Italian Regions
A work in progress, yet to be formatted (hopefully soon).
Most of the info. is here, just doesn't look pretty!
The content originated from publicity by the Giro d'Italia, so has a bit about attractions and a lot about regional food.
Please forgive some of the more flowery language.
Click here for:
1. Abruzzo 6. Lombardy 11. Trentino
2. Basilicata 7. Marche 12. Umbria
3. Campania 8. Molise 13. Veneto
4. Emilia-Romagna 9. Piedmont
5. Friuli Venezia Giulia 10. Toscana
... and more to come.
Let yourself be enchanted by the wonders of Abruzzo.
The region of Abruzzo, sandwiched between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine mountain chain, has L'Aquilla as its regional capital, which shares the regional institutions of government with Pescara. It is divided into four provinces: L’Aquila, Chieti, Pescara and Teramo.
The landscapes of Abruzzo are mostly mountains and hills, with a narrow band of plain along the coast. The highest peaks of the Apennines are in Abruzzo, with the tip of Corno Grande (2912 m) in the massif, the (2793 m) on Mount Amaro, the Laga peaks on the border with Lazio and Le Marche and those of the Abruzzo National Park. The region has 130 km of coastline, with sandy beaches from Le Marche to the south of Pescara, and then high cliffs with beaches below, and finally coves surrounded by Mediterranean flora as far as the border with Molise. A number of towns in the region offer a wide range of choice for mountain tourism and skiing.
The regional economy, originally based on fishing, agriculture and pasture, has diversified, although it maintains its reputation for high quality, natural products. Saffron is typical of the L’Aquila area. Two typical dishes are pasta cut with a ‘chitarra’ (literally, guitar, a cutting board strung with dozens of parallel wires – more a zither than a guitar – used to cut pasta), and simple ‘sagne’ pasta, made of water, oil and flour and shaped into a rhomboid (rhomboid is a parallelogram in which adjacent sides are of unequal lengths and angles are oblique), as well as dairy products, olive oil and cured meats, with mutton and lamb in particular evidence. ‘Arrosticini', made from mutton, cut in chunks, skewered and cooked on a brazier with a typically elongated shape, called ‘canala’ as it resembles a gutter, are another Abruzzo speciality. The region produces fine wines and liquors. Typical sweets from the region include sugared almonds from the town of Sulmona, cakes like ‘parrozzo’ (made of semolina, almonds and orange peel, then covered with melted chocolate) and ‘bocconotto’ (which can be sweet, short crust pastry tarts filled with honey, cream, marmalade or chocolate, or savoury, made of puff pastry and a mushroom filling with chicken or truffle).
Montepulciano is undoubtedly the region’s most characteristic grape varietal and is an extremely pleasant food friendly red wine. It is often blended with other grapes such as Syrah and Cabernet and this results in exceptional tasting wines. Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a fabulous rosé, which is produced from the Montepulciano grape. The most famous white grape varietal is Trebbiano, also known as Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. Pecorino and Passerina are other popular white wines from this region.
In the past, the region saw massive emigration to Europe or overseas, but migrants mostly remained tied to their land of origin.
The catastrophic earthquake of 2009 hit L’Aquila and its architectural jewels, causing untold damage to the cultural heritage of the regional capital and of outlying areas. But the people of Abruzzo, with characteristic tenacity, are rebuilding the region.
Illustrious natives of Abruzzo include the magical writer (Pescina 1900-Ginevra 1978) – the pen name of Silvano Tranquilli – an intellectual and author who described the hard conditions of life in the Marsica in his novel ‘Fontamara’, Benedetto Croce (Pescasseroli 1866-Napoli 1952) philosopher, historian, politician and man of letters, the engineer, who designed the and helicopters (Popoli 1891-Pisa 1981) and the painter Francesco Paolo Michetti (Tocco di Casauria 1851-Francavilla al Mare 1929).
2. Basilicata – a kaleidoscope region
Basilicata is a kaleidoscope of alternating colours, shapes and sounds, creating countless sceneries to please the eye. Despite its modest size, it has an exceptionally rich historical, cultural and folk heritage.
Its pristine natural environment and fairy-tale landscapes – the green heart of the region – are both a peaceful oasis and a source of excitement.
The region boasts to two national parks, namely Parco del Pollino (which has been a Unesco Geopark since 2015, with Bosnian pines as its emblem) and Parco dell’Appennino Lucano Val d’Agri Lagonegrese, and to three regional parks, namely Parco di Gallipoli Cognato Piccole Dolomiti Lucane, Parco Archeologico Storico Naturale delle Chiese Rupestri del Materano and Parco del Vulture, which also includes the volcanic lakes of Monticchio. The region is also home to several nature reserves such as Calanchi di Montalbano, Abetina di Laurenzana or Bosco Pantano di Policoro. Washed by the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the coasts of Basilicata are respectively low-lying and sandy along the Ionian side, and higher and rugged around Maratea.
Matera, European capital of culture in 2019, deserves a special mention. Its iconic ‘Sassi’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are an outstanding and world-unique example of rupestrian settlement.
Basilicata by bike: With plenty of trails and itineraries with different degrees of difficulty, and safe, traffic-free and clearly marked roads, cycling enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. With its natural wonders and age-old traditions, Basilicata caters to all needs and wishes, including taking a journey along minor roads, leading to an ever-seen scenery. A dense network of itineraries for rookies and veterans touches all the major landmarks of the region. Cycling along unusual routes, mostly with very little traffic, lovely sights of beautiful towns and villages, either along the sea or up in the mountains, will unfold in front of your eyes.
You may choose between uncomplicated routes along the coast of Metaponto, or around Matera and the Vulture, and harder trails up the Pollino, the Dolomiti Lucane or the Sirino, if you’re up for some climbing.
A multi-faceted location, fulfilling the needs of all kinds of travellers, in recent years Basilicata has become a vast open-air “sports hall”, offering a wide range of activities to suit all tastes and cater to all ages, including adrenaline-fuelled outdoor experiences such as Volo dell’angelo, Ponte alla luna, Volo dell’aquila or Parco delle stelle.
Food and wine: The beautiful scenery is surely delightful and intriguing, but it’s the warm and generous hospitality that truly wins the heart. Visiting the region is also a culinary adventure among the unique tastes and flavours of the local delicacies that have won significant recognition. From cold cuts, through cheese, to fruit and vegetables, there is enough to treat your taste buds.
Campania is a region in southern Italy with more than 6 million inhabitants (more than half of whom are concentrated in the province of Naples). The territory of Campania has, by area, 50% hills, 35% mountains and 15% plains, divided into four clear sub-regions. On the plains, the fertile Terra di Lavoro. The Sannio, made up of mountains and hills along the Apennines, with the Matese mountains. Then, there is Irpinia, in the central and eastern part of the region, landlocked and mostly mountainous. Finally, Cilento, a large, mountainous headland, marking Campania’s southern border, separating the Bays of Salerno and Policastro. Campania’s main river is the Volturno, the longest in southern Italy. Its second river is the Sele.
The Campania coast faces the Tyrrhenian Sea. The best-known stretches of coast are those of the Sorrento peninsula, with the Lattari Mountains running along the entire headland, which belongs partly to the province of Naples, with the Sorrento Coast, and partly to Salerno, with the Amalfi Coast. The Cilento coast lies entirely within the province of Salerno. Major natural landmarks include Mount Vesuvius and the volcanic area of the Phlegraean Fields, also known as Campi Flegrei. Outstanding sights also include the Solfatara, a shallow volcanic crater at Pozzuoli, which emits sulphurous fumes; Lake Avernus, a volcanic crater lake thought of in ancient times as one of the entrances to the underworld; and the wide variety of thermal springs, which include the springs at Ischia, Agnano, Pozzuoli and Castellamare di Stabia. For their natural beauty, the islands of Ischia, Capri and Procida are world famous. Two more, smaller, but equally beautiful islands are Vivara and Nisida.
The region boasts a long and complex history that has left a rich cultural legacy, illustrated, for example by the ancient architecture still visible at Cuma, Naples (first known as Parthenope, then as Neapolis) and Paestum, where Cilento begins, an ancient city of Magna Graecia, with its impressive Temple of Athena, a site of great value, as are those in the valley of temples at Agrigento in Sicily. Major migrations from Greece – whence the name Magna Graecia – shaped the history of Campania, as archaeological and architectural traces show. The Roman amphitheatre at Capua, second only to the Coliseum in size, is unmissable. So too is the early Christian art of the Catacombs and Basilicas in Naples. Other highlights include the Flavian Amphitheatre in Pozzuoli, the archaeological site at Cuma and the Piscina Mirabilis, a freshwater cistern dug out of the cliff face at Bacoli, to provide the fleet at the harbour in Misenum with drinking water. Near Vesuvius lie Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed by the eruption in 79 AD. Also outstanding are the excavations at Oplonti. From the Roman period, the Arch of Trajan at Benevento, built to honour the Emperor Trajan, is virtually intact even today.
The culture reflects the influence of the Lombards, the Angevins, and the House of Aragon, in the Bourbon period, when Naples and its Kingdom were one of the cultural, artistic and economic centres of Europe, leading the continent in many sectors. On 3 October 1839 the Napoli-Portici railway, the first one in Italy, but already equipped with a double track line, was inaugurated. In 1861, Campania joined the Kingdom of Italy. The industrial revolution that followed was at the expense of Naples, Campania and the entire south of Italy, which suffered problems that prevented their full development.
As regards the architectural heritage, the cathedrals of Casartavecchia, Amalfi, Benevento and Salerno are all outstanding, as are the Rocca dei Rettori and the church and monastery complex of Santa Sofia, both at Benevento. The Certosa di Padula (Padula Charterhouse), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has the world’s largest cloister, surrounded by 84 columns. The Reggia di Caserta (Royal Palace of Caserta), built for Charles III of Spain by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is, by definition, the last great work of Italian Baroque and, with 1,790 windows and 1,200 rooms covering more than 2 million square metres, the largest royal residence in the world. The Bourbons wanted to emulate the Palace of Versailles in Campania. It is surrounded by an immense park divided into two sectors characterised by an Italian garden with many fountains, waterfalls and water features, and an English garden with dense woodland. Close to Caserta, in the village of San Leucio, Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies opened his silk factory, the “Regia Manifattura delle Sete”, included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites list.
The Miglio d’Oro (named after an ancient unit of measurement used in Naples) is a short stretch of road running along the coast of the southern neighbourhood of Naples. Its remarkable historical and artistic legacy includes wonderful rococo and neoclassic villas with large, verdant gardens. The view over the Gulf of Naples and the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida is breathtaking.
Giuseppe “Joe” Petrosino was born in Padula in 1860. He immigrated to New York at a very young age, and became a legendary detective fighting against organized crime. He was shot to death in Palermo in 1909, where he was investigating international criminal connections. His life inspired a number of films and novels.
4. Emilia-Romagna, a land full of surprises
Art and culture, unspoilt nature, good food, bike trails and racetracks, thermal baths and spas, a vibrant nightlife scene and a packed programme of exciting events all year round: the Emilia-Romagna region has it all.
Just when you think you know everything there is to know about Emilia-Romagna, this region - which gets its name from the Via Emilia, a millennium-old Roman road that runs from north-west to south-east - will find a way to surprise you again with top-quality products, tourist attractions, off-the-beaten-track places and world-famous figures who were born and raised here. Emilia-Romagna is renowned throughout Europe for being the region with the most PDO and PGI products (44 in total) - with Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma Raw Ham and the Lambrusco wine arguably being the most notable - and for its delightful restaurants, 35 of which were awarded the Bib Gourmand in the latest edition of the Michelin Guide for serving exceptional food at reasonable prices. Emilia-Romagna is also home to some of the most iconic brands in motoring and motorcycling history, such as Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Pagani, Dallara and, last but not least, Ducati. The region displays 4 racetracks, 13 automotive museums and 18 private collections.
As for thermal baths and spas, the Emilia-Romagna region ranks second in Italy for the number of spas (24 thermal facilities across 19 stunning locations).
When it comes to art and culture, Emilia-Romagna boasts 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna, Parma (Creative City of Gastronomy), the Sasso Fratino Nature Reserve (in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park – recently awarded in the “Green List” of the prestigious International Union for the conservation of nature), the Malatestiana Library in Cesena, not to mention the cities of Modena, Ferrara, Faenza, and Bologna, and the Po Delta Regional Park.
If you enjoy exploring new places, then you are spoiled for choice. Emilia-Romagna prides itself with an abundance of castles, fortresses and strongholds (60 in total), 58 award-winning villages scattered between the Apennines and the Adriatic Coast, 2 national parks, 1 interregional park, 14 regional parks and about 10 protected nature reserves.
5. Friuli Venezia Giulia: a promised land for cycling lovers.
Conveniently located as a point of connection between the Alps and the Adriatic coast, the region offers a wide array of stunning and fast-changing landscapes. Peaceful forests, rough peaks and legendary trails in the mountains, and calm lagoons or rocky cliffs, rising sheer from the sea, along the coast. And in between, the beautiful Tagliamento river, the gentle vine-clad hills, and the vast rolling plains made from reclaimed land. Rural villages and heritage towns await you all along the route, to pamper you with the best of local food and wine.
Whether you love speed or a slow pace, whether you are a dreamer or a darer, whether you travel alone or with your family, you will easily find your ideal itinerary!
Carnia: A mountain bike is the perfect way to move around the beautiful Carnia and enjoy its unspoilt nature and its wonderful landscapes. A dense network of roads and routes will get you anywhere, from traditional villages to the mountaintops. Ancient trails with suggestive names wind their way through peaceful meadows, among lovely little lakes and streams, all the way to the mountain huts where you will be treated to the genuine and hearty food of local cuisine. Well-trained and more expert cyclists may challenge themselves on more demanding routes with sharp climbs and steep descents, such as the iconic Monte Zoncolan, which has featured in the Giro d’Italia multiple times.
Riding along the Alpe Adria cycle route, from Tarvisio down to the coast: The Alpe Adria cycle route crosses the entire region from north to south, leading you past a stunning variety of landscapes. The complexity and the gradients in the northern part of the route are suitable for anyone, but there are also spectacular MTB trails unfolding over the borders between Italy, Austria and Slovenia. Continuing towards the coast, you will be plunging into history and legend, with 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites awaiting you along the route: Cividale del Friuli, the Lombard capital; Palmanova, the star-shaped fortress town; and Aquileia, one of the major archaeological sites in Italy, with its marvellous Roman and Early Christian mosaics.
Pordenone and Piancavallo: In the area of Pordenone, bicycle enthusiasts will find plenty of routes and trails, winding their way through an endless variety of landscapes, from water springs (“risorgive”) to the flood plain (“Magredi”), across the mediaeval atmosphere of the land of mosaics, all the way to the verdant meadows at the foot of the Dolomiti Friulane, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Udine: If you want to explore Udine, just hop on your bicycle. The city is indeed very bike-friendly and you can also move around using audio guides that will take you on a spectacular journey through Venetian architecture and Tiepolo’s masterworks. The gentle, hilly landscape of the Friuli Collinare, with its beautiful castles, is just a few kilometres away from the city. And if you are a foodie, make sure you stop in San Daniele del Friuli to treat your taste buds to the iconic, exquisite prosciutto.
Gorizia: Lying between the Collio and the Carso, and crossed by the Isonzo river, Gorizia and its surroundings offer a lovely and peaceful scenery. The vine-clad gentle hills are home to wine houses and wineries producing some of the finest white wines worldwide, and full-bodied red wines. This area was also a major battlefield during the Great War and considerable heritage of that time has survived to date. Trenches and walkways can easily be reached also by bike, taking you on a journey through history and the landscape at once.
Trieste and the Carso: Nature and history combined make the Karst Plateau a unique environment, waiting to be discovered. Cycling enthusiasts can take breath-taking tours through the coniferous forests, enjoy the contrasting landscape of white rocks and blue sea, and take a pleasant break in the traditional taverns found in the Carso area, known as osmizze.
Grado and Lignano: Cycling and sailing are the perfect means to explore the stretch of coast that is included in the route of the Adriabike, the cross-border cycling network connecting Ravenna and Kranjska Gora (Slovenia). Grado has been a famous holiday resort since the Habsburg Empire, and is now the final stage of the Alpe Adria cycle route. Move around the modern seaside town of Lignano Sabbiadoro by bike to discover and explore all the entertainment opportunities and the bustling nightlife of the summertime. Twenty kilometres of cycle tracks will take you easily, quickly and safely across and around the town, whereas the lagoon and its delicate ecosystem, with several nature reserves, can be explored by boat.
6. Lombardy – One region, endless possibilities
Riding a bicycle is a journey of discovery, especially in Lombardy – a region with an outstanding environmental, landscape and architectural heritage. Old cities, hidden rural architectures, and a rich peasant culture, bursting with customs and flavours await you.
Riding slowly and gently through the woods, among the centuries-old vineyards, through beautiful walled towns, in the plains or on the hills, you will realise how biking is the perfect means to enjoy the marvelous landscape of the region to the fullest, and in total relaxation. From historical art cities to UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the glistening lakes to the imposing mountains, you will be filled with genuine emotions every step of your journey through the region.
You may choose between easy, family-friendly trails, on smooth roads with minor altitude gains, easily accessible by car or train (just like the ones along the main rivers or across the parks), intermediate trails for MTB enthusiasts and adventure-lovers, and harder trails with breath-taking descents, if you’re up for the challenge.
Between art and history: Twelve art capitals and countless villages, mansions, castles, museums, archaeological parks, theaters and villas reflect the rich history of the region, along with a lively cultural scene and a busy events calendar. Moreover, Lombardy is the Italian region with the highest number of UNESCO sites, 10 out of 55 nationwide: from the rock drawings in Valcamonica, to Leonardo’s Last Supper (inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie complex), from the Triassic fossils of Monte San Giorgio to the iconic red train of the Rhaetian Railway across the Bernina landscapes.
Religious tourism, as part of the discovery of a rich cultural heritage, offers 19 spiritual routes connecting sanctuaries, reliquaries, iconic places and historical memories, from the Via Francigena to the Strada delle Abbazie, from the Cammino di San Colombano to the Via Regina on Lake Como.
Charming lakes: From Lake Garda to Lake Como, through Lake Maggiore and Iseo, Lombardy is the region of lakes – water mirrors reflecting the beauty of the surrounding landscape. With countless stories to tell, the lakes of Lombardy offer extraordinary experiences to suit all tastes. Wander along the shores or head further inland, off the beaten track, and be amazed by beautiful villas, blooming gardens and picturesque villages, sports, culinary delights and, above all, stunning landscapes.
Adventures in nature: Are you an outdoor sports enthusiast? Are you in search of an eco-friendly holiday? Everywhere you look, the charming natural landscapes of Lombardy are bound to leave you amazed. Snow-capped mountains, natural parks, rivers and green havens are all you need for your nature holidays.
Move a little farther away from large towns and you will find yourself surrounded by lush nature. The parks of Lombardy are a great way to explore an incredibly rich biodiversity heritage. From hiking in the fresh mountain air, to rock-climbing and bouldering on the amazing peaks of the Alps, to rafting, kayaking and canyoning down the rivers and streams of our region, all adventure enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice.
With over 3,000 kilometres of cycle routes (for amateur and experienced cyclists alike), from Lake Iseo to Val Seriana, from the Garda hills to Mantua, Lombardy is also a great destination for cycling enthusiasts.
The mountains of Lombardy around Bormio and Livigno are world-renowned for their iconic climbs. The countless hairpins of the Stelvio Pass, the impressive landscapes of the Gavia Pass, and the forbidding gradients of the Mortirolo Pass, are some of the most popular and coveted ascents in the world. Not to mention the unforgettable Ghisallo, a sacred place for cyclists, and the seat of the Museum of Cycling.
Loads of fun in the snow: Snow-covered slopes, dreamlike landscapes and good food are the recipe for happiness. Lombardy is home to some of the most famous ski areas such as Livigno, Bormio, Ponte di Legno and Santa Caterina Valfurva, and is one of the major destinations not only for ski enthusiasts, but also for all winter sports lovers – Alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboard, biathlon and freeride.
The mountains of Lombardy often host major sporting competitions, including the Alpine Ski World Cup, and the venue of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The taste of travel: Exploring the local flavours is the best and most intense way to get to know a territory.
Visualize beautiful Alpine valleys, glistening lakes and boundless plains. That’s Lombardy – a unique and varied territory, a cradle of flavour. Recipes that tell a thousand tales, starred chefs reinventing the classics while looking beyond tradition, restaurants and wineries that hold true jewels of local food and wine tradition.
A journey through this wonderful territory is a journey through flavours – a unique experience along twelve itineraries (‘Strade del Vino e dei Sapori’).
A region in central Italy that borders Emilia-Romagna and the Republic of San Marino to the north, Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio to the west and Abruzzo to the south. It is washed by the Adriatic Sea to the east. Its northern border is marked by the River Foglia, and its southern border by the Tronto.
The regional capital is Ancona. The other provinces are Pesaro-Urbino, Macerata, Fermo and Ascoli Piceno.
The territory is mostly hilly (69%), rising to mountains (for the remaining 31%) with the Apennine chain. The very limited flatlands cover the narrow strip of land beside the sea. The highest mountain is Mount Vettore (2478 m) in the Sibillini mountain range, followed by Mount Nerone (1526 m) and Mount Catria (1702 m). Near Ancona is the iconic Conero promontory.
The major natural beauty spots of the region include the Frasassi Caves and the Furlo Pass.
The gentle hills and the brick colour of the beautiful old towns, whose buildings and charm have been carefully preserved, give the region its unmistakable character. The region was created in the 14th century, with borders not far different from the current ones, and it was named ‘Marca’.
Ancona, with its port and its relations with the East, experienced times of great prosperity. Urbino, too, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a great international artistic, cultural and architectural centre in the Renaissance. It was the birthplace of the painter Raphael and the architect Donato Bramante. The region was part of the Papal State until 1860, when it was annexed by Italy after the Battle of Castelfidardo, near Ancona, after which it became known as Marche.
The economy of the region is based on a flourishing network of small and medium enterprises achieving excellence and international renown in several sectors. These include agriculture, winemaking and fishing, along with tourism along the seaside, in art towns and for winter sports.
The regional cuisine is delicious, with local specialities everywhere, including a wide range of DOC wines.
The most distinctive towns, alongside Urbino, include Ancona; Ascoli Piceno with its old town built mostly of travertine; the university town of Camerino; Fabriano, renowned for its high-quality paper production; Fermo; Jesi, birthplace of the composer Giovan Battista Pergolesi and a capital of fencing; Macerata; Recanati, the birthplace of the great poet Giacomo Leopardi (1798- 1837) and the famous tenor Beniamino Gigli (1890- 1957); Loreto and its majestic Basilica; Castelfidardo, the international capital of accordion builders; San Benedetto del Tronto, with its promenade, the traditional finish-line of the Tirreno-Adriatico.
Molise is the most recently created Italian region, since it used to be part of the region of Abruzzi e Molise, alongside the region of Abruzzo, until 1963.
It is a region with ordinary statute located in Southern Italy; Campobasso is the regional capital. It borders Abruzzo to the north, Lazio to the west, Campania to the south-west and Puglia to the south-east. It is washed by the Adriatic Sea to the east.
It is the second smallest Italian region after the Aosta Valley. Its territory is almost equally divided between mountains and hills. The Passo di Rionero, also known as Bocca di Forlì (891 m), between the towns of Rionero Sannitico (Isernia, Molise) and Castel di Sangro (L’Aquila, Abruzzo), is regarded, conventionally, as the geographical boundary between Central and Southern Italy.
Molise stretches some 35 km along the Adriatic Sea. The shore is mostly sandy, with long, wide beaches, with the sole exception of the promontory of Termoli. Here, in a sheltered position, stands the port – with ferry lines that run to Croatia and to the Isole Tremiti. Further seaside towns are Campomarino and Petacciato.
Historically, the region was part of the ancient Samnite – thus, Roman – territory. Heritage of that time includes the Roman theatre in Sepino. Further historical events have marked the territory and its people throughout the centuries.
The region is split into two provinces, Campobasso (the regional capital) and Isernia, and it has a total population of about 315,000.
The economy of the region thrives on major industrial activities in Termoli, Campobasso, Bojano and Venafro, along with seaside and summer tourism, as well as winter tourism, with popular resorts such as Campitello Matese and Capracotta.
The region boasts a number of valuable monuments, as well as plenty of architectural, cultural and traditional landmarks. Major attractions include the two provincial capitals, along with Termoli, Venafro, Larino, Agnone (home to Marinelli, a bell manufacturing plant with over a thousand years’ worth of history), Montenero di Bisaccia and many more.
Celestine V, the 192nd Pontiff of the Catholic Church, was Pope for as little as four months, and then resigned. He was born in Molise, approximately between 1209 and 1215; his name was Pietro Angelerio or Angeleri, which he changed to Pietro da Morrone, and was venerated by the Church as Pietro Celestino. Isernia and Sant’Angelo Limosano both claim to have been his birthplace. He died as hermit in Fiumone in 1926.
The region boasts a number of nature reserves and has a prominent agricultural production, above all olive oil, along with cheese and dairy, traditional cold cuts, wine and pasta. Fishing is another major activity. Typical delicacies include “brodetto”, a popular fish stew of many locations on the Adriatic coast.
In Piedmont we really are spoiled for choice when it comes to art and architecture, history and culture, legend and tradition, and natural beauty.
When you arrive in Turin, we promise you a full immersion in history and culture as the city is the home of the Royal House of Savoy. There are numerous museums to visit, from the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) to the Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema) and the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile (National Automobile Museum), and also the Royal Palaces, along with prestigious contemporary art institutions. Then of course, you can enjoy the city’s rich gastronomy, great wines and chocolate, and you mustn’t miss its famous aperitifs and cocktails.
Turin is also the perfect departure point for exploring Piedmont, a great destination for those in search of a holiday that satisfies all the senses: the area’s boundless natural, artistic and architectural beauty is joined by a very rich variety of the finest foods, such as truffles, rice and chocolate, and its internationally acclaimed wines.
A place made unique by the wide variety of landscapes, ranging from mountains to lakes, from hills to plains, from art towns to historical villages, from the Savoy Residences to the Sacred Mountains and the vineyard landscapes of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. These three vineyard areas offer some of Piedmont’s most spectacular scenery, where nature’s beauty comes together with the skilful work carried out by man over the centuries to create products of excellence, such as the area’s most prestigious wines, Barolo, Nebbiolo and Barbaresco.
Culture: The ideal synthesis of art, history, culture and landscape, Piedmont is an area full of charm, which offers visitors endless opportunities to explore unique architectural and natural locations. Piedmont boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Savoy Residences, scattered around the region, with a networks of palaces, churches, summer residences and magnificent gardens; the Sacred Mountains, astonishing places of worship built between the 16th and 17th centuries and perfectly incorporated into the natural environment among the hills, woods and lakes; the Vineyard Landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, which stretch in all their beauty across the hills, around ancient villages and castles perched on the hilltops; the archaeological site of Viverone/Azeglio, which is part of the prehistoric pile dwelling sites in the Alps.
The regional capital of Piedmont and first capital of Italy, Turin is now a busy centre of culture, characterised by a rich heritage of events, museums and monuments. The Museo Egizio is the second most important Egyptian Museum in the world, after that in Cairo. The Museo Nazionale del Cinema, with one of the richest cinematic heritages at international level, is housed in the Mole Antonelliana which, rising to a height of 167 metres, is the symbol of the city.
Turin and Piedmont have a strong link with art, and contemporary art in particular: the region is home to numerous museums, private foundations and art fairs – including Castello di Rivoli, Fondazione Pistoletto and Artissima – where the works of great 20th century artists interact with new trends and the latest experimentations, thanks to a cutting edge cultural offering.
Sport: The beauty of Piedmont lies in its variety. The mountains to the west, the hills to the left of the River Po, the Langhe and Monferrato districts, the lands of Barolo, Barbaresco and truffles. Then there’s the peaceful Po Plain, the wild nature of the mountain parks, along rivers and by lakes, around castles and antique residences. A real paradise for sports lovers.
Emotions and atmospheres to be experienced. This is why Piedmont has to be travelled slowly. The ideal means of travel is the bicycle. For experts capable of tackling the mountain roads travelled by the Giro d’Italia, but also for amateurs, families with children, nature lovers in general.
Surrounded by breath-taking scenery and snow-covered peaks, the mountains offer a wide range of activities: all kinds of skiing, from downhill to cross-country, ski-mountaineering, ski-touring, snowboarding, bob-riding, sledding, walking with snowshoes and climbing on ice. In summer, the two national parks (Gran Paradiso and Val Grande) and the 54 regional, natural and river parks offers some of the most spectacular trekking and free climbing itineraries in Italy.
There are many proposals for those who enjoy water sports too: from canoeing to hydrospeed, from canyoning to rafting. Set amidst fabulous scenery, the region’s over 60 golf courses offer the possibility to combine sporting activity with visits to places rich in culture, art and history.
The home of motoring, Piedmont offers car and motorbike enthusiasts an unequalled motoring and landscape heritage to explore.
The region is also one of the few in Italy to have a strong link with certain historical sports, such as pallapugno (handball) and palla tamburello (tambourine ball) played between the walls of enchanting villages.
Food and Wine: With over 370 traditional agri-food products, the food and wine sector is a leading protagonist of the new development of tourism in Piedmont. The culture of good living, the principle that inspires an offer based on quality, aimed at tourists who are increasingly demanding and attentive to details, has found in the exceptional level of characteristic Piedmontese products and in the riches of the subalpine culinary tradition a very important cornerstone and an extraordinary value to be promoted.
In the last twenty years, Piedmontese agriculture has invested in specialisation in local productions of outstanding value: from the great red wines of Piedmont (Barolo and Barbaresco above all) to the white and sparkling wines of Asti; from the “Tonda Gentile” Hazelnut of the Langa to the White Truffle of Alba.
This productive evolution has been accompanied by a significant cultural maturation of the primary sector, of catering activities and of the public. Slow Food, the international association for the promotion of the culture of local food and wine was born in Bra. The association has 70,000 members in more than 50 countries and its showcase is the Salone del Gusto, held every two years in Turin.
Piedmont’s food and wine tradition enjoys international acclaim, so much so that the region always occupies one of the top spots in the restaurant rankings and sector guides. This success is due to the skill of the chefs, masters in blending the flavours of tradition with those of new cuisine, but also to the certified quality of Piedmontese products. Piedmont’s supremacy in terms of food and wine is also a matter of advanced education: Pollenzo Castle is home to the Wine Bank and the first University of Gastronomic Sciences.
Tuscany is in central Italy. It borders Liguria to the northwest, Emilia-Romagna to the north, Marche and Umbria to the east, and Lazio to the south. To the west, the coastline is washed by the Ligurian Sea to the north, and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the south. The shore is mostly sandy beaches, with a number of rocky stretches. As well as the regional capital Firenze, the other provincial capitals are Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa-Carrara, Pistoia, Prato and Siena.
Present-day Tuscany corresponds closely to ancient Etruria – inhabited by the Etruscans – then Tuscia and finally Toscana. The landscape is mostly hilly and mountainous, with flatlands covering barely 10% of the region. The islands Elba, Il Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo and Pianosa all belong to Tuscany. The Arno is the main river.
The regional economy is based mainly on the tertiary sector, thanks mostly to tourism in the region’s great artistic and cultural cities, and at its beaches around Versilia and Grosseto. There are thermals spas at Chianciano Terme, Montecatini Terme, and Saturnia, and mountain tourism around the Abetone and Mount Amiata. Rural tourism is a growth area, based around the warm, welcoming ‘agriturismo’ farmhouse accommodation. The enchanting landscapes of the Chianti area, in particular, attract vast numbers of overseas visitors. As well as the many industrial centres distributed throughout the region, agriculture and winemaking remain major economic forces. Six wines are certified DOCG (‘Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin’): they are Carmignano, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Morellino di Scansano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Tuscany’s olive oils are also highly prized. The Tuscan cigar, made of local tobacco leaves, is also world famous. The port of Livorno is the most important of many in the region, with sea links to the islands and recreational sailing.
The beautiful city of Arezzo, full of monuments and artistic treasures, is economically dynamic, with a noteworthy gold-working milieu. Grosseto, the capital of the Maremma; Livorno and its port; Lucca with its city walls and prestigious architecture; the mountainous Garfagnana and Versilia with its beaches, Massa-Carrara with the Alpi Apuane (Eng. Apuan Alps) and its highly valued white marble; Pisa with the unique and spectacular Piazza dei Miracoli, packed with architectural marvels and the world-famous Leaning Tower; and, nearby, the ancient town of Volterra. Pistoia with its nurseries of plants and flowers; the village of Collodi, associated with Pinocchio, the children’s book by Carlo Lorenzini (1826‑1890), who used the pen name Carlo Collodi. Industrious Prato with its medieval centre and, finally, extraordinary Siena with its artistic treasures, the medieval villages of Pienza and San Gimignano and the surrounding area, and the century-long tradition of the Palio.
Tuscan cuisine is varied and delicious. The main dishes from the peasant traditions are as follows: bistecca alla fiorentina, taglio di vitellone, lardo di Colonnata, pappa al pomodoro, pici (thick, hand-rolled pasta, like fat spaghetti, from Siena), ribollita (potage made with bread and vegetables), testaroli (from Lunigiana), trippa, either alla fiorentina, or ‘lampredotto’. Other specialities include Livorno fish soup, known as ‘cacciucco’; ‘fettunta’, a variety of bruschetta; finocchiona, a kind of salami flavoured with fennel seeds, game, and many, many more. Sweets include ‘cantuccini’ biscuits eaten with vin Santo dessert wine, brigidini di Lamporecchio, castagnaccio, cialde di Montecatini, and, from Siena, panforte and ricciarelli.
Forests, nature reserves, lakes and streams, valleys and majestic mountain ranges
Trentino’s greatest treasure consists in the vastness of its natural areas and in the variety of its ecosystems. Suffice it to mention the Dolomites and Lake Garda that are some of the most famous examples of the beauty of this region and iconic destinations that make Trentino renowned throughout the world.
The landscapes have maintained a delicate balance of coexistence of plants, animals and human beings because the environment is constantly protected and cared for with the greatest commitment and attention.
This is another reason why Trentino is like an open-air gymnasium that finds special expression in its relationship with cycling. This land is permeated with the great passion of its inhabitants, always ready to jump onto a bicycle during their spare time and with the stories of great cycling champions past and present that mingle with the vast array of manicured and peerless cycling routes available.
Steep roads that climb up into the mountains and that have been the routes of the Giro d’Italia challenges for years, MTB trails of all levels of difficulty and for all levels of experience, and a vast network of cycling paths that pose no particular problems.
Umbria is a region of central Italy, bordered by Tuscany, Marche and Lazio; it is referred to as “the green heart of Italy”. It is an inland region, having no coastline; its territory is mainly hilly and mountainous, with multiple river basins such as the Val Tiberina, which is crossed by the Tiber River. The region is home to the Trasimeno and Piediluco lakes. Its territory is marked by green, low hills, with towns and villages of different sizes, having a long, rich history and a prominently Mediaeval look.
The region was already inhabited by the Umbri and the Etruscans back in proto-history, and afterwards became part of the Roman Empire. It was also subsumed into the Papal States. Its many museums contain an impressive number and variety of artistic works, such as the tiny statue known as the “Venus of Trasimeno”, dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic, which was found on the shores of the lake of the same name.
The region has two provinces: Perugia, the regional capital, and Terni. The Cascate delle Marmore (Marmore’s Falls), near Terni, are one of the major natural landmarks of the region.
The economy of the region is based on four pillars: industry, handicraft, agriculture and tourism. Umbria is also renowned for its traditional ceramics manufacturing. Viticulture, especially in the Orvieto area, and olive growing are the main activities of the region’s well-developed agriculture, which is well integrated with the industrial and tertiary sectors.
Local gastronomy mainly offers meat produce and is best renowned for its charcuterie, produced especially around Norcia: which is why the Italian word “norcino” is used to describe the operators and products of this industry, such as wild game and meat. The many typical desserts of Umbria are just as delicious. Chocolate is one of the most esteemed products of the region, which is even home to a “chocolate district” in the Perugia area.
Tourism and all related activities are a main driver of the economy of the region. Religious tourism plays a major role in this respect. Umbria was home to the founder of monasticism, St. Benedict of Nursia, to St. Francis of Assisi, to St. Clare and to St. Rita of Cascia; all of them were major figures in the Catholic world, whose life and charitable acts are remembered by major architectural and spiritual landmarks.
The Cathedral of Orvieto, Palazzo dei Consoli in Gubbio, Piazza dei Popoli and the Duomo dell’Annunziata in Todi, the Cathedrals of Terni, Assisi and Santa Maria degli Angeli, together with all the Franciscan places of worship that were rebuilt and restored after the 1997 earthquake, which severely damaged many religious and non-religious historical buildings, are the major landmarks in such a rich region.
Many cities and towns host a number of events, especially in the summertime. The most famous folk events include the Corsa dei Ceri (Gubbio), the Giostra della Quintana (Foligno, which recalls 17 C. customs), the Mediaeval festival of Calendimaggio (Assisi) and the Corsa all’Anello (Narni).
Other major national and international cultural events, ranging from music to theatre, include the Festival dei Due Mondi (Spoleto) and the Umbria Jazz Festival (Perugia).
For once, let us be immodest….Veneto is everything! Everything you can ask for and dream about; it is a dream that never ends, and if you want to dream, you only have to visit it. History, culture, art, geographical location make this Region a World Region. A picture in which the last brushstroke is the sea, the mountains, the lakes, the cities of art, the natural parks, the spas, the Po Delta. From here, at any time, poets and men of culture have passed, novelists and musicians, painters and sculptors. Byron, Hemingway, Goethe, Haendel, Stravinsky: all of them were so impressed as to mention one of these brushstrokes in some of their works or piece of writing.
And with them the “great Venetians” of the past, from Palladio to Canova, from Tiziano to Giambattista Tiepolo.
The Veneto Region is a concentration of extraordinary environments within a maximum area of 100 kilometers: from the delicate and romantic Venice to the historic and lively Verona; from the Palladian Vicenza to the learned Padua; from the sweetness of Asolo hills to the breathtaking beauty of mountains that are unique in the world like the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage; from the calm of the lagoons to the wide and sandy beaches; from a lush countryside dotted with hundreds of historic villas, to relaxation in the Euganean thermal basin; from the shores of the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, to the composure of so many Walled Cities.
But Veneto is not just a dive into the past. It is a land that is more alive than ever, a land that makes reception and hospitality its guiding criterion, and the consequent tourist economy, its major growth factor. It is a territory to experience throughout the year: from world-renowned art exhibitions; from concerts to monographic shows; from the examples of unparalleled crafts like Murano glass or Burano lace; to the triumphs of gastronomy and good drinking. A lively and modern Veneto: a leading Region in many sectors of economy and society; a Region that has paved the way for lots of Italian successes.
Able to please everyone: the love for the sea or mountains, for the tranquility of the lake or the beneficial spas, for the charm of the art cities or for a business convention. All this can be reached thanks to an infrastructural network that, in a few hours, connects it with Europe and with Airports (Venice, Verona, Treviso) served by scheduled and charter flights. You can get there by land, by air, but also by sea, even with one of the many passenger ships landing in the Port of Venice or by arriving with your own boat in one of the many tourist ports.
Food and Wine: Divided among appetizers, first and second courses and finally desserts, the recipes we are presenting in this section represent a “journey” through tastes, aromas and flavors of the Veneto Region, many of which were believed to be lost. Some of them are elaborate, others are very simple and the DOP products (Protected Designation of Origin) and the IGP products (Protected Geographical Indication) of the Venetian territory are standing out among ingredients. Our cuisine is a quality cuisine, already widely established at national and international level, because in the Veneto Region you eat well and drink even better. The delicacies do not end here of course, because in the Veneto Region everything is flavor, fragrance and aroma. A world of typical products are waiting for you on the table
Flavors of the earth: Try to close your eyes and get ready for an exciting, appetizing journey made of really special ingredients. We will lead you to discover our territory, agricultural traditions, tastes and flavors. The landscapes of Veneto are inextricably linked to gastronomic products: if you say Treviso and Castelfranco, you think about the crunchy radicchio; if you say Marostica, everything turns cherry red; and now the connection between Asiago and cheese is indissoluble; if you think about Montagnana then the world suddenly appears as pink as the very sweet raw ham.
Veneto is a vineyard of almost 90 thousand hectares, where almost 13.5 million hectoliters of wine are produced and over 8 million hectoliters of which have D.O.C origin. Just a few numbers in order to give you the idea of the Venetian wine reality ... 14 x D.O.C.G (Registered and Certified Designation of Origin), 29 x D.O.C. (Registered Designation of Origin) and 10 x I.G.T. (Regional Geographical Indication).
Great wines but also lots of products of absolute quality, some of them are less known to the public but this does not mean that they are less precious. Veneto viticulture has its roots in a tradition that dates back to at least two millennia. The numerous historical evidences confirm that viticulture has found fertile ground still in the Roman times and since then it has no longer stopped.
Thanks to its territorial peculiarities, the Veneto Region is extremely varied from a geomorphological and landscape point of view. Just think of the microclimates that can be found only a few hundred meters from the shores of Lake Garda or between the hills of Valdobbiadene, or the characteristics of the volcanic soil of the Euganean Hills and the alluvial soil of the plain of Eastern Veneto. It is to this extreme landscape and climatic variability that the Veneto Region owes the surprising variety of wines, combined with a long tradition with the best oenological practices, which have allowed it to obtain unique products in the world such as Amarone, Prosecco, Recioto and Soave, just to name a few. The natural viticulture of the Veneto land is linked to a consolidated tradition, born over the centuries, which has led to renowned successes and international recognition.
There is no better way to know the “Planet Wine” of the Veneto Region than by traveling, but going out of the great communication routes, leaving aside haste and anxiety of arriving, allowing instead the pleasure of going from cellar to cellar, from the foothills of Pedemontana strip to the structure of the plain. Because the great Veneto wines unveil themselves in their land of origin, preserving their close ties with flavor, aromas and personality. Along the entire route there is no lack of places of historical-artistic and landscape interest, on opportunities for leisure and body well-being and on everything that contributes to making the discovery of the Veneto territory special.
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