Hidden gems in Italy

Hidden Gems of Italy

Italy's lesser-known wonders span millennia, from the pre-Nuragic tombs of Anghelu Ruju to the 13th-century octagonal Castel del Monte. This selection features the world's best-preserved Doric temples in Agrigento and the intricate 4th-century mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale. Natural highlights include the Roman-engineered Cascata delle Marmore and the karst systems of Neptune's Grotto and Castellana. From the secluded pebble beach of Cala Mariolu to the botanical ruins of Ninfa, these sites represent significant archaeological, architectural, and geological heritage.

Josep Renalias / CC BY-SA 3.0

Temple of Concordia

Exceptionally well-preserved ancient Greek temple built in the Doric order around 430 BC. The structure transitioned from a pagan place of worship to a Christian basilica during the 6th century.

Bnms / CC BY-SA 4.0

Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte is a 13th-century citadel and castle situated on a hill in Andria in the Apulia region of southeast Italy.

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 4.0

Roman Villa of Casale

The Villa Romana del Casale is a large and elaborate Roman villa or palace located about 3 km from the town of Piazza Armerina, Sicily.

E. della Morte / CC BY-SA 3.0

Sansevero Chapel Museum

Baroque chapel and museum renowned for its remarkable sculptures, including the Veiled Christ, and its collection of anatomical machines. It combines religious art, intricate Rococo sculptures, and scientific exhibits within a historic setting.

Adiel lo / CC BY-SA 3.0

Miramare Castle

Historic 19th-century castle situated on a promontory with panoramic sea views, surrounded by an extensive park featuring rare and exotic botanical species. It functions as a state museum showcasing Romantic-era architecture and royal history.

Edal / CC BY-SA 3.0

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Works of Italian and international modern artists displayed in this museum have been collected by Peggy Guggenheim, the American heiress …

Wiki Lupetto / CC BY 3.0

Cascata delle Marmore

The Cascata delle Marmore or Marmore Falls is a man-made waterfall created by the ancient Romans.

Chaser / Public domain

Castellana Caves

The Castellana Caves are a karst cave system located in the municipality of Castellana Grotte, in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia,…

Tobias Helfrich / CC BY-SA 2.5

Neptune's Grotto

Neptune's Grotto is a stalactite cave near the town of Alghero on the island of Sardinia, Italy.

Niko Koriko / CC-BY-SA

Cala Mariolu

Pebble beach featuring emerald green water and a unique mix of pink and white pebbles with sand. Access is available via a challenging hiking trail or by boat.

Derbrauni / CC BY-SA 4.0

Villa Rufolo

Villa Rufolo is a villa within the historic center of Ravello, a town in the province of Salerno, southern Italy, which overlooks the…

Dorotanm / CC BY-SA 3.0

Garden of Ninfa

The Garden of Ninfa is a garden in the territory of Cisterna di Latina, in the province of Latina, central Italy.

Salvo Cannizzaro / CC BY-SA 3.0

Necropolis of Pantalica

The Necropolis of Pantalica is a collection of cemeteries with rock-cut chamber tombs in southeast Sicily, Italy.

Mess

The Fiord of Furore

A small beach tucked at the base of a deep coastal gorge, spanned by a 30-meter-high arched bridge. This narrow inlet features a historic fishing village and serves as a venue for international high-diving competitions.

Michael Wilson / CC BY 2.0

Ear of Dionysius

The Ear of Dionysius is a limestone cave carved out of the Temenites hill in the city of Syracuse, on the island of Sicily in Italy.

Berthold Werner / CC BY-SA 3.0

Temple of Juno

Well-preserved fifth-century BC Greek temple ruins built in the Doric style. The structure features a rectangular platform with thirty-four columns and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 4.0

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Largest Doric temple ever constructed, this ancient Greek archaeological site features the ruins of a massive structure built to commemorate a 5th-century BC military victory. The remains include a large stone platform, tumbled pillars, and significant sculptural elements known as telamons.