Borghi Autentici d'Italia: Villages to Fall in Love With

Italy is not just about vibrant cities, world-famous landmarks, and sunny beaches. Off the beaten path lies the true heart of the country: the Authentic Villages of Italy. These small, genuine villages preserve traditions that have long faded elsewhere. Here, the air is filled with the scent of fresh bread, the sound of church bells, and in the narrow streets, time seems to stand still.

The Association Borghi Autentici d'Italia is dedicated to rediscovering Italian villages as 'places to live, promote, and preserve.' At its core are people and their communities. The organization fosters the development of small communities and aims to preserve their identity-from traditions and craftsmanship to the landscape.

Through local projects and initiatives, they aim to improve the social, ecological, and economic environment and enhance quality of life. This creates vibrant places that offer both locals and visitors an authentic Italy.

The National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) describes the Authentic Villages as 'hospitable communities that retain resident citizens and welcome people who live there temporarily in a way other than mass tourism.' Here, the real experience matters, characterized by encounters, local traditions, and a deep connection to the region.

Annually, the communities that are part of the initiative open their 'doors' to visitors during the 'National Days of Authentic Villages of Italy'. From spring through fall 2025, there are ten event weekends throughout the country.

During this period, there is an opportunity to learn about local stories, cultures, and traditions through events, meetings, exhibitions, or workshops.

The Association of Borghi Autentici d'Italia is open to:

Currently, over 250 communities belong to the network of Authentic Villages of Italy. An interactive map on the association's homepage shows all the locations at a glance. Most of these original villages are located in Apulia (47), Sardinia (44), and the Abruzzo (68).

We introduce five of these special places in detail and show why they embody the true charm of Italy.

1. Terra di Leuca, Apulia

In the southern part of the Apulia region, in the so-called heel of Italy, lies Terra di Leuca. The municipal association in the Province of Lecce consists of ten municipalities: Morciano, Alessano, Castrignano del Capo, Corsano, Patù, Salve, Tiggiano, Gagliano del Capo, Miggiano, and Montesano Salentino. Few other places offer such a delightful living experience as here, between the Ionian and Adriatic seas, surrounded by sea caves, watchtowers, beaches, olive groves, and rock towers.

Gagliano del Capo, for instance, impresses with churches, palaces, and historical buildings that can be discovered on a stroll through the old town.

In the surrounding area, varied trekking routes pass by religious sites, cliffs, and caves, including the Sentiero le Cipolliane trail between Marina di Novaglie and Ciolo. Situated on a steep cliff 30 meters above the sea, it leads to the 'Cipolliane' caves. The nearby 'Ponte Clio' bridge also offers impressive views. Another highlight is the 'Three Doors Cave' in Castrignano del Capo.

2. Barrea, Abruzzo

Perched on a rocky mountain spur in the Abruzzo is the small village of Barrea. According to the Association of Authentic Villages, it is an important tourist destination, part of the mountain community Alto Sangro and the Cinque Miglia plateau.

Barrea is one of the main centers of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park, which is among the ten most popular national parks in Europe. Hiking enthusiasts can explore Monte Greco (2249 meters), the lakes Vivo, Pantaniello, and Barrea, as well as the Resuni Hut on a dense network of trails.

Benedictine monks founded the village around the year 1000, and archaeological finds indicate settlement since antiquity. The historical center impresses with cobblestone streets, old churches like the Church of Our Lady of Grace, and the castle from the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

Barrea preserves traditions through events like the Orapi Festival and religious processions. The cuisine offers regional specialties like Muscischia (dried mutton) and local sweets. The life-sized nativity scene by the Sangro River is particularly popular.

3. Caccamo, Sicily

Sicily likely attracts many travelers to its coast for beach vacations, but a trip inland offers variety. Here, you can discover not only impressive landscapes but also charming mountain villages like Caccamo.

The medieval village lies in the province of Palermo on a slope of the last foothill of Monte San Calogero, slightly more than seven kilometers from the Tyrrhenian coast. Beautiful excursion destinations nearby include the artificial Lake Rosamarina, also known as Lago di Caccamo, the Monte San Calogero Nature Reserve, the Hermitage of San Felice on Monte Cane, and the holy cave of Beato Liccio.

Caccamo itself is characterized by narrow, cobblestone alleys and numerous religious buildings. They bear witness to a turbulent history shaped by Greeks, Carthaginians, Arabs, Byzantines, Normans, and Spaniards. The castle, known as the largest medieval fortress in Sicily, served for strategic control and defense. It majestically sits on a limestone ridge, overlooking the San Leonardo River valley. The Piazza dei Frati Minori Cappuccini and Via Del Carmine also offer spectacular panoramic views.

The five churches in Caccamo house valuable artworks, including works by Gagini, Borremans, and Van Cleve. Religious festivals, including the 'A Retina di San Giuseppe' parade in March and the Feast of Blessed Giovanni Liccio (on the last Sunday in May and the following Monday) provide impressive insights into local traditions.

Every Sunday morning, a farmer's market takes place on the square next to the Capuchin Church. Culinary delights in Caccamo include wild vegetables, meat dishes, cheeses, and traditional sweets like cannoli and buccellati.

4. Oriolo Romano, Lazio

In the province of Viterbo, just an hour and a half by car from Rome, is Oriolo Romano. The village is nestled in the nature of the Sabatini Mountains. Recommended destinations for hiking enthusiasts include Lake Bracciano and Monte Raschio with its UNESCO-protected beech forest.

Oriolo Romano was founded as an ideally planned, rationally structured village. The heart of the town is the Palazzo Altieri with its magnificent rooms and historic gardens, known as the Olmate.

Notable sights include the Parish Church of San Giorgio and the Fontana della Picche. The local cuisine features meat and mushroom dishes, particularly porcini, accompanied by wines (white and red) and olive oil. Annual festivals celebrate these local traditions and specialties.

Among the most important events in Oriolo Romano is the feast of St. George, celebrated in the last week of April with a historic procession. In June, the Acquacotta festival attracts with regional specialties, music, and shows. On August 14, the Feast of Madonna della Stella and the spectacular Rodeo of the Maremma Cowboys take place. Between late July and early August, the Hunters' Festival invites you to enjoy typical wild boar dishes.

5. Casali del Manco, Calabria

Casali del Manco was formed in 2017 from the merger of five municipalities: Casole Bruzio, Spezzano Piccolo, Trenta, Pedace, and Serra Pedace. The region in the heart of the Sila National Park is characterized by historic farmhouses, diverse nature, and many churches and monasteries like the Convento San Francesco di Paola in Pedace or the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Trenta.

The area offers numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, winter sports, and rides on historic steam trains. According to the Association of Authentic Villages, Silvana Mansio/San Nicola is the highest narrow-gauge railway station in Europe. It is situated about 1,400 meters above sea level.

Particularly noteworthy is the town of Lorica, located in the eponymous ski area. It is described as the 'Pearl of Sila' and sits idyllically on the shores of Lake Arvo in a stunning mountain setting.

The Monte Botte Donato, at 1,928 meters the highest peak of Sila, offers wide views of Mount Etna, Stromboli, the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, and the Pollino and surrounding lakes.

Culinarily, the region is characterized by specialties with the 'Patata della Sila IGP' label as well as cheese or meat products bearing the DOP designation (protected designation of origin), including Salsiccia di Calabria DOP, Soppressata di Calabria DOP, and Maialino Nero DOP.

The traditional cuisine includes dishes like Cuccìa (a dish of boiled wheat with pork rind and pork and goat meat) and regional delicacies like Nduja (a soft cured sausage) and Pitta Mpigliata (Italian Christmas pastry filled with nuts, raisins, and honey).

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