Fortified Villages: The 10 Most Beautiful to Visit

The artistic and architectural heritage of Italy is among the most beautiful and important in the world. It is not only about the great art cities but also about the many small villages that are true architectural gems that are second to none.

Especially northern and central Italy are rich in medieval villages, small hamlets - often little known - that have preserved their origins and characteristics intact.

These are towns dominated by towers and castles waiting to be explored, known as fortified villages, thanks to the walls that surround them and have protected them from enemy attacks for centuries. Here are the 10 most beautiful in Italy.

READ ALSO: PANORAMIC VILLAGES

Located in Piedmont, in the province of Biella, Candelo is famous primarily for its "Ricetto," which has been documented since before the year 1000.

It is a village enclosed by about 500 meters of high walls erected in the 14th century for defensive purposes. Within the Ricetto, there are about 200 residences and the village has preserved all its ancient charm with its cobblestone streets and the grandeur of the four lateral towers, one of which served as the only point of access to the town.

Walking through the village still means breathing history, discovering, and losing oneself in a magical place.

DISCOVER: FORTRESSES TO DISCOVER IN WINTER

Borghetto is a fraction of Valletto on the Mincio River and is located in the province of Verona. The small village, still inhabited by about 400 people, is surrounded by fortified walls and two access gates.

Due to its strategic position, it was contested by various kingdoms over the centuries. Today, it appears in all its splendor after a robust restoration effort in the 1990s. Don't miss the magnificent Visconteo Bridge, its churches, and the majestic Bell Tower from the Scaliger era.

Known as "Little Athens", Sabbioneta boasts a remarkable achievement. Since 2008 it has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage list. It is also part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy and has been awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club.

Located in the province of Mantua, this small town was built by Duke Vespasiano Gonzaga with the intent of creating an ideal city.

Elegant and precious, within the walls that surround it are true pearls of Renaissance architecture such as the Ducal Palace, the Garden Palace, the Gallery of antiquities, and its beautiful churches.

Glorenza is a small municipality of about 100 inhabitants in the province of Bolzano, near the Swiss border. It is the smallest town in Italy and owes the title of "civitas" to Mainardo II, the reigning prince of Tyrol.

Destroyed and razed in 1499 during the Swabian War, it was rebuilt by Emperor Maximilian who fortified it and enclosed it within strong walls, three towers, and four turrets, giving it the appearance it still retains today. Its beautiful manorial houses and charming porticos are breathtaking.

The narrow streets of the city and the Medieval Market Square still retain a charm and magic that captivate visitors, transporting them to an ancient atmosphere.

Charm and magic welcome tourists to this small Alpine gem in South Tyrol with a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Vipiteno - a small village crowned by the ancient Civic Tower, symbol of the town - is rich in medieval squares, Gothic churches, and castles, including the most important Castle Tasso.

In the historic center today there are bars, restaurants, and small elegant shops.

A few kilometers from Verona, Soave has ancient origins and was fortified in medieval times to enhance defense against enemy attacks.

The majestic Castle looms over the village, surrounded by perfectly maintained walls that extend into the heart of the town, protecting the vineyards that produce a fine DOC wine.

In addition to the Castle and its 24 towers, the town boasts many historically significant buildings, including the Justice Palace, the Scaliger Palace, and the Pieropan Palace. The church of San Lorenzo is also famous.

The origins of Cittadella, in the province of Padua, date back to the 1200s. It is surrounded by high elliptical walls with 32 towers defending the territory and four majestic gates (points of access).

It is the only town in Europe that allows you to walk along the 15-meter-high protective walls and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view. The town was "designed" for the defense of the territory of Padua and has been subjected to many military events throughout history.

Must-see sites include the Tower of Malta mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy, the Duomo which houses precious frescoes by Jacopo Brassano, the Praetorian Palace, and the Social Theater adorned with frescoes by Bagnara.

Perched on a hill in the Marche region on the left bank of the Nevola River, protected by almost a kilometer of 14th-century fortifications, lies Corinaldo, a marvelous medieval village ranked among the most beautiful villages in Italy.

The town is accessed through three gates: Porta di San Giovanni, Porta Nova, and Porta di Santa Maria del Mercato. The latter leads to the impressive and majestic staircase of the Polenta Well, with its 100 steps leading to the still intact legendary well.

In addition to its monumental medieval palaces that make the entire village a treasure, Corinaldo is known as the birthplace of Saint Maria Goretti.

Regarded as the most beautiful walled village in Italy, Monteriggioni was sung by Dante (who was captivated by it) in Canto XXXI of the Inferno of the Divine Comedy. Located atop a Sienese hill, its historic center is tiny, with few streets and buildings.

Here, time has truly stood still. In the only square, all village life takes place among shops, cafes, and small restaurants that have an old-world charm. The perimeter walls can only be walked for certain sections and reveal breathtaking views of the Sienese hills.

The square is also the stage for events and historical reenactments throughout the year and is home to the beautiful church of Santa Maria Assunta.

Civitella del Tronto is remembered as the last stronghold of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, with origins dating back to the 11th century. The walls and towers that made it a fortified village were built by the Angevin family.

Over the centuries, however, the city underwent expansions and modifications for defense purposes until the construction of the famous Fortress in the second half of the 1500s.

The historic center stands on a rocky outcrop just below the Fortress and is accessed through the Napoli Gate, the only one that remains intact. The heart of the village is the square that hosts Palazzo Portici and other significant historic buildings, as well as the Church of San Lorenzo. Don't miss a visit to Palazzo Ronchi - a narrow corner palace - and to Ruetta, the narrowest street in Italy.