In addition to Palermo, the cities of Mantua, Pistoia and Matera have all been honored as Capitals of Culture. So who bestows this esteemed title on Italian cities? A panel of seven experts appointed by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism selects the annual recipient. The aim is to enhance the landscape and cultural heritage of the chosen cities, promote tourism in the area, and, of course, improve services provided to travellers. It would be fun to plan a trip to each of the chosen cities and their surroundings… What do you say? Our tips might just help you out... Let’s go!

Palermo

First on our list is Palermo, named Italian Capital of Culture 2018.

What to see and do in Palermo

Palermo began as a Phoenician colony and was fought over for centuries by the Greeks and the Carthaginians due to its strategic location. The Romans, Byzantines and Arabs also competed for its domination. Clearly, the passage of all these civilizations has left behind an enormously varied cultural heritage, evident in the city’s monuments and architecture.

Begin your tour in Palermo’s historic heart where you’ll find the city’s main theatres, Il Massimo and Il Politeama. Explore the beautiful Chiesa della Martorana, an Arabic style church on Piazza Bellini dating back to the Middle Ages, and then wander along Via della Libertà, the most elegant part of Palermo.

Two must-see monuments are the Cathedral and Royal Palace: the first is one of the oldest Gothic style Christian churches dating back to 600 A.D.; the second is the oldest residence in Europe, and the most visited attraction in all of Sicily. And what about the Pretoria Fountain? Stop to admire its allegorical statues representing mythological gods and the four rivers of Palermo.

Palermo’s Ballarò Street Market is well worth a visit. Here you'll find everything - fresh and colorful produce, street food, and above all, the true soul of the city.

Like most of the cities in Sicily, Palermo also offers much to discover below ground. We’re talking about the catacombs used by the Capuchins to bury their monks - more than 8,000 embalmed and mummified bodies, to be exact! The underground attraction is visited by thousands of international tourists every year: don’t miss this piece of Palermo history!

What to eat in Palermo

Heading up Palermo's culinary tradition is the city’s street food. In fact, the area’s most typical dishes can be tasted directly at the local markets and on the streets of Palermo. Try the famous pane e panelle, a sandwich with chickpea fritters accompanied by potato croquettes (i cazzilli), in Piazza Marina or Vucciria Market, as well as along the seafront. Adventurous gourmands might enjoy ca'meusa bread, a loaf stuffed with slices of cooked spleen, salt, lemon and cheese. 

Don’t leave Sicily without sampling its arancini, a local culinary classic. Warm, fragrant, and prepared with your choice of filling ... just the thought makes us hungry! 

Moving on to desserts, be sure to try frutta di Martorana. The sweet marzipan treat made with almonds and sugar probably dates back to the Etruscan-Roman period.

Are there restaurants which offer the same delicious flavours? Of course! Here are our agritourisms in and around Palermo to take you on a culinary journey right from the comfort of your chair.

Around Palermo

Of course, a visit to Palermo is also the ideal opportunity to discover its wonderful surroundings. Depending on the season, different areas have much to offer. For example, in spring and summer we recommend relaxing on beautiful Mondello beach or in Cefalù.

Not far from Palermo you’ll find Monreale, famous for its magnificent cathedral, and Bagheria, a traditional holiday destination for Palermo’s noble families, where a visit to Villa Palagonia is a must.

If you fancy a walk in nature, take a trip to Monte Pellegrino where the locals love to picnic and hike. Heading east, you’ll arrive at Madonie Park, a protected area spanning 39,941 hectares.

Photo by Marek Lenik su Flickr.com.

Where to stay on a trip to Palermo

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Palermo you can’t beat our agritourisms in the province! For those extending their visit, check out all of our agritourisms in Sicily.

Why visit Palermo?

History, art, sea, nature and so much vibrant local life! A holiday in Palermo and the surrounding area offers all of this, and more.

Mantua

Voted Capital of Culture 2016, Mantua is the city of Renaissance in Lombardy and a Unesco World Heritage Site.

What to see and do in Mantua

One of your first stops should certainly be Palazzo Te, Mantua’s civic museum and international center of art and culture. Popular rooms include the Chamber of the Giants and the Chamber of Cupid and Psyche. The mansion was built by Giulio Romano for Federico II Gonzaga and was designed for pleasure and entertainment.

As you leave Palazzo Te, head towards the heart of Mantua. Here you can see Piazza Sordello, the former center of religious and political power, the Ducal Palace and Bishop's Palace. Bring your camera to capture their ancient beauty! 

Don’t forget that Palazzo Ducale also includes Castello di San Giorgio, where you can see many wonderful works of art including the famous “Camera degli Sposi” by Andrea Mantegna.

After stepping back into the past, head to Piazza delle Erbe, one of the oldest piazzas in all of Mantua. The fruit and vegetable market is the ideal place for people-watching, while the arcades flanking the square are perfect for a bit of shopping or a meal at a traditional Mantuan trattoria. But first, be sure to visit the Casa del Mercante, a rare example of a Gothic building and one of Mantua's best-preserved landmarks!

What to eat in Mantua

As we were saying… why not stop-off inb one of our agritourisms in the province of Mantua with restaurants?

Most people don’t know that the food in Mantua is considered the cuisine of both princes and people. Its origins can be traced partially to rural peasant culture, and partially to the art of fine dining at the Gonzaga court. 

Typical dishes include risotto alla pilota made with chopped pork, and pumpkin tortelli with grana cheese and Amaretto. There are second courses of fried fish, eel and catfish, and a hearty stracotto pot roast with polenta.

Those with a sweet tooth will love the torta elvezia, also known as “tur dal sucar”, an age-old recipe made from zabaione, buttercream, whipped cream and almonds. For a lighter, more delicate option, try sbrisolona, a crumbly cake of peasant origin made from cornflour, almonds, lots of butter and a dash of grappa.

Around Mantua

Mantua is a city that has much to offer, and the surrounding area is no different. If you want to relax and unwind choose Mincio Park. Take a stroll along the river where you can see birds and native plants, or opt for a bicycle ride. Want even more exercise? Then take on the Morainal Hills!

Just a few kilometers from the city you’ll find a truly intriguing place. It’s called Bosco della Fontana and it’s located in Marmirolo. The woodland is all that remains of the old forest which once covered the entire Po plain.

And remember, just 1.5 hours from Mantua there’s Lake Garda. The charming hamlets of Lazise, Bardolino and Peschiera del Garda are a joy to explore.

Where to stay on a trip to Mantua

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Mantua you can’t beat our agritourisms in the province. For those extending their visit, check out all of our agritourisms in Lombardy.

Why visit Mantua?

In Mantua you can admire one of Italy’s most romantic sunsets! Head to Ponte San Giorgio as evening falls and watch the sun disappear behind Palazzo Ducale, the Sant'Andrea dome and Mantua’s bell towers! Bellissimo!

Pistoia

Chosen as the Italian Capital of Culture in 2017, Pistoia offers visitors an outstanding holiday experience!

What to see and do in Pistoia

You’ll love all that the city of Pistoia has to offer. Plan your tour without too many time constraints or a precise route in mind. Getting lost in Pistoia’s beautiful streets is the best way to experience the soul of the city. 

Of course, there are several sites you simply must see. Piazza del Duomo is the hub of the city and surrounded by important historic buildings such as the 14th century baptistery and the 67-meter-high bell tower, the perfect place to admire the city from above. Piazza della Sala is the heart of Pistoia’s nightlife, ideal for an evening out painting the town or a tasty dinner.

Fancy visiting a museum? Then try Marino Marini in Palazzo del Tau! The museum is home to numerous contemporary works of art by the Pistoian artist. To discover the dark side of the city, venture into underground Pistoia next to Ospedale del Ceppo, the city’s medieval hospital. We recommend going with a knowledgeable guide so you won’t miss even the smallest historical detail!

If you’re on a family vacation, there’s the Zoological Garden, a well-maintained attraction with a wealth of activities to offer. Villone Puccini Park is populated with ducks, swans, turtles and fish, and is sure to be a hit with the little ones!

What to eat in Pistoia

Pistoian cuisine is wholesome and simple, based on traditional recipes passed down through generations. Try the minestra del carcerato (“prisoner’s soup”) made with bread and cheese, as well as delicious soups of cabbage, potatoes, chickpeas and beans. A favourite with the locals, and popular with tourists too, are the crostini with spleen and chicken offal. And the local dessert? Our top pick is castagnaccio, a chestnut cake made of flour and finely chopped chestnuts. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass of fine wine!

To experience genuine local cuisine, choose one of our farmhouse restaurants in Pistoia.

Around Pistoia

If you’re wondering what there is to see outside Pistoia, read on to find out! The entire province of Pistoia is filled with beautiful scenery typical of the Tuscan Apennines. You’ll have no trouble finding day trips and excursions in the Pistoia mountains which boast a wealth of flora and fauna. The region has plenty of options for cyclists too, so jump on a bike and start exploring! 

Just 40 minutes from Pistoia you'll come to Pescia. Known for its fertile terrain and rural culture, it’s considered Italy’s flower capital. In Pescia you can learn about the region’s time-honored handicrafts like paper-making. After Pescia, continue on to Collecchio and Monte a Pescia. 

Looking for some pampering during your break? Then visit Montecatini Terme, a major spa centre!

Where to stay on a trip to Pistoia

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Pistoia you can’t beat our agritourisms in the province. For those extending their visit, check out our agritourisms in Tuscany.

Why visit Pistoia?

Despite its location halfway betweenn Florence and Lucca, Pistoia is rarely included in the standard Tuscan tourist itineraries. It's actually one of Italy’s most charming and historic cities, and easy to reach by car or train. So why not see what everyone’s missing?

Matera

In 1993, Matera’s famous stones became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But dare we say that Matera is “more than just stones…”? Absolutely! That’s why the city of Matera was named European Capital of Culture 2019.

What to see and do in Matera

To visit Matera, you need just one thing: comfortable shoes! The ancient hamlet resides atop a hill where its famous caves have been sculpted into the steep slopes - so walking is the best way to explore.

Matera’s center is split into two parts: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. The two areas are separated by a third district called Civita, where you’ll find the noble palazzos and cathedral. In Sasso Caveoso you can visit the cave-houses, while Sasso Barisano is dotted with lovely artisan boutiques.

To better understand Matera's past, head to Casalnuovo or Vico Solitario in the heart of Sasso Caveoso. Here you can visit the ancient stone dwellings once home to many Matera families.

Churches to visit include St. Francis of Assisi, with its elegant façade in Baroque style, and San Pietro Barisano, Matera’s largest cave church entirely made of stone for which it was named.

If you’d like to delve deeper into the history of Matera visit the Ridola Museum. Located inside the Santa Chiara Convent, it was established in 1911 and houses artefacts from prehistory to the third century BC.

Lastly, if you love the outdoors we highly recommend Murgia Materana Park. From Civita, you can take the rope bridge to the other side of town!

What to eat in Matera

Matera and Basilicata, also known as Lucania,

have a wealth of local products to offer -  delicacies rich in flavour and culinary heritage. 

The undisputed star of the local cuisine is pane di Matera, considered Italy’s finest bread. 

Ever hear of Cruschi peppers? Sweet and crunchy, they are excellent prepared in pasta recipes like cavatelli with peppers and grated pecorino, but also yummy as a simple snack. Then there’s caciocavallo podolico, a highly prized (slightly expensive) cheese, Lucanica sausage, Sarconi beans and black chickpeas.

These wonderful products are used in unique dishes such as baccalà alla lucana - a traditional cod recipe, cutturiddi lamb stew and frizzule pasta, all of which you can enjoy at our Matera agritourisms with restaurants. Buon appetito!

Around Matera

Let’s venture outside Matera for a spell. Did you know that the city is surrounded by an incredibly varied landscape? Simply drive towards Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano and you’ll spot the rising peaks of the Lucan Apennines. These two small towns are famous for an activity that thrill-seekers might enjoy: the Angel Flight. Not a fan of extreme sports? No problem! You can enjoy trekking in the great outdoors instead. From Castelmezzano, the “Sette Pietre” (Seven Stone) trail leads directly to Pietrapertosa.

Another hamlet we recommend is Valsinni, home to a literary park dedicated to Isabella Morra, the famous poet of loneliness. Craco is known as a ghost town... visit it to find out why! 

The sea is a little under an hour's drive from Matera. If you’re looking for beautiful beach resorts with fine sand and crystal clear water try Metaponto Lido, Scanzano Jonico or Nova Siri.

Where to stay on a trip to Matera

f you’re looking for a place to stay in Matera you can’t beat our agritourisms in the province. For those extending their visit, check out all of our agritourisms in Basilicata.

Why visit Matera?

Simple: in Matera you can touch history with your own two hands - literally. Unchanged by the passage of time, the ancient stone dwellings are a testament to Italy’s long and fascinating history.