Italian Medieval Villages

Let’s have a virtual trip to discover the most delightful antique centers of Italy. Six beautiful places we will visit in the next future.

Castiglione del Lago (Umbria, Perugia)

It is a pentagonal-shaped fortress of the Lion; it was decided to be built by Emperor Frederick II in 1247.

The castle was assembled in this specific way to give the king a strategic control over all of Lake Trasimeno, and of course spot the enemy in timely fashion.

Castiglione del Lago view

The peculiarity of this amazing fortress: its preservation over centuries. You will have the chance to see the three gates; then, inside the municipality.

There are also three plazas and three churches. If you will ever be around Florence area, you should definitely visit this medieval town.

Cefalù (Palermo, Sicilia)

The “Medieval Lavatoio” literally means “washer”, because until last century, people used this special place to wash their clothes.

It is a castle which can be accessed from via Vittorio Emanuele. You will need to climb stairs created from lava stones, while water will be flowing from these stairs. The water of Cefalino river are considered pristine.

Legend tells that the river was originated from the crying of nymph, repented of killing her betraying lover. Medieval Lavatoio is located in the enchanted Sicily island, Cefalu’ it is a city belonging to Palermo.

Recanati (Marche)

The Montefiore castle was erected for defensive purposes in medieval age.

Over the course of the years, the Castle was losing his strategic importance and gradually abandoned.

It is a borough in the Province of Macerata, in the Marche region, Italy. Recanati was founded around 1150 AD from three pre-existing castles. It rises in the Montefiore, about 10 km from the center of Recanati.

During several centuries of economic prosperity, Recanati became home to prominent jurists, writers, and artists.

Bosa (Oristano, Sardegna)

The castle was built in 1112 on top of the hill of Serravalle by the noble Tuscan Malaspina dello Spino Secco family. Legend tells that the jealous marquis built an underpass from the castle to the cathedral so that his beautiful wife would go to church without being seen by indiscreet eyes.

The Castle of Serravalle is a medieval castle in Bosa, province of Oristano, Sardinia, Italy.

Maiera’ (Calabria)

The medieval village has the trait to be on rocky hill. From one side you can see the blue Mediterranean see, from the other, you will view a very deep ravine, which time before it was used to grind grain.

The legend tells that two men were fighting for the love of a beautiful lady. In order to keep peace among people, God decided to separate the city of Maiera’ from the other one.

Maiera’ is between Scalea and Diamante, Cosenza. In summer time is a major attraction for food festivals.

Castellabate (Campania)

Castellabate castle was fabricated between the 11th and 15th century. This fortress has sturdy walls with four towers. Inside the town, can be found old houses, and furnaces.

Nearby the castle, can be visited a fishermen village in San Marco di Castellabate.

Antonia L. Mosca

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Secret Italian beaches to discover…

Italy is very well known for its hot and shiny sun. Along with the sun, travelers want to visit the “Bel Paese” also for the so many beautiful beaches all around the boot.

Regular tourists may stroll around all the “classic” beach spots. However, the purpose of this article is to offer a unique choice to the potential visitor, who wishes to go over and discover the “secret places” known only by the native people.

Remaiolo beach:

It is located in the south of Elba Island, Toscana. It is an inaccessible cove which you will be able to visit only if you are guest of “Costa del Gabbiani Hotel”

Another way is to walk on a very steep road for about three km, and in order to do that, you will need a special permission from the management of the tourist resort https://www.elbaworld.com/en/info/p-320-info-point.html

Remaiolo beach

However, if somehow, you will manage to arrive to the Remaiolo beach, you will face this rocky view with an amazing light-green sea color. An unforgivable scenery.

La Bufalara beach:

Ii is in Sabaudia, Latina; by the “Torre di Paola beach”. To visit this beautiful secret sea, you will need to walk on a long trail distinguished by pretty high dunes.

La Bufalara beach is a place difficult and far to go, also during the high season in August, it is an empty beach. To go there it is possible also taking part of tour guides, and you may need to ride an horse!

Cala Monte di Luna beach:

Located in Marina di Camerota, Salerno. The name explains that the beach is situated on the bottom of the rocky mountain; another reason is that watching this bay by the close town, people can see the moon; like if it were born on that beach. Enchanting dark blue sea, and very romantic!

Cala Monte di Luna

Punta Crena beach:

Another reason to visit Liguria is because of its hidden beach mostly visited on the high summer season. The beach is very close to “Riviera del Ponte”

How to get there? Only swimming! To avoid any inconveniences, if you decide to “use” this pathway, you will need to wear special plastic shoes. The low-clear water and the rocks offer an enchanting view of this so special beach.

Cala Cipolla:

In Sardegna there are many wild sandy beaches, but one of the still unknown is in Cagliari and its name is: “Cala Cipolla”

Cala Cipolla

 This beach is located by Chia Bay. It is especially attended from off-season surfers. The very close pine trees, offer an easy way to find some shade from the heat of summer; therefore, it is a suitable place also for families with children. You may park in the surrounding area, but it is needed to walk on the sand for 100 meters.

Antonia L. Mosca

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