorgio Vasari. Its historical, artistic and cultural heritage is among the richest in Italy, not to mention its famous silver works (mostly but not only). Here, in fact, there are many master goldsmiths.

Florence - like all self-respecting riverside cities, appears blissful and romantic. Impossible not to mention its Ponte Vecchio, the artistic masterpieces, the colored marbles of the churches and palaces. Florence, the city that gave birth to Dante is a riot of ITALIAN art, beauty and culture. There are so many unmissable stops, including its temporary exhibitions, that it would be impossible to describe them all, but a few days in Florence, during a trip to Tuscany, is certainly a must.

Montepulciano - the Tuscan village famous for its wine. But what to do here besides a few tastings in the cellar? Do not miss a walk in its characteristic historic center, a stop at the Civic Museum and the Pinacoteca. In Montepulciano, again, you can dedicate yourself to well-being at 360 degrees; after eating excellent local products and drinking good red wine, why not take a trip to its thermal baths?

Siena - the city of the Palio. Here it is impossible not to stroll through the narrow streets of its historic center until you reach Piazza del Campo and admire it in all its beauty and historicity. Palaces, churches, history and architecture. Everything in Siena screams culture.

Castiglione del Lago - an unmissable stop during a trip to Umbria. But what to see in Castiglione del Lago? Undoubtedly the Rocca del Leone, the Palazzo della Corgna, the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena and that of San Domenico.

Corciano - a suggestive village in the province of Perugia surrounded by the medieval walls of the XIII-XIV century. A walk here at sunset is a gift you will give yourself.

Spello - or rather the flowery village. This small village in the province of Perugia appears so characteristic and romantic, particularly appreciated for its historic centre, for the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, for the Towers of Properzio and for the very famous flower displays of Corpus Domini.

Assisi - the city of San Francesco which every year attracts countless onlookers, faithful and otherwise, who admire it in all its beauty, history and spirituality. Strolling through its narrow streets, full of churches and monuments, is a panacea for the eyes and for the spirit. Among the main stops we find the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, the Rocca Maggiore and the Church of Santa Chiara.

Orvieto - a beautiful village in the province of Terni that deserves a stop for its historic centre, the imposing Cathedral and, why not, a gastronomic stop between one walk and another. As in all of Umbria, Orvieto also eats very well and its typical products are remarkable; mushrooms, meats, cold cuts and cheeses are truly exquisite.

Montecosaro - in the province of Macerata stands the small village of 7,300 inhabitants, characteristic for its monuments, its residences and palaces, medieval castles, churches, museums, gardens, narrow streets and squares. Do not miss the fourteenth-century walls that still today embrace the medieval historic center, which can be accessed via Porta San Lorenzo. In the main square of the village, Piazza Trieste, there are the Collegiate Church and the Teatro delle Logge. Adjacent to the theater stands Palazzo Cesarini, another wonder of the village. Among the narrow streets of the historic centre, the imposing Civic Tower from the Middle Ages stands out.

Moresco - one of the most beautiful villages in the Marche region in the province of Fermo. Barely 100 souls inhabit this small village which, however, is worth a visit and leaves everyone breathless. The village inside the walls retains its medieval structure and walking through its alleys is a pleasure for the eyes and for the soul.

To access the historic center you pass next to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute which obviously deserves a stop. Also worth visiting are the heptagonal tower, the clock tower at the opposite end of piazza Castello and the ancient watchtower dating back to the 12th century.

Offagna - medieval village in the Conero, in the province of Ancona, characteristic for its Rocca di Offagna which represents a remarkable example of military architecture. Offagna, very important and active at the time of courts and knights, had towers, a drawbridge, high defensive walls and a guardhouse. Today, precisely because of its past, it is the seat of the permanent arms exhibition.

Sarnano - we are in the province of Pesaro and Urbino and this charming little village has more than 750 years of history. With just about 3,000 inhabitants, it is worth a visit for the alleys and squares of the historic center. Visiting Sarnano is a real dive into the past. Even nature here is alive and luxuriant and for lovers of the "open air" it is a destination to absolutely include in your tour. The Via delle Cascate Perdute has been open since summer 2020, a 6km itinerary of easy and suggestive nature trail, also suitable for children.

Offida - in the province of Ascoli Piceno is renowned for the art of bobbin lace, an ancient and laborious tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation for at least five centuries. The village is rich in history and culture; very important scenario of the battles between Guelphs and Ghibellines. The village appeared as a large military fortress, made up of walls and square towers. Unfortunately very little of all this is left due to the wars and the earthquake of 1943.

Civita di Bagnoregio - fraction of only 11 inhabitants in the municipality of Bagnoregio, in the province of Viterbo, part of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Famous for being called "The dying city" by the writer Bonaventura Tecchi. Why this nickname? There seems to be a geological problem in Civita, i.e. the valley drops at a surprising speed but according to geologists, fortunately, the village will not disappear before 800 years.

Tarquinia - municipality in the province of Viterbo of about 15,000 inhabitants which, in addition to having been the capital of Etruria, is today a World Heritage Site for its marvelous necropolis and painted tombs. Every year history and culture enthusiasts, or the simple curious, come from all over the world to admire these wonders. Furthermore, in Tarquinia it is possible to enjoy its sea and its beaches characterized by fine and dark sand typical of the place.

Tuscania - we are still in the province of Viterbo and this village is a real gem for lovers of history and local products at km0. Here, in fact, it is possible to taste cheeses, mainly pecorino, thanks to the large pastures and cultivated fields. Obviously it does not end here, there is so much history in Tuscania that despite being a small village it is worth living. Do not miss the Tomb of the Queen, the most important of the archaeological site, together with the Tombs of the Curunas family and the Sarcophagus of the Amazons. Other Etruscan necropolises in the area are also worth a visit.

Bracciano - Italian town of about 18,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan city of Rome. It rises on the western bank of the ancient Lacus Sabatinus, about 40 km from Rome. In this village, as well as tasting the excellent lake fish, it is possible to visit Lake Bracciano, the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, the charming medieval village that winds around the castle and which from the top of the hill dominates the whole territory. The blue of the lake marries the green of the woods, in fact, in Bracciano, even the vegetation is very luxuriant and therefore deserves an excursion to the Bracciano - Martignano Regional Natural Park.

Less known but certainly very fascinating is Anguillara Sabazia, an ancient fishing village that stands on the shores of the lake.

Nepi - village of 9,000 inhabitants in the province of Viterbo. Known in antiquity as Nepet, from the Etruscan Nepa, or "water" is in fact the "city of waters", surrounded by streams, springs and small waterfalls. The Cavaterra waterfall and the Nepi aqueduct are worth a visit. Still, very suggestive are the Rocca dei Borgia, the Catacomb of Santa Savinilla, the Porta Nica, the Porta Romana, the Porta Porciana, the Cathedral and other wonderful churches. - we are still in the province of Viterbo and this village is a real gem for lovers of history and local products at km0. Here, in fact, it is possible to taste cheeses, mainly pecorino, thanks to the large pastures and cultivated fields. Obviously it does not end here, there is so much history in Tuscania that despite being a small village it is worth living. Do not miss the Tomb of the Queen, the most important of the archaeological site, together with the Tombs of the Curunas family and the Sarcophagus of the Amazons. Other Etruscan necropolises in the area are also worth a visit.

Bracciano - Italian town of about 18,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan city of Rome. It rises on the western bank of the ancient Lacus Sabatinus, about 40 km from Rome. In this village, as well as tasting the excellent lake fish, it is possible to visit Lake Bracciano, the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, the charming medieval village that winds around the castle and which from the top of the hill dominates the whole territory. The blue of the lake marries the green of the woods, in fact, in Bracciano, even the vegetation is very luxuriant and therefore deserves an excursion to the Bracciano - Martignano Regional Natural Park.

Less known but certainly very fascinating is Anguillara Sabazia, an ancient fishing village that stands on the shores of the lake.

Nepi - village of 9,000 inhabitants in the province of Viterbo. Known in antiquity as Nepet, from the Etruscan Nepa, or "water" is in fact the "city of waters", surrounded by streams, springs and small waterfalls. The Cavaterra waterfall and the Nepi aqueduct are worth a visit. Still, very suggestive are the Rocca dei Borgia, the Catacomb of Santa Savinilla, the Porta Nica, the Porta Romana, the Porta Porciana, the Cathedral and other wonderful churches.