Every time Google comes up with a ‘top’ list, the news makes the rounds – such is the case with the latest article from its blog, which has selected Italy’s six most beautiful “borghi” - quaint historic little villages - complete with beautiful street view images.
The borghi selected are described as “jewels frozen in time, often perched on a hill, offering breathtaking views.” They represent the perfect autumn weekend escape for those who are looking for charm and relaxation – and we have to agree with Google!
Here are the six selected borghi, from north to south:
- Etroubles, Valle D’Aosta: sights include a bell tower from a now disappeared 15th century Romanesque church and a medieval watchtower, built in the 12th century. In the Middle Ages, it was a stop on the Via Francigena.
- San Leo, Emilia-Romagna: in the beautiful inland countryside of Romagna, it features an imposing fortress on top of a hill and a quaint center with the 12th-century Romanesque-style Cathedral and Collegiata church.
- Sermoneta, Lazio: a walled hill town, it features the 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral of S. Maria Assunta and a massive castle. It was mentioned even in The Aeneids. Nearby is the beautiful Abbey of Valvisciolo.
- Castellabate, Campania: located within the National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano, it has preserved a medieval urban structure. Sights include two villas and a castle.
- Bova, Calabria: perched at an elevation of 850 meters, it offers a view of the entire coastline. The village is one of the most important Hellenistic centers in the province of Reggio Calabria, and many traces of its ancient history can still be seen.
- Gangi, Sicilia: Gangi's origins have been linked to the ancient Greek city of Engyon; traces of Roman presence were found with the archaeological excavations under the Abbey of Gangivecchio. Sights include the Castle of the Ventimiglia, several palaces and churches from the Middle Ages.