A trip to Italy is on the bucket list of virtually every avid traveler. Seasoned travelers will happily tell you that Italy is so much more than Rome, Milan, and Venice. Some of Italy’s smaller, more rugged towns and outdoor spaces offer an authentic, captivating experience that every adventure lover will cherish for all time.
LAKE ORTA
Photo by Pino Seidenschnur/Flickr
Located roughly one hour north of Milan, the clear waters of Lake Orta serve as a popular summer getaway for residents of the region. Towering mountains and verdant forests surround Lake Orta. Visitors can swim, kayak, and take a boat ride which offers a stunning view of the region’s striking Roman and Medieval architecture.
Photo by Pino Seidenschnur/Flickr
Mysterious San Giuilo Island—which is located not far from the shore of Lake Orta—is home to an active Benedictine monastery. Local legend states that in the 5th century, a Christian reformer named Julius of Novara rid Lake Orta of serpents and dragons. Julius of Novara is buried on San Giuilo island, where a basilica that bears his name still stands. San Giuilo island features charming old-world architecture, restaurants that serve delectable food, and ample opportunities to listen to soothing classical music in one of Italy’s most mystical settings.
RAVENNA
The northern town of Ravenna has long attracted art lovers and history buffs even though it generally isn’t on the radar of your average tourist. Home to ornate Byzantine mosaics, a hidden crypt that doubles as a goldfish pond, and white sandy beaches—Ravenna has a little something for everyone.
Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy | Photo by Sandra Dempsey/unsplash.com
Ravenna’s stunning Byzantine mosaics are the city’s biggest draw. Even if viewing religious artwork doesn’t strike you as an exhilarating vacation activity, the magnificent detail of Ravenna’s stunning mosaics is truly awe-inspiring. Modern artists have also contributed several striking mosaics to the city. There is even a mosaic studio run by working artists that is open to the public where visitors can learn how to create their own mosaics.
Basilica di San Francesco | Photo by Jorge Luis Mallavia/Flickr
Aside from the hidden crypt at Basilica di San Francesco which is submerged in water and home to several lively goldfish, the tomb of Divine Comedy author Dante Alighieri is one of Ravenna’s most popular destinations. Dante’s tomb can be a little challenging to locate because the building where…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Unusual Places…