Southern Italy gems other than Amalfi Coast include:

• Cefalù, Sicily, charms with its historic center, sandy beaches, and vibrant food scene, easily accessible by train from Palermo.
• Aeolian Islands, a volcanic chain off Sicily’s coast, offer serene coastal escapes with unique attractions like volcanic mud baths on Vulcano and erupting views on Stromboli, best explored via boat tours from Milazzo.
• Matera, in Basilicata, stuns with its ancient cave dwellings and medieval charm, providing a less touristy, historic adventure. These spots promise authentic Italian experiences with fewer crowds and lower costs.

Dreaming of a trip to Southern Italy?

The article reviews six Baroque villages in southern Italy, focusing on their architectural splendor and historical significance. The towns are particularly in Sicily and Puglia.

These towns, often rebuilt after events like the 1693 earthquake, showcase the ornate Sicilian and Puglian Baroque styles through their churches, palaces, and public spaces.

Below is a summary with each town, its region, and a notable highlight.

• Noto
  • Region: Sicily
  • Highlight: The Cathedral of San Nicolò, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque with its grand staircase and intricate façade, dominates the town’s main corso.
• Ragusa
  • Region: Sicily
  • Highlight: The Cathedral of San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla, with its stunning Baroque façade and soaring bell tower, is a focal point of the historic district.
• Scicli
  • Region: Sicily
  • Highlight: Palazzo Beneventano, a Baroque palace with extravagant gargoyles and sculpted balconies, is considered one of Sicily’s most beautiful buildings.
• Modica
  • Region: Sicily
  • Highlight: The Church of San Giorgio, perched atop a dramatic staircase, features a lavish Baroque interior and panoramic views over the town.
• Lecce
  • Region: Puglia
  • Highlight: The Basilica of Santa Croce, renowned for its richly decorated façade with intricate stone carvings, epitomizes Lecce’s Baroque elegance.
• Martina Franca
  • Region: Puglia
  • Highlight: The Palazzo Ducale, with its grand frescoed halls and Baroque architecture, serves as a cultural centerpiece in the town’s historic core.

More fresoces from Pompeii. Despite its modest size, the house's elaborate decorations are comparable to those found in larger Pompeian residences, offering valuable insights into the architectural styles and artistic preferences of the first century A.D.  Interesting in visiting Pompeii?  Check out ItalianTourism.us Amalfi Coast vacations.

Italy is surrounded by water.  There are beaches everywhere... Southern Italy boasts many beautiful beaches. Some are tiny with no facilities. Others are full service.  As summer approaches quickly check out ItalianToursm.us reviews of the best beaches in southern Italy.

Polignano a Mare, a picturesque coastal town in southern Italy's Puglia region. The town is celebrated for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and authentic charm, offering a less crowded alternative to other Italian regions like Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast.

Polignano a Mare, perched on limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea, is a gem known for its dramatic scenery, historic center, and cultural significance, including being the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, who wrote the iconic song "Volare."

The article emphasizes the town's blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot in Puglia.

Top Reasons to Visit Polignano a Mare:

• Breathtaking Coastal Scenery: The town is built on 20-meter-high limestone cliffs, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and iconic spots like Lama Monachile Beach, a pebbly cove framed by cliffs, perfect for photography and relaxation.

• Historic and Poetic Charm: The medieval old town features whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and poetry by local artist Guido il Flâneur inscribed on walls and steps, creating a romantic and artistic ambiance.

• Culinary Excellence: Polignano is renowned for its fresh seafood, traditional Puglian dishes like orecchiette pasta, and unique specialties such as Caffè Speciale (coffee with lemon peel, cream, and amaretto), with notable dining experiences at places like Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant set in a sea cave.

• Cultural Significance: As the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, the town honors him with a statue and celebrates its musical heritage, adding a layer of cultural depth for visitors.

• Adventure and Natural Wonders: Activities like boat tours to explore sea caves (e.g., Grotta Palazzese) and watching the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series from the cliffs provide thrilling experiences amidst the town’s natural beauty.

• For more information about take a trip to Southern Italy check out ItalianTourism.us Southern Italy tours.

A recent study reveals that the paint workshops of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city near Naples, were far more advanced than previously believed.

Researchers analyzed 26 pigments from 150 pots found in the House with Workshop, the residence of a pigmentarius (paint dealer), uncovering a remarkable blend of natural and synthetic materials. Tools like pestles, scales, and spatulas were also discovered, highlighting the artisans’ skill.

Published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, the findings detail the chemical complexity of pigments used to decorate Pompeii’s walls.

This discovery underscores the sophistication of Roman artistry in Southern Italy, offering a vibrant glimpse into Pompeii’s creative legacy, preserved by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption.

Ready to visit? Check out ItalianTourism.us Southern Italy tour packages.

Originating in the 18th century, pizza began as a simple flatbread topped with tomatoes, consumed primarily by the poorer populace of Naples. This culinary innovation laid the foundation for the globally beloved dish we know today.

Two classic Neapolitan pizzas are highlighted:

Pizza Marinara: Featuring tomato, oregano, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil, it earned its name because it was traditionally prepared by the seaman's wife ("la marinara") for her seafaring husband upon his return from fishing trips.

Pizza Margherita: Topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil, this pizza is widely attributed to baker Raffaele Esposito. In 1889, he reportedly created it to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, with the toppings representing the colors of the Italian flag—green basil, white mozzarella, and red tomatoes.

The article also emphasizes the significance of Naples in the evolution of pizza, noting that the city is home to many renowned pizzerias that adhere to traditional methods and recipes, preserving the authentic taste of Neapolitan pizza.

This deep-rooted connection between Naples and pizza not only showcases the city's culinary heritage but also highlights its influence on global cuisine.

Lots of discoveries coming out of Pompeii. The ancient frescoes are mesmorizing. Red is always prevalent. This ancient blue is quite a sight. For more about planning a trip to Pompeii check out ItalianTourism.us southern Italy vacation packages.

It is incredible to me that the frescoes depict life in ancient Rome as very comfotable and luxurious. It's a life we can relate. For more about visiting Pompeii check out ItalianTourism.us Southern Italy Tours