When in Italy, art cities are countless. At every step, at every corner, there is beauty, history, and a sense of heritage that feels alive.

Our selection of art cities today is about the more than valid alternatives to the most common destinations, inviting us to widen our gaze and discover places that are equally fascinating, yet often overlooked.

Padova

While Venice is flocked with tourists, we often take the train to Padua, a town full of wonders. With seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, Padua offers a remarkable insight into the Renaissance and the Middle Ages. It is home to one of the largest churches in the world, dedicated to one of the most beloved saints: Saint Anthony. The city boasts many beautiful squares, but none compare to Prato della Valle: not only one of the largest squares in Europe, but a true monumental space, featuring 78 statues and four bridges.

Viterbo

A Medieval jem hust outside the city of Rome. Viterbo (in the picture) is a papal city of the 13th century and an unexpected surprise. Its center, San Pellegrino, is marked by a series of stone alleys, bridge-houses, and stairways that climb between the buildings. The Papal Palace and the Conclave Hall are still there, where the people of Viterbo, growing impatient, locked the prelates inside when they took 1006 days to elect the new head of the Church. Viterbo allows you to step into the past as you wander through its beautifully preserved medieval streets.

Lecce

Also known as “the white town,” Lecce, along with nearby Ostuni, sits at the heel of Italy and stands as one of the finest expressions of Baroque art. Although Baroque style shaped much of European artistic production, Lecce’s interpretation is unique and instantly recognizable. The credit goes to its “gentle” stone: soft, crumbly, and easy to carve, allowing artisans to sculpt thousands of intricate decorative details, enhanced by the luminous Salento light that plays across the white façades. More than an open-air museum, Lecce also enjoys the advantage of being just a short distance from the sea, making it a city where art, history, and natural beauty meet.

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