Unesco

The Aeolian Islands are located off the northern coast of Sicily. The archipelago consists of seven islands—Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, and Panarea—and five small islands—Basiluzzo, Dattilo, Lisca Nera, Bottaro, and Lisca Bianca—near Panarea. They are characterized by wild, unspoiled nature, as well as two active volcanoes, Stromboli and...

Agrigento was one of the largest cities of the ancient Mediterranean world, corresponding to the ancient Akragas, which was founded by colonists from Rhodes and Crete around 580 B.C. The city of Agrigento was characterized by a ring of walls that dominated the entire coastline along which the “Valley of the Temples” was built, occupying the southern side. It was not the acropolis, which was located...

There are 10 “Ancient Beech Forests,” rich in centuries-old trees, that have been designated as “World Heritage Sites” by UNESCO. They stretch from Tuscany to Calabria and, with a total area of over 2,000 hectares, represent one of the largest areas of that vast “dispersed site” comprising reserves of centuries-old beech trees in 12 countries, namely: Austria, Belgium, Slovenia, Spain, Albania, Bulgaria...

Palermo’s Arab-Norman Heritage Route was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 3, 2015, becoming the latest site to be added to the renowned list. Specifically, it refers to the city route that includes the Royal Palace, the Palatine Chapel, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Martorana Church, San Cataldo, the Zisa, the Admiral’s Bridge, and Palermo Cathedral...

Ancient Aquileia, a prosperous city of the Roman Empire, is a complete example of a Roman-Mediterranean city. The Patriarchal Basilica played a decisive role in the development of Christianity at that time. Founded by the Romans (181 B.C.) on the Po River plain, it was a major commercial hub between Europe and the Mediterranean: a wealthy city, by 90 B.C. it had become home to public buildings, private homes, and residences.

Assisi, a charming medieval town and the birthplace of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, is a rare historical example of a sanctuary city, reflected in its landscape, transportation networks, and territorial layout. In 2000, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List because the majestic Basilica of St. Francis houses a treasure trove...

Castel del Monte is an imposing castle that overlooks the Murge region, a short distance from Bari. The castle was built by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century and is now considered a brilliant example of medieval architecture, featuring styles ranging from Roman to classical Gothic, as well as the delicate Islamic refinements of its mosaics. Once construction was complete, Castel del Monte became the seat of...

Cilento is a blend of cultures and traditions that have flourished in this region, crisscrossed by lively streams and rich in chestnut and holm oak forests. Here lies the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, home to the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia and the Certosa di Padula; the park is the second largest in Italy, covering the area that extends from...

Crespi d'Adda was built between the 19th and 20th centuries by the Crespi family, near their textile factory, to house their employees and their families. Today, it remains remarkably well-preserved; the village is a perfect example of an architectural complex and a symbol of the birth of modern industry in Italy. Located in Lombardy, in a secluded spot on a low-lying plain...

The Dolomites, also known as the “Pale Mountains,” are part of the Italian Eastern Alps and stretch across the provinces of Belluno, Bolzano, Trento, Udine, and Pordenone. These mountains cover an area of more than 90 km and stretch from the Brenta Dolomites to the range formed by the Catinaccio and Latemar, between South Tyrol and Trentino; from the Sesto Dolomites to the Pale di San Martino; from the Marmola massif...