Lonely PlanetSep 28
8 Alternatives to Italy’s Most Popular Destinations
Treviso instead of Venice? Lerici instead of Cinque Terre? Explore these neighboring cities that take their own twist on Italy
Imposing cathedral.
20 things in this story
- Piazza dei SignoriSightDramatic piazza.
- Chiesa di San NicolòPlace of worshipFrescoed and bomb-scarred Gothic church, first built 13th century.
- DuomoSightImposing cathedral.
- Museo Collezione SalceMuseumFascinating collection of advertising materials.
- Museo Luigi BailoMuseum
- Elsewhere
- Piazza dell’AnfiteatroSightLucca, ItalyRetained elliptical shape of Roman amphitheater.
- Cattedrale di San MartinoPlace of worshipLucca, ItalyBuilt between 13th-15th centuries, home to Volto Santo.
- Lago d’IseoSightIseo, ItalyLake with Alps backdrop, rich in outdoor opportunities.
- Monte IsolaNeighborhoodIseo, ItalyIsland rising out of Lago d’Iseo's center.
- FranciacortaNeighborhoodIseo, ItalyWine region producing prestigious sparkling wine.
- San TerenzoNeighborhoodLerici, ItalyVillage at Lerici's northern end with waterfront walk.
- San Giorgio castleSightLerici, ItalyLooks down on Lerici's main piazza and out to sea.
- La CalettaRestaurantLerici, ItalySmall cove fringed by pretty sands, beyond the castle.
- Chiesa di San BartolomeoPlace of worshipScicli, ItalyFuses late Baroque and neoclassical styles.
- ChiafuraSightScicli, ItalyCave-dwelling complex occupied until the 1950s.
- A Rutta ri Ron CarmeloMuseumScicli, ItalyFormer cave dwelling turned museum.
- DonnalucataNeighborhoodScicli, ItalyBeach town near Scicli.
- SampieriNeighborhoodScicli, ItalyBeach town near Scicli, 10 minutes away.
- ModicaNeighborhoodScicli, ItalyNearby town known for its chocolate.
- Palazzo BeneventanoSightScicli, Italy