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Euronews
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Euronews
These 5 villages have been crowned the most beautiful in Italy
Italy's countryside is peppered with villages rich in architectural marvels, gastronomic delights and arcane cultural traditions. Each year, these little-known treasures compete for national recognition through 'Borgo dei Borghi' (Village of Villages), a beloved television contest that has become a cultural phenomenon. Organised by RAI, Italy's national public broadcasting company, the annual competition is broadcast in weekly episodes that turn the spotlight on each of the 20 selected villages. The programme has become a form of travel inspiration as it recounts legends, curiosities and rituals that make each village one-of-a-kind. Here are this year's winners - chosen by viewers and an expert jury of historians and tourism professionals - and why you should add them to your next Italy trip itinerary. Lying on the northern slopes of the Iblei Mountains, winner Militello in Val di Catania is an exemplar of Sicilian baroque artistry and urban planning. The village of just under 7,000 inhabitants is included in UNESCO's designation of late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto. Following the devastating earthquake of 1693 that destroyed much of southeastern Sicily, Militello was rebuilt according to the baroque aesthetic principles of the era, resulting in an urban landscape that feels like an open-air museum of 18th-century design. The village is home to more than 20 churches with elaborate stone facades crowded with cherubs, saints, and intricate floral motifs. Militello is also home to numerous aristocratic villas and palaces that once housed the noble families who shaped the village's development. The village's cultural life is also abundant, with saints' day festivals involving processions, traditional music performances, and communal meals. Militello's victory marks Sicily's fifth triumph in the Borgo dei Borghi competition, following previous wins by Gangi, Montalbano Elicona, Sambuca di Sicilia, and Petralia Soprana. Heading up to the northern province of Turin, runner-up Agliè is characterised by both aristocratic grandeur and quotidian village life. The centrepiece is the Castello di Agliè, a palatial complex that forms part of UNESCO's Savoy Residences designation. The magnificent structure of imposing facades, elaborate gardens, and richly decorated interiors served as one of the primary residences of the House of Savoy, the royal family that ruled the Kingdom of Sardinia and later the unified Kingdom of Italy. The castle forms the heart of the village, surrounded by historic piazzas that are still the setting for weekly markets, seasonal festivals, and daily social interactions. The village gained additional fame as the primary filming location for 'Elisa di Rivombrosa', a popular Italian historical drama series. Third spot went to Vignanello, which exemplifies the sophisticated architectural and agricultural traditions of northern Lazio. The village's claim to fame rests primarily on the Castello Ruspoli, a Renaissance masterpiece whose gardens represent some of the finest examples of Italian landscape design from the 16th and 17th centuries. Vignanello is also renowned for its time-honoured winemaking traditions. The volcanic soils of the region, enriched by centuries of natural mineral deposits, provide ideal conditions for viticulture. The annual grape harvest festival is a grand celebration for the village, featuring wine tastings and food pairings as well as historical reenactments. High in the mountains of Calabria, Aieta lies in the untamed wilderness of the Pollino National Park. At over 500 metres of elevation, the medieval village commands lofty views over the Tyrrhenian Sea - its name is appropriately derived from the Greek word for eagle. Aieta's medieval character remains remarkably intact, with narrow stone streets winding between houses built from local stone. The village's 16th-century Renaissance palace stands as a testament to the wealth and cultural sophistication that even small mountain communities could achieve during Italy's golden age of art and architecture. The location within Pollino National Park makes Aieta an ideal base for exploring its ancient forests, deep gorges carved by rushing streams, and mountain peaks that provide habitat for rare wildlife, including wolves, eagles, and endemic plants. While the Amalfi Coast attracts millions of visitors annually to its famous destinations like Positano and Amalfi, Maiori offers a more tranquil alternative. The village has an expansive beach, unusual along a coastline typically characterised by small coves and dramatic cliffs. Behind the sweep of sand rise the village's colourful buildings and lemon groves that climb the steep hillsides threaded through with hiking routes. Visit the Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia, a remarkable religious complex carved directly into the coastal rock face. Inside are frescoed chapels and meditation spaces hewn directly from the cliff. Maiori's lemon groves represent not just agricultural activity but a cultural tradition that has shaped the landscape and economy of the Amalfi Coast for centuries. These terraced gardens, supported by stone walls built without mortar, are an extraordinary example of sustainable agriculture that maximises productivity while preserving the natural beauty of the steep coastal terrain.
Local Italy
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Local Italy
The 10 Italian villages voted ‘most beautiful' in 2025
Italy is rightly famed for its historic towns and villages, and nowhere are they better showcased than in the much-loved TV series Borgo dei Borghi ('village of villages'). Starting every autumn, Italian national broadcaster RAI airs weekly episodes profiling 20 different villages, each competing against each other to be named the year's best borgo. Viewers can then vote online for their top choice, with the results – decided with the input of an expert jury – announced in April. Here are the top 10 finalists for 2025. Militello in Val di Catania (Sicily) – Taking the top spot for 2025, this village of just under 7,000 people is perched on the northern slopes of the Iblei Mountains. Part of the UNESCO-listed late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, Militello's historic centre boasts more than 20 historic churches and numerous aristocratic villas. Visitors can admire the intricate Sicilian Baroque architecture and enjoy local festivals that celebrate centuries of tradition. This marks Sicily's fifth win in the history of the contest, following previous victories by Gangi, Montalbano Elicona, Sambuca di Sicilia and Petralia Soprana. Agliè (Piedmont) – In second place, this elegant village in the province of Turin is home to the impressive Castello di Agliè, part of the UNESCO-recognized Savoy Residences. Surrounded by parks and historic piazzas, Agliè blends noble grandeur with everyday Italian life. It also gained fame from the popular Italian TV series Elisa di Rivombrosa, filmed in and around the castle. Castello di Aglie`. Piemonte (Torino) — Ugo Ramella (@RamellaUgo) August 9, 2024 Vignanello (Lazio) – Vignanello is nestled in the volcanic hills of northern Lazio and is known for Castello Ruspoli with its sprawling Renaissance gardens, along with a deep winemaking tradition. The town celebrates the grape harvest each year with a festival featuring music, food and historical reenactments. Aieta (Calabria) – Set within the Pollino National Park, the medieval town of Aieta is known for its 16th-century Renaissance palace and stunning views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The name "Aieta" comes from the Greek word for eagle, and the village is true to its name – soaring over olive groves and deep gorges at an elevation of over 500m. Aieta in Calabria is magical ❤️ #Italy #Travel — Cultural Italy (@culturalitaly) March 6, 2018 Maiori (Campania) – While the Amalfi Coast is no secret, Maiori is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. That makes it an ideal spot for travellers seeking charm without the crowds. Known for its wide beach, lemon groves and the Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia carved into the rock face, Maiori is a serene coastal retreat with plenty to offer. Lazise (Veneto) – Located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Lazise has a unique claim: it was the first town in Italy to be granted some degree of autonomy as a villa libera, or free town, meaning it had no feudal lord, in the 10th century. Enclosed by medieval walls and towers, its lakeside charm, colourful buildings and Romanesque church make it a picture-perfect escape. Lazise 💙🇮🇹 Take me back. — AJ (@shadowdancer_8) April 6, 2025 Ischitella (Puglia) – A gateway to the Gargano National Park in the southeast of the country, Ischitella is a hilltop village offering views of the Adriatic and easy access to Puglia's wild forests and ancient trails. Ischitella's old town is divided into two distinct parts: the medieval Terra Vecchia quarter with its narrow alleyways and terraced houses, and the Rione Ponte district, featuring mainly 18th century architecture. Grado (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) – Known as the 'Island of the Sun', Grado sits between the Marano Lagoon and the Gulf of Trieste in northeastern Italy.. Originally a Roman port, its historic center has Venetian-style homes, narrow streets and a stunning basilica with 6th-century mosaics. Buggerru (Sardinia) – This seaside village in southwestern Sardinia is built into cliffs and framed by rugged coastline. Once a hub for mining activity, Buggerru now tells the story of labour struggles and resilience through its industrial archaeology sites and museum. The turquoise waters of nearby Cala Domestica add natural beauty to the historical narrative. #GalleriaHenry, presso #Buggerru, in #Sardegna; un'antica miniera in mezzo al verde, circondata dal mare e dalla magia che custodiscono solo i luoghi incontaminati. — Debora_db (@debora_db4) February 20, 2023 Montechiarugolo (Emilia-Romagna) – A new entry for 2025, this town sits on the border of the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, in the rolling foothills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. This comune, made up of five hamlets, is known locally as gastronomic hotspot. It sits right in the heart of the "food valley" area known for producing the prized Fragno black truffle, Salame di Felino cured sausages, and of course, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Montechiarugolo is most famous though for its medieval castle, dating from the early fourteenth century, where visitors can take in sweeping views over the river Enza and surrounding forests. It's privately owned, but open to visitors and also used as a venue for weddings and other events.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One USDA staffer is handling all of western NC's post-Helene farm loans after federal cuts, freeze
Flooding in western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene. (Photo: David Davis, County Extension Director, N.C. Cooperative Extension) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has just one staffer providing guidance for farmers' disaster loans across 23 North Carolina counties, a state official said Monday. USDA's Farm Service Agency is charged with distributing aid after storms like Hurricane Helene wipe out crops. But Emily Gangi, chief deputy for the governor's Helene recovery office, said they now had a threadbare presence in the region after the White House made cuts. 'You heard me right,' Gangi said. 'One loan officer for 23 counties.' The agency has closed two local offices, according to Gangi, and cut five staff. And there's currently a hiring freeze in place. USDA's skeletal staffing could further complicate the flow of federal money to farmers and ranchers in the mountains. The Farm Service Agency oversees an array of disaster loan programs, several of which have deadlines and sign-ups in the coming months. North Carolina has submitted a proposal to receive more than half a billion dollars from USDA through a block grant program. And local governments have until the end of the month to apply for money to clear debris and repair drainage infrastructure. Over the summer and early fall, applications will open for other programs dealing with commodities and livestock loss. Gangi said her team was exploring options for the state to help 'if the federal government is not going to staff these programs.' 'Our farmers need more attention and more support,' she said. Ronald Garrett, who was appointed earlier this month as North Carolina's state director for the Farm Service Agency, did not answer a call Monday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The FSA cuts are another obstacle for state officials looking to send as much federal money westward as quickly as possible. A key office within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that handles disaster recovery has reportedly prepared to cut most of its staff. And new leadership at FEMA, an agency the president has mused about abolishing, has reduced the cost-share between the federal government and state. North Carolina lawmakers have also set out money for a state crop loss program. Applications were set to close May 4 but will remain open for another week. Matt Calabria, who leads the governor's Helene recovery office, said there had been fewer applications from western farmers than anticipated.
