Few other experiences can compare to a summer wander through the historical gems of Italy. Renaissance buildings, which hide paintings and sculptures by the great masters that are hundreds of years old, are admired by millions of tourists from all over the world. Rightly so. One would be in vain to look for the culture that Italy abounds in anywhere else. Unfortunately, exploring Rome, Florence or other historical cities also brings with it crowded museums, long queues and tourist traps at every turn. Simply put, the dark side of a perfect holiday that can spoil the overall impression.
Luckily, Italy hides countless little nooks and crannies that the mass of tourists haven't had a chance to slip into yet. So that you don't have to wander around the map, we've selected four beautiful places that are definitely worth visiting this summer.
On your way back to the port, don't forget to take a look at the second largest European synagogue and the Serbian Orthodox Church. These buildings from the early twentieth and late nineteenth centuries, respectively, perfectly illustrate the diversity of nations and ethnicities that have brought something of their culture to Trieste. In the evening, enjoy a walk along the promenade and stop for an ice cream at Piazza d'Unita, one of the city's landmarks.
If you have time, a fifteen-minute drive from the center will reveal Trieste's hidden treasure, Miramare Castle. Archduke Maximilian had it built on rocks above the sea, complete with its majestic gardens.
Trieste
Trieste, known as the window to the world, is a city that everyone knows, but few have visited. What a mistake. The historic port city was even the largest in the Austro-Hungarian Empire at one time, after Vienna, Prague and Budapest, and it has retained its beauty to this day. It offers a combination of classic Italian Renaissance architecture with Habsburg influence, which is not seen every day.Where to sleep?
The number one choice is the Savoia Excelsior Palace. The majestic historic building overlooking the sea is an oasis of peace that you can enjoy after a day of walking the hot streets of Trieste. A great choice is the Hotel Continentale, also set in the heart of the old town. If you don't miss the view, then feel free to spend the money you save on accommodation on Aperol (note: Italian liqueur).
Good evening.
Trieste's seaside location naturally means eating seafood. Fresh catches travel daily from the fish market directly to the restaurants, so you'll find an abundance of great food in the centre. SaluMare restaurant offers a modern take on the traditional buffet style of eating. Small dishes from which you can build your own to sample as much as possible. Of course, most of the dishes are fish and seafood. It's not for nothing that they call themselves Il laboratorio del Pesce (note: the fish laboratory).
What you shouldn't miss
Start the day with a steep climb from the ancient Roman theater to the San Giusio Castle. In addition to the 15th-century building, you will have a wonderful view of the whole of Trieste. Right next door, you can visit the Cathedral of Saint Just, which houses Byzantine mosaics from the 13th century.
Ferrara
Just over two hours from Trieste, you will come across the Emilia Romagna region and the initially inconspicuous city of Ferrara. After a short wander around the riverbanks, however, you will arrive at the ancient heart of the city, once ruled by the famous d'Este family. A city for which perhaps all the clichés about Italy apply. Historical, sunny, gourmet. In short, perfect.
Where to sleep
Ferrara isn't exactly a city that's teeming with hotels, which only adds to the authentic experience. Hotel Nazionale is a new three-star hotel that offers a great location for exploring the city. Don't be put off by its unassuming entrance, the rooms are modern and well-equipped, and its three-star status is a bit understated.
Where to go for dinner
In Ferrara, you'll find a typical trattoria on every corner, serving local pumpkin Cappellacci and regional salami. However, if you can plan your trip in advance, try to visit Ferrara during the Mangiafexpo festival, when all the best restaurants from around the area gather in the square near the Duomo. You can sample specially curated tasting menus along with hundreds of local Ferrarese.
What you shouldn't miss
Ferrara calls itself the città delle biciclette, so get on your bike and explore the city. In the maze of narrow stone streets you will come across countless historical monuments. Combine a tour of the impressive d'Este family castle, which proudly stands in the very center, with a visit to the cathedral. It is a prime example of Romanesque architecture combined with a Baroque interior.
Be sure to cycle to the city walls, which have surrounded the city since the 15th century.
century. On the way to them, however, be sure to wander to the extraordinary Palazzo dei Diamanti, whose
The haunting walls in the shape of protruding diamonds perfectly illustrate the symbol of the d'Este family's power.
Gubbio
Heading towards Rome, tucked deep in the Umbria region, you'll find a city that looks like it's straight out of a historical film. The medieval architecture nestled into the Apennine Mountains will truly make you feel like you've stepped back in time.
Where to sleep
The picturesque Hotel ai Cappuccini was originally a monastery and dates back to the 16th century. Today it is a beautiful resort belonging to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World network. The ancient stone walls hide modern yet tasteful furnishings with the amenities you would expect from a hotel of this class. The spa, swimming pool and excellent kitchen preparing traditional Umbrian cuisine will ensure that you will relax completely after a day of walking.
Where to go for dinner
As in every Italian city, Gubbio is full of traditional restaurants. It would be a sin not to try perhaps Umbria's most famous export, truffles. Head to Locanda del Cantiniere for pasta with truffles and rabbit, you won't regret it.
What you shouldn't miss
Gubbio itself is a great experience. Just walking through its hilly streets will instantly transport you back centuries. If you don't feel like walking too much uphill, take the city elevator to the very top of the city to the cathedral and the Ducal Palace dating back to the second half of the fifteenth century. Today it serves as a museum.
However, you definitely shouldn't miss the magnificent view from the windows of the Palazzo dei Consoli, which was built in 1349.
