Colourful Italian Towns
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Latest page update: 12 January 2025
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By Dion Protani
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As you start to explore Italy, you find more and more that the country is full of colour. In fact it comes at you from every direction, whether it be the changing faces of the natural landscapes through the seasons, the dazzling turquoise shades of the sea, or in some of the smaller towns such as these.
This collection of colourful Italian towns comes from all corners of the country. During the summer, the cobalt blue skies are the backdrop and the bright sunshine does the rest. Beautiful historic buildings are painted in different colours to those either side of them or decorated with frescoes and trompe-l'oeil designs which can either provide a harmonious effect or serve to trick the eye. |
Vipiteno, Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
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Related links
Bosa
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Bosa, a picturesque town on the western coast of Sardinia, is nestled along the banks of the Temo River, the island's only navigable river. Known for its vibrant pastel-colored houses and medieval charm, it is one of Sardinia's most enchanting towns.
The town is dominated by the hilltop Malaspina Castle, built in the 12th century, offering panoramic views of the area. Within its walls lies the Church of Our Lady of Regnos Altos, featuring striking medieval frescoes. Strolling through the old town, visitors can explore cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, adorned with intricate Baroque details. |
Bosa, Sardinia
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Bassano del Grappa
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Bassano del Grappa, a charming town in northern Italy’s Veneto region, lies at the foot of the Venetian Prealps along the Brenta River. Renowned for its historic wooden bridge, Ponte degli Alpini, designed by Palladio, the town exudes a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Its historic center features the Civic Museum, housing art and artifacts, and the Torre Civica, offering panoramic views. Bassano is famous for its grappa production, with distilleries offering tastings of this traditional Italian spirit. The town’s history dates back to Roman times, flourishing during the Renaissance. |
Bassano del Grappa, Veneto
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Sarzana
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Sarzana, a historic town in the Liguria region of northern Italy, lies near the border with Tuscany, at the foothills of the Apuan Alps.
Known for its medieval charm, the town features the imposing Fortress of Sarzanello, offering panoramic views, and the 15th-century Firmafede Fortress, a hub for cultural events. Sarzana’s historic center is filled with narrow streets, artisan shops, and landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses significant religious artworks. With origins tracing back to Roman times, Sarzana flourished during the Middle Ages, serving as a strategic and cultural crossroads in the Lunigiana region. |
Piazza Garibaldi, Sarzana
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Carpi
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Carpi, a charming town in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, is located near Modena and is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage.
The town's centerpiece is the vast Piazza dei Martiri, one of Italy's largest squares, surrounded by the imposing Palazzo dei Pio, a complex of medieval and Renaissance buildings that house museums and art collections. Carpi is also home to the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Teatro Comunale. Historically significant, Carpi flourished during the Renaissance under the Pio family and played a vital role in textiles, a legacy still celebrated today. |
Corso Alberto Pio, Carpi
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Vigevano
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Vigevano, a historic town in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, lies near Pavia and Milan.
Renowned for its elegant Renaissance architecture, the town is home to the stunning Piazza Ducale, a harmonious square commissioned by Ludovico Sforza in the late 15th century. Overlooking the square is the majestic Vigevano Cathedral and the imposing Visconti-Sforza Castle, a sprawling complex with towers, courtyards, and the Museo della Calzatura, celebrating Vigevano’s legacy as a center of Italian shoemaking. With roots in Roman times, the town flourished under the Visconti and Sforza families, becoming a cultural and economic hub during the Renaissance. |
Piazza Ducale, Vigevano
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Varese Ligure
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Varese Ligure, a picturesque village in the Liguria region of northern Italy, is located in the verdant Val di Vara, often called the "Valley of Organic Farming."
Renowned for its medieval charm, the village is characterized by its unique circular Borgo Rotondo, a collection of colorful houses arranged in a ring around the main square. The 13th-century Castle of the Fieschi family is a major landmark, showcasing the village's historical significance. Varese Ligure flourished in the Middle Ages as a strategic and trade center. Today, it is celebrated for its sustainable practices, pristine landscapes, and proximity to the Cinque Terre and Gulf of La Spezia. |
Borgo Rotondo, Varese Ligure
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Mandello del Lario
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Mandello del Lario, a charming town in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, is nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Como, surrounded by stunning mountains.
Known for its natural beauty and as the birthplace of the iconic Moto Guzzi motorcycle, it is home to the Moto Guzzi Museum, a must-visit for enthusiasts. The historic center features quaint streets, the Church of San Lorenzo with its ancient frescoes, and scenic lakefront promenades. Mandello del Lario has a rich history, dating back to Roman times, and offers access to hiking trails on the Grigna mountain range. It is a serene destination for history, nature, and motorsport lovers. |
Mondello del Lario, Lake Como
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Mondovi
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Mondovì, a historic town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, is situated in the province of Cuneo, near the Langhe hills.
Known for its hilltop district, Mondovì Piazza, the town offers stunning views and is accessible by a historic funicular railway. Key sights include the 17th-century Cathedral of San Donato, richly adorned with Baroque frescoes, and the Belvedere Tower, offering panoramic vistas. Mondovì is also famed for its ceramic tradition, showcased in the Museo della Ceramica. With roots in the Middle Ages, the town flourished under Savoy rule and retains its medieval charm. Nearby, the Langhe region invites visitors to explore its vineyards and culinary delights. |
Piazza Cesare Battisti, Mondovì
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Spilimbergo
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Spilimbergo, a historic town in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, is located along the Tagliamento River. Renowned as the "City of Mosaics," it is home to the prestigious Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, a world-famous mosaic school.
The town boasts stunning landmarks, including the medieval Castle of Spilimbergo, adorned with frescoes, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, featuring intricate Gothic architecture and an ornate interior. Spilimbergo's history dates back to Roman times and flourished in the Middle Ages as a cultural and trading hub. Its charming streets, historical sites, and artistic legacy make it a captivating destination. |
Spilimbergo, Friuli Venezia Giulia
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Vipiteno
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Vipiteno, or Sterzing in German, is a picturesque town in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy, nestled in the Alps near the Austrian border. Renowned for its medieval charm, it is a jewel of the Wipptal Valley.
The town’s centerpiece is the Zwölferturm, a 15th-century clock tower dominating the quaint main street lined with pastel-colored buildings. Other highlights include the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady of the Marshes and the Multscher Museum, showcasing remarkable Tyrolean art. Vipiteno has a rich history as a key trading post during the Middle Ages and offers access to skiing, hiking, and the breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding Alps. |
Vipiteno, Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
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