Carved out of rocky mountain slopes in the Basilicata of southern Italy, the ancient town of Matera is a tightly knit cluster of layered stone dwellings twined together by a labyrinth of steep winding staircases and flat dual-purpose rooftops that act as the streets of the level above. The houses, known as the Sassi di Matera, invoke images from the nativity, an impression well-utilised by famous filmed director Mel Gibson as a substitute for Bethlehem in the film 'The Passion of the Christ'. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it boasts a wealth of historic landmarks, such as the Civita district, a natural fortress home to a Romanesque Cathedral, which houses many works of art, including a 13th-century statue called Madonna della Bruna. The Park of the Rupestrian Churches spans over 8 000 hectares and counts over 150 churches, including the impressive Santa Maria de Idris.
Savelletri is a pretty port town idyllically set along the coast of Italy’s Puglia region. It boasts a traditional fishing village atmosphere, beautiful beaches and great dining options. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities, including strolling along the scenic waterfront, enjoying the vast array of fresh fish and seafood, and taking a refreshing dip in the inviting azure waters of the Mediterranean. Stay in one of the many converted old olive oil farmhouse-turned-luxury villas, spend an afternoon at a beach club or a beach shack, and explore the charming streets of this quaint seaside village.
Situated in Italy’s Apulia region and facing the Adriatic Sea, Ostuni is famous for its sumptuous olives, idyllic beaches, and ancient, labyrinthian Old Town. Also known as the ‘White City’, the Old Town allows travellers to get lost among its bright, classic, Mediterranean houses or marvel at the intricate frescoes of the Ostuni Cathedral. The village boasts is blanketed by olive groves, which form an integral part of its extraordinary culinary scene. Gourmands can visit a hundred-year-old olive oil farm, see traditional olive mills, or simply delight in the world of flavour on offer at the many award-winning restaurants. Long stretches of soft sandy beaches lapped by warm, azure waters provide the perfect locations for leisurely afternoons in the sun. Don’t miss the chance to see a 25 000-year-old fossilized human skeleton at the Museo Civilta Preclassiche della Murgia Meridionale.
Situated in Italy’s breathtaking Apulia region, an hour’s drive southeast of Bari, Alberobello is a charming and wonderfully picturesque destination famous for its unusual and extraordinary ancient buildings. Known as ‘trulli’, the whitewashed, conical dwellings that cover the town’s landscape offer the chance to see a well-preserved example of a specialised prehistoric building technique, which has earned the town a UNESCO listing. The gnome-house-like structures are now used as houses, bars, restaurants, and hotels, but the area has preserved its authentic charm and is still inhabited by many local Italians. The food on offer is of a high standard, including excellent traditional meals, and is well-priced. Excellent views of the entire sprawl of the village can be seen from the Piazza del Popolo Belvedere Trulli.
The vibrant metropolis, Milan, it the capital of Italy’s Lombardy region, in northern Italy. Always at the forefront of international fashion, Milan’s sophisticated glitzy facade has afforded it a reputation for superficiality and excessive consumerism. However, beneath its exterior hides a treasure trove of historical and architectural delights: from its glorious Gothic churches, Baroque mansions and Art Nouveau palazzos, to the striking, modern skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova financial district. Must-see sites include the spectacular Duomo Cathedral, the glass-vaulted Galleria, and of course La Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Milan caters for a broad range of interests: those in search of some glorious designer retail therapy will be well sated, but so too will those looking for fascinating historical sites and remarkable architectural marvels.
