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assisi, Camerino, gubbio, italy, Le Marche, Macerata, Norcia, Photography, San Gimignano, Siena, St Fancis, travel, travel Italy, Tuscany, umbria, urbino
When we think of Italian hill towns, we often think of those in Tuscany and Umbria but there are great hill towns to visit all over Italy. They usually have a medieval centre and may have walls enclosing the historic centre or a castle at the top. They are also good places to go for a view of the surrounding countryside.
Here are some of the Italian hill towns they I have visited.
San Gimignano, Tuscany
San Gimignano is a small walled village southwest of Florence and probably one of Italy’s most well known hill towns. It is famous for its fascinating medieval architecture and towers that rise above of all the other buildings offering an impressive view of the city from the surrounding valley.
At the height of its glory, San Gimignano’s patrician families had built around 72 tower-houses as symbols of their wealth and power, of which only 14 have survived
Siena, Tuscany
Siena, in the heart of Tuscany, is a good example of a classic hill town but it’s larger than many of the others. The town is famous for its Palio, a horse race run around the town’s fan-shaped main square, il Campo.
Assisi, Umbria
Assisi is a town on the western flank of Monte Subasio. Best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, Italy’s patron saint, Assisi lies amid Umbria’s rolling hills. If you are staying in Rome, Assisi is only a day trip away. Folks have travelled here for centuries to visit the Basilica of San Francesco (where St. Francis is buried) and the Basilica of Santa Chiara (to see the tomb of St. Clare). Shopping here is a delight with many things to look out for, as the Umbrian region is known for a variety of different products. Including, Olive Oil, Wine, Truffles, Linens and embroidery .
Norcia , Umbria
Norcia is a charming town in the high country of Umbria. It is is probably most famous in modern times for its pork products. Norcia is well worth a visit for additional reasons – its mountain air and broad streets make for a pleasurable excursion. Norcia is surrounded by the Sybilline mountains and is completely enclosed by a full circuit of walls. Norcia, which is quite small, is an easy and relaxing town for a stroll around.
Gubbio, Umbria
Gubbio is a town located in the region of Umbria. Peacefully set on the slopes of Monte Ingino, Gubbio is known for its medieval palaces, churches and cathedrals.
Camerino, Le Marche
Camerino is a town in central-eastern Italy le Marche. It is located in the Apennines. Camerino, poised on a ridge between two river valleys is home to the University of Camerino which was founded in the Middle Ages. While spending extended periods of time in Le Marche ,this small but impressive hill town was one of our favourites that we visited many times.
Urbino, le Marche
Urbino is a Renaissance hill town with an impressive Ducal Palace that houses one of Italy’s top collections of Renaissance paintings in 80 of the palace’s renovated rooms. Urbino’s university dates from 1506 and the town, nestled on a high sloping hillside, retains much of its picturesque medieval aspect.
This is just a few of the many hill towns you will find in Italy.
Thanks once again for showing us around Italy. Your photos are so beautiful.
x
Thanks Donna, it is always a pleasure x
San Gimignano is my favorite town!
Yes George, it is very special hey
A great trailer of what I’m going to see in Tuscany. BTW, I was in awe of Urbino, what a magnificent town! As if I traveled back in time!
Yes, Urbino has very special history, probably as does all of Italy, however Urbino seems to have even more
Why wouldn’t you go. Great Places. DGD
Exactly, thanks DD
The hills are alive with the sound of beautiful hilltop towns and I loved the ones I visited. Thanks for keeping them alive with your pics and info.
There is a never ending supply of gorgeous hill top town so visit.
Yes, there are. So many more for me to see.
I loved our few days in Le Marche – seems there’s plenty to go back for. Thanks.
I definitely have a soft spot for Le Marche. I love how unspoiled it is. Thanks Georgie
Once again a very informative and interesting blog with great pictures. Thank you
Thanks Leah. Always love your comments
Thanks for this info! I just got back from Assisi and I’ve been wanting to go to Gubbio, but looks like I’ll also need to add Camerino to my list. :)
Camerino is one of my favourites, it has so much to offer and has its own Palio each year.
Yes, I noticed from your description it seems to be a favorite of yours. I’ve already saved it on my “to-visit list.” Thank you! :)
Nice Lyn! I can’t think of anything more rewarding than traveling from village to village in Italy.
Ditto. Sure beats the big cities
Always such stunning places and your photos are very professional.
Thanks Kay, I really enjoy it especially when I have so many loyal followers
Thanks. I now have an itinerary. I’m going to reblog this. It’s wonderful!
Glad you liked it Grazie Girl. Thanks for your comment and thanks for following my blog.