Scattered throughout Italy’s countryside are numerous villages brimming with impressive architecture, culinary treats, and mysterious cultural practices.
Every year, these lesser-known gems vie for nationwide acclaim via ‘Borgo dei Borghi’ (Village of Villages), a cherished TV competition that has turned into a significant cultural event.
Organized by RAI, which is Italy’s national public broadcaster, this yearly contest unfolds through weekly installments, highlighting one of the twenty chosen villages at a time.
This program serves as a source of travel motivation, sharing legends, peculiarities, and customs that render every town uniquely special.
Below are this year’s victors — selected by both spectators and a distinguished panel of historians along with tourism experts — and the reasons why they deserve a spot on your upcoming Italian adventure schedule.
Wonder at the Baroque magnificence in Militello in Val di Catania, Sicily
Situated on the north-facing slopes of the Iblean Mountains, Militello in Val di Catania stands as a prime example of Sicilian Baroque architecture and town planning.
The small community with slightly less than 7,000 residents is encompassed within
UNESCO
Its designation for the late Baroque towns located in the Val di Noto region.
After the massive earthquake in 1693 that obliterated large parts of southeastern Sicily, Militello was reconstructed following the Baroque style prevalent at the time. This gives the town a feel akin to an outdoor museum showcasing 18th-century architecture.
This village houses over 20 churches featuring ornate stonework adorned with cherubs, saints, and detailed floral patterns.
Militello also boasts many aristocratic villas and palaces that were formerly residences of the noble families instrumental in shaping the town’s growth.
The
village
The region’s cultural scene is rich as well, featuring saints’ day celebrations that include parades, traditional musical acts, and shared feasts among the community.
Militello’s win signifies Sicily’s fifth success in the Borgo dei Borghi contest, after earlier victories by Gangi, Montalbano Elicona, Sambuca di Sicilia, and Petralia Soprana.
Discover the grand palace of Agliè in Piedmont.
Heading north into the province of Turin, the second-place town of Agliè stands out with its blend of noble elegance and everyday village atmosphere.
At the heart of this location is the Castello di Agliè, an opulent estate that is included as part of UNESCO’s list of Savoy Residences.
This awe-inspiring edifice features grand façades, intricate gardens, and lavishly adorned interiors, serving as one of the main dwellings for the House of Savoy—the royal dynasty that governed the Kingdom of Sardinia before taking control over the united Kingdom of Italy.
The castle lies at the core of the area.
village
Surrounded by ancient piazzas that continue to serve as the backdrop for weekly markets, seasonal festivities, and everyday social gatherings.
The village became even more renowned as the main shooting spot for ‘Elisa di Rivombrosa,’ a widely watched Italian period drama.
Explore the age-old art of viniculture in Vignanello, Lazio
The third place was awarded to Vignanello, showcasing the refined architectural and farming practices characteristic of northern Lazio.
The village gained prominence mainly due to the Castello Ruspoli, an exquisite example of Renaissance architecture, with its gardens being among the best illustrations of Italian landscaping from the 1500s and 1600s.
Vignanello is also famous for its traditional methods
winemaking
Traditions. The volcanic soils of the area, enhanced over centuries with natural mineral deposits, offer perfect conditions for grape cultivation.
Each year, the village comes alive with excitement during the annual grape harvest festival, which includes wine tasting sessions alongside delicious food pairings and captivating historical enactments.
Discover the untamed wilderness of the national park near Aieta, Calabria
Perched high within the mountains of Calabria, Aieta resides amidst the wild expanse of the Pollino National Park.
Perched at an altitude exceeding 500 meters, this medieval village offers breathtaking vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its name aptly comes from the Greek term for “eagle.”
Aieta’s medieval character still stands vividly preserved, featuring narrow cobblestone lanes meandering through homes constructed from locally sourced stones.
The 16th-century Renaissance palace in this village serves as an emblem of the prosperity and refined culture that modest mountain towns were able to attain during what was known as the peak period for Italian arts and architectural brilliance.
Situated inside the Pollino National Park, Aieta serves as an excellent starting point for discovering its timeless woodlands, narrow canyons formed by swift-flowing rivers, and lofty summits that offer refuge to endangered species of fauna, including
wolves
eagles, and native flora.
Discover tranquility amidst the lemon orchards in Maiori, Campania.
Although the Amalfi Coast draws millions of tourists each year to its renowned locations such as
Positano
And for those seeking a quieter option, Maiori provides a more serene choice compared to Amalfi.
The village boasts a vast beach, which is uncommon for this coastline usually marked by tiny coves and steep cliffs.
Amidst the expanse of sand stand the vibrant structures of the village, with lemon orchards ascending the rugged slopes adorned with trails for walking.
Explore the Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia, an impressive spiritual site sculpted right into the seaside cliffs. Within this structure, you’ll find painted chapels and contemplative areas shaped directly from the rocky outcrop.
The lemon groves in Maiori stand as more than mere agricultural endeavors; they embody a cultural heritage that has sculpted both the region’s scenery and economic fabric.
Amalfi Coast
for centuries.
These stepped gardens, held up by stone walls constructed without mortar, serve as a remarkable instance of eco-friendly farming. They enhance output significantly while maintaining the inherent attractiveness of the rugged coastline.