Eternity in Every Step
Every street, square, and building is a page from a grand history. We will help you create the perfect itinerary: from world-famous masterpieces like the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica to hidden gems known only to locals.
| The Other Italy: Places Where Time Stands Still Italy is perhaps the only country of its kind, where the density of centuries-old history per square meter reaches incredible levels. Interestingly, over the past centuries, the appearance of many towns, especially small ones, has undergone minimal changes. And in some places, there are none at all. In this section, we consciously avoid clichés and will not talk about textbook attractions. Instead, we want to introduce you to authentic corners of Italy, unfamiliar to the general public – places where time flows differently, and tourist crowds remain far away. These are the very places whose genuine atmosphere is worth seeing with your own eyes. |
Alberobello
A unique place, strikingly different from the familiar image of Italy, is Alberobello. It is located in the southern part of Apulia, on the "heel" of the Italian boot, not far from the famous Matera. Alberobello is famous for its unusual architecture: the entire town is dotted with characteristic whitewashed, dry-stone huts called trulli. These conical structures, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, have a prehistoric appearance and create a feeling of a timeless space. Similar ancient buildings, albeit from an earlier period, can also be found in Sicily, for example, in the town of Parghelia.
Thanks to their uniqueness, the trulli of Alberobello are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Thanks to their uniqueness, the trulli of Alberobello are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Matera
To the west of Alberobello lies one of the oldest cities in the world – Matera. Carved directly into the rock, its surreal landscape resembles the scenery for "The Lord of the Rings" or "Game of Thrones."
The city's history dates back to the Paleolithic era, as evidenced by numerous cave grottoes. However, the main architectural complex, the famous "sassi" (cave dwellings), was formed from the 8th to the 9th century and subsequently became a unique example of cave architecture.
It was here that iconic films were shot: Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," the Bond film "No Time to Die," and Warner Bros.' "Wonder Woman." In 1993, Matera was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in 2019, it received the status of a European Capital of Culture.
The city's history dates back to the Paleolithic era, as evidenced by numerous cave grottoes. However, the main architectural complex, the famous "sassi" (cave dwellings), was formed from the 8th to the 9th century and subsequently became a unique example of cave architecture.
It was here that iconic films were shot: Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," the Bond film "No Time to Die," and Warner Bros.' "Wonder Woman." In 1993, Matera was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in 2019, it received the status of a European Capital of Culture.
Nemi
Continuing the story about Italy's special towns, I cannot fail to mention Nemi – the place where our project manager was born and raised. Lake Nemi, of volcanic origin, is located just 30 km from Rome. Above its mirror-like surface rises the town of the same name, whose name comes from the Latin "nemus" – meaning "sacred wood." In ancient times, one of the most revered temples of Diana was located here.
A particular pride of Nemi is the imperial barges from Caligula's time, raised from the bottom of the lake, the unique remains of which can be seen today in the Museum of Roman Ships.
But the town is famous not only for its history: the local strawberries, grown on the slopes of the volcanic crater, have become a true symbol of these places. Here, they use them to make everything – from desserts and ice cream to exquisite perfumes and cosmetics.
A particular pride of Nemi is the imperial barges from Caligula's time, raised from the bottom of the lake, the unique remains of which can be seen today in the Museum of Roman Ships.
But the town is famous not only for its history: the local strawberries, grown on the slopes of the volcanic crater, have become a true symbol of these places. Here, they use them to make everything – from desserts and ice cream to exquisite perfumes and cosmetics.
Murano e Burano
Murano and Burano are the embodiment of a riot of color and craft traditions. Burano charms with its multi-colored houses, painted in all shades of the rainbow, while Murano is famous worldwide for its exquisite glass, whose products amaze with their perfect forms and virtuoso execution. Both islands are located 7 km from Venice.
The origin of Burano's bright palette is explained by two theories. According to the first, each color historically symbolized a specific family. The second, more popular version, states that such saturated colors helped fishermen recognize their homes in the thick fog that often envelops the island.
Murano, on the other hand, became the cradle of the great art of glassblowing. This craft originated here in the 13th century when, for fire safety reasons, all glassblowing workshops were moved from Venice to a separate island. The Republic jealously guarded the secrets of production, forbidding masters from leaving its borders. However, some glassblowers still found ways to emigrate, spreading their art beyond Italy.
The origin of Burano's bright palette is explained by two theories. According to the first, each color historically symbolized a specific family. The second, more popular version, states that such saturated colors helped fishermen recognize their homes in the thick fog that often envelops the island.
Murano, on the other hand, became the cradle of the great art of glassblowing. This craft originated here in the 13th century when, for fire safety reasons, all glassblowing workshops were moved from Venice to a separate island. The Republic jealously guarded the secrets of production, forbidding masters from leaving its borders. However, some glassblowers still found ways to emigrate, spreading their art beyond Italy.
