The world loves and appreciates Italy’s history. Millions of tourists visit Italy’s historic hotspots like Rome and Venice every year. Still, history lovers who want a more peaceful, less traditional holiday should look beyond these major cities. The region of Puglia and Lake Garda is rich in Roman, Renaissance and modern historical narratives. Both offer authentic Italian holidays without the tourist trappings.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda, a place of incredible natural beauty and broad historical perspective, is the ideal northern stop-off point for touring Italy’s north. Enjoy the culture and history surrounding Lake Garda as literary giants such as Lord Tennyson or DH Lawrence.
Booking.comSirmione
Sirmione’s historic centre is made up of cobbled streets and small artisan shops that extend out to the lake. You can also find plenty of olive groves, including the famous Roman poet Catullus’s home. Cattulo’s Grotto is home to a museum that displays beautiful frescos from Italy. The museum is located near Mavino and contains frescos and a lot of history.
Malcesine
Malcesine is a small fishing community that sits at the lake’s edge. Its large Castello Scaligero fortress perched high above the water can be easily recognized. It houses a collection of Goethe sketches and provides breathtaking views for those who head for heights. The Captain’s Palace is located among the small houses in the village. It was the home of Captain of Lake Garda from 1854 to 1854.
Puglia
Puglia is located at the heel of Italy and is remarkable for being one of the country’s most peaceful and unspoiled areas. Travellers on Italy tours often choose to skip Puglia, despite its wonderful food and beautiful weather. Puglia is a great place to visit for history lovers.
Sassi
Monks and other hermits lived inside cave dwellings in the region known as Sassi during the Middle Ages. These caves can often be found in the most beautiful ravines and gorges in southern Italy. They are worth a visit. Some caves were inhabited until the 1940s. Many have been converted into bars and hotels for tourists who are interested in historical fun.
Trulli
Trulli, limestone huts that litter the southern landscape, are limestone Trulli. Trulli was built without cement to make it possible to take them down and avoid paying taxes to Naples. They are a symbol of the economic struggle of Puglia’s inhabitants over the centuries. Visitors today stay in Trullis that have been preserved and are used as bases for exploring the historical sites around them.
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