The most enchanting Italian cities to visit in winter

The enchanting village of Oliena, which received the prestigious Orange Flag award thanks to the extraordinary richness of its varied artistic and cultural heritage, is one of the wonderful Italian cities to visit in winter. Located in the most authentic heart of ancient Ichnusa, in Barbagia, it is set like a precious gem in a particularly evocative landscape that includes lush forests, imposing mountain ranges, crystal-clear water springs, spectacular canyons, and sinkholes. This jewel with a rich history and deep-rooted traditions is a charming location in the marvelous Cedrino River valley, dominated by the majestic Supramonte, to be recommended among the Italian cities to visit in winter.

Strolling through the streets of the historical center, you can admire the beautiful murals that adorn the façades of the buildings and depict glimpses of traditional daily life, 11 characteristic churches, including those of Sant'Ignazio, San Lussorio, Santa Maria, and the one dedicated to Nostra Signoria d'Itria. You can attend appealing fairs and religious processions in typical costumes, from which the most authentic soul and local identity shine through, such as the one in honor of Sant'Antonio Abate.

During these feast days, the village streets are lit up by magical votive bonfires. Let yourself be captivated by the unspoiled natural environments, the masterpieces of fervent local craftsmanship, the food and wine delicacies, and the artistic masterpieces of the Italian cities to visit in winter. After visiting the picturesque village, you could add to your itinerary dedicated to discovering the Italian cities to visit in winter, an excursion to the Su Gologone springs, delving into the lush vegetation, or make an excursion to the beautiful archaeological locations, such as Sa Sedda 'e sos Carros, the village dating back to the Nuragic era, which constitutes the treasure of the Lanaittu valley.

The charming Dolceaqua, nestled on the gentle hills of the hinterland between Bordighera and Ventimiglia, is a fascinating village with medieval architecture located along the stream of the characteristic Val Nervia. The oldest part of the town, on the slopes of the majestic Mount Rebuffao, is distinguished by the presence of the Doria manor house. It has received the prestigious Orange Flag recognition, which attests to its high standard of accommodation, hospitality, and quality in the environmental sphere.

The Old Bridge, the symbol of the village built in 1600, was extolled by Monet as an admirable work of elegance, lightness, and harmony and was depicted in his well-known paintings. It represents the symbolic watershed, delimiting two distinct areas, the Borgo and the Terra. It boasts a very ancient history intertwined with the events of the Venetian Republic, the Napoleonic period, and the noble lineage of the Counts of Ventimiglia. There are numerous buildings and places of interest that you can visit during your stay, such as the Baroque Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, the Giovanni Morscio picture gallery, the famous Palazzo Doria Garoscio, the parish church of San Giorgio, built in the 12th century with successive Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque stratifications, and the medieval Church of San Bernardo. Also worthy of note are the portals in the magnificent historical center, embellished with noble coats of arms.

In addition to being a particularly famous destination during the summer season, Cupra Marittima, the pearl of the Riviera delle Palme, also has many pleasant surprises for the traveller who chooses it for a stay in winter. If you are fond of natural sciences, you should add to your tour a visit to the Malacological Museum, whose institution dates back to 1977. Reaching Cupra Alta, which stands on Marano Hill, you can enjoy the enchanting panorama of the Marche coastline and delve into local history, from prehistoric times to the Roman and Picenum periods.

Other attractions include the Archaeological Park, located about 3 km from the centre: here you will find the Forum, where a temple area used for the worship of Venus rises, the ancient baths dating back to the imperial period, and a patrician villa with an adjoining nymphaeum. Other notable buildings are the Sant'Andrea Castle, built in 1200, the Sforza Palace, the Church of Santa Maria in Castello, and Villa Grisostomi.

Among the delightful villages nestled on the shores of Iseo Lake, straddling the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia, we find Peschiera Maraglio, the picturesque village perched in the iconic scenery of Monte Isola, overlooking the beautiful Sebino landscape. A full-fledged member of the prestigious palmarès of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, this charming locality is known for its fishing nets and traditional handicrafts, such as naet and local boats.

The picturesque center, dotted with alleys, arches, and lanes, is also renowned for the presence of ancient aristocratic residences, including the Oldofredi Castle, dating back to the 11th century, where the Queen of Cyprus stayed in the 15th century. It houses numerous palaces of outstanding architectural merit, including Casa Erba. It offers many attractions and places of interest: the charming Church of San Michel Arcangelo, for example, is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces embellished with floral details.

Gianduiotto is the iconic chocolate of Piedmont and Turin dedicates the Gianduiotto Day to the city during the winter chocolate event "Cioccolatò".

Don't miss the Egyptian Museum dedicated to the oldest Egyptian art in the world. It is essential to suggest a visit to the countless palaces that belonged to the the Savoy family: palaces with a high historical impact.

Turin was also the Italian capital of the car. We would like to remind you the National Automobile Museum that displays two hundred cars inside the Mirafiori factory.

Of sure in Campania during the winter Padula and its Charterhouse are the top destinations. Located a few kilometres far from Salerno, it is an important architectural complex, it is the largest Charterhouse monastery in Italy. The Charterhouse of San Lorenza in Padula is one of the most important monastic complexes in Europe and the largest of the national Charterhouse monasteries, representing one of the most impressive examples of Baroque art in Southern Italy.

A few kilometres from Padula, you can admire the Pertosa- Auletta Grottos: cool in summer and warm in winter thanks to the constant temperature of 16°. They are the only caves in Italy where it is possible to navigate an underground river; they are also the only ones in Europe to preserve the ruins of a village dating back to the 2nd millennium BC.

Perugia becomes magical in winter thanks to the intimate atmosphere that you can feel. Many events are organised in and around the city, including the world-famous Eurochocolate, the white truffle fair and the Festa del bosco  (Wood Festival) in neighbouring towns. The snow that covers Perugia in winter gives a suggestive and particular panorama. The Christmas markets also decorate the city starting from the end of November.

Parma is important for the ham production, moreover it is characteristic and evocative for the numerous medieval castles throughout its province. Here are some examples: Castello di Torrecchiara Castello di Fontanellato, Castello di Bardi, Reggia di Colorno.

Bolzano architecture has elements of German Gothic and elements of the Italian Renaissance. The city is surrounded by mountains and landscapes enchanted by snow, decorated by Christmas markets with a thousand lights, in Winter you live in a magical atmosphere. Here, despite being in Italy, people speak mainly German.

The winter season gives Verona a special charm. Its history, its Shakespearean tales, its squares, its Arena, make it unchanging in time and seasons.

It has a circular shape and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Full of characteristic alleyways lined with small white houses, Locorotondo has a series of churches and scenic roads that make it even more fascinating and evocative.

One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Termoli is an attraction for its blue sea, for standing on a promontory overlooking the sea and for its historic cathedral. From Termoli it is possible to reach the Tremiti islands. The old town with its Cathedral and Swabian Castle is certainly worth a visit. In winter there are several cultural initiatives involving people coming from various parts of Italy.

Fully enjoy this city characterised by thousand colours and scents, avoiding the summer heat and the crowds of tourists who prefer summer holidays. A visit in winter will certainly allow you to enjoy all its beauties: historical, artistic and culinary.

It is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy the panorama of snow-covered mountains and ski while looking at the sea of the Strait of Messina from above. Gambarie lies in the heart of the Aspromonte National Park in Reggio Calabria.

Nestled in the mountains of the Abruzzo National Park, Pescasseroli offers all its charm in both winter and summer. In winter it lets you relive the magic Christmas atmosphere thanks to the presence of nativity scenes in the alleys, coloured lights and Christmas decorations. The importance of the ski resorts that characterise it goes without saying.

Also called "the dying city", because it was built on a spur of tufa stone that is slowly crumbling. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is characteristic, not only for the position occupied, but also for its purely medieval style.

Called the little Vienna by the sea, thanks to its Hapsburg face, the Austro-Hungarian beauty of the buildings. After visiting the Old Town, it is a must have a stop in one of the most scenic squares in the world, Piazza Unità d'Italia: it is surrounded by some of the most important buildings of the city. Miramare Castle is a highlight of Trieste, located on the rocky promontory of Grignano. There are many cultures that characterise the city, and the scents that exhilarate its. This city will fascinate you with its historic cafés and art. In fact, Trieste is also considered the city of coffee because of its trade by sea

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