Militello in Val di Catania is the Borgo dei Borghi 2025 during the final of Rai Cultura’s program “Il Borgo dei Borghi,” hosted by Camila Raznovich which every year guides viewers on a journey through Italy’s most fascinating villages It was a victory loaded with significance for the Sicilian center which prevailed over nineteen other candidates - one for each region - winning the title of most beautiful village in Italy Militello in Val di Catania joins a list of villages that have managed to win the hearts of Italians a growth in tourist interest in this splendid Sicilian reality nestled at the foot of Mount Etna.A triumph that rewards not only the architectural and scenic beauty of Militello but also its deep historical and cultural identity Camila Raznovich led viewers along an itinerary that spanned the entire peninsula highlighting the authentic beauty of well-known and lesser-known villages with the help of three jurors: Alberta Campitelli garden historian and member of the Superior Council for Cultural and Landscape Heritage of the Ministry of Culture; Barbara Gallavotti biologist and science popularizer; and Jacopo Veneziani art historian and well-known face of television popularization The three experts talked about some of the most beautiful corners of Italy: Alberta Campitelli led the audience to Valeggio sul Mincio among the wonders of the Parco Giardino Sigurtà one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world; Barbara Gallavotti went to the Trebbia Valley the winning village of the 2019 edition; while Jacopo Veneziani enchanted with images of Lake Garda between Sirmione and the Vittoriale degli Italiani it was Militello in Val di Catania that came out on top in a hilly area straddling Mount Etna and the Val di Noto Militello is a veritable treasure trove of Baroque art the town experienced its heyday between the 17th and 18th centuries under the influence of the great Sicilian noble families which affected the entire southeastern area of the island the town was largely rebuilt in the Baroque style giving rise to an urban layout and architectural heritage now recognized by UNESCO as part of the serial site “The Late Baroque Cities of the Val di Noto.” Walking through the streets of Militello is like stepping back in time: the churches squares and fountains tell centuries of history and art Among its gems are the Mother Church of San Nicolò and the Santissimo Salvatore the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella-with its famous marble statue of the Madonna of the same name attributed to Francesco Laurana-and the Barresi-Branciforte Castle a symbol of feudal power and residence of the princes who marked the town’s history But Militello is not only architecture: it is also living tradition the Sicilian village won over audience and jury with the tale of its authentic soul centuries-old rituals such as the Feast of Our Lady of the Star and a gastronomy that mixes intense flavors and Mediterranean scents It is this mix that makes it unique: being both a testimony to a glorious past and a vital community ready to face the challenges of the present Participation in “The Village of Villages” has represented an extraordinary showcase for Militello bringing into the national spotlight an area that is often little known to the general public but very rich in natural beauty and artistic treasures A candidacy enthusiastically supported by its inhabitants A result that also rewards commitment to the enhancement of the territory and the promotion of sustainable cultural tourism Agliè’s second place is no less impressive in terms of charm. Located in the heart of Canavese, Piedmont, Agliè is famous for its imposing castle a Savoy residence and UNESCO heritage site and a refined historic center surrounded by hills and vineyards the village was able to tell a story related to Piedmontese nobility and the elegance of its 18th-century architecture dominated by the Ruspoli castle with its Italian garden enchanted for its perfect balance of nature Also known for its historic wine production Vignanello offered an authentic image of rural and cultural Lazio flavors and landscapes that are still intact This is the rest of the ranking: 4th place Aieta (Calabria) 17th Ala (Trentino Alto-Adige),1 8th Sirolo (Marche) crowned Italy's Most Beautiful Village of 2025 in Rai Cultura’s “Il Borgo dei Borghi.” Explore its stunning Baroque architecture Italy's charming villages competed fiercely in Rai Cultura's "Il Borgo dei Borghi 2025," and the winner has been crowned securing the coveted title of "most beautiful village in Italy." This article delves into the details of this prestigious competition and highlights the winning village's unique charm Militello's victory was a testament to its rich history Agliè (Piedmont) and Vignanello (Lazio) secured second and third place respectively showcasing the diversity of Italy’s picturesque landscapes Militello boasts a captivating Baroque heritage largely rebuilt after the devastating 1693 earthquake Its charming streets are lined with exquisite churches Highlights include the Mother Church of San Nicolò and delicious cuisine played a significant role in its triumph The competition was judged by a panel of experts: Alberta Campitelli (garden historian) Their insightful commentary alongside captivating footage showcased the unique appeal of each participating village including Agliè's majestic castle and Vignanello's picturesque Italian garden The final ranking included a diverse selection of villages from across Italy each offering a unique glimpse into the country's cultural tapestry Winning "Il Borgo dei Borghi" is more than just a title; it's a catalyst for tourism and economic growth This recognition will undoubtedly shine a spotlight on Militello attracting visitors eager to explore its hidden gems and experience its unique Sicilian charm This win reflects not only the village's intrinsic beauty but also the community's dedication to preserving its heritage and promoting sustainable tourism Plan your visit to Militello in Val di Catania – Italy's most beautiful village of 2025 Militello in Val di Catania is a charming village located in the Catania province of Sicily It's known for its stunning Baroque architecture and rich history making it a popular destination for cultural tourism 'Il Borgo dei Borghi' is a competition run by Rai Cultura to find and celebrate the most beautiful villages in Italy Militello's win highlights its exceptional beauty and cultural significance Militello boasts impressive examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture and charming streets showcasing intricate detailing and a unique blend of architectural styles reflecting the region's rich history Militello competed against other beautiful Italian villages in the 'Il Borgo dei Borghi 2025' competition The selection process likely involved judging criteria based on historical significance Militello was ultimately chosen as the winner Militello offers a variety of tourism experiences including cultural tourism focused on its Baroque architecture and historical sites and general travel experiences for those seeking a charming Its win is expected to boost tourism significantly All trademarks are the property of their respective owners All rights reserved @ 2025 Nishtya Infotech (India) Ltd This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international community’s efforts to protect and preserve World Heritage partnerships for conservation Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in today’s complex world where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development Our Partners Donate Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information The eight towns in south-eastern Sicily: Caltagirone were all rebuilt after 1693 on or beside towns existing at the time of the earthquake which took place in that year They represent a considerable collective undertaking successfully carried out at a high level of architectural and artistic achievement Keeping within the late Baroque style of the day they also depict distinctive innovations in town planning and urban building Les huit villes du sud-est de la Sicile -- Caltagirone Raguse et Scicli -- ont toutes été reconstruites après 1693 sur le site ou à côté des villes qui s'y dressaient avant le tremblement de terre de cette même année Elles représentent une initiative collective considérable menée à terme à un haut niveau architectural et artistique Globalement conforme au style baroque tardif de l'époque elles représentent des innovations marquantes dans le domaine de l'urbanisme et de la construction urbaine أعيد بناء مدن جنوب شرق صقلية الثماني كلها – كالتاجيروني، وميليتيلّو فال دي كاتانيا ، وكاتاني، وموديكا، ونوتو، وبالاتزولو، وراغوزي وشيكلي - بعد العام 1693، على الموقع أو إلى جانب المدن الأصلية التي كانت قائمة قبل الهزة الأرضية التي وقعت في تلك السنة وهي تشكل مبادرة جماعية هائلة، تمّت بمستوى معماري وفنّي عالٍ وتمثل أيضًا باستجابتها بصورة عامة إلى الأسلوب الباروكيّ في تلك الحقبة، عمليات إبداع مذهلة في ميدان التنظيم المُدني والبناء الحضري 维琴查城于公元前2世纪修建在意大利北部，在威尼斯人的统治下，维琴查于15世纪早期到18世纪末达到全盛时期。意大利建筑师安德烈亚·帕拉第奥（1508-1580年）对古罗马建筑进行了详细研究，赋予了这座城市独特的风貌。帕拉第奥的市区建筑，以及散布在威尼托区的别墅，对意大利的建筑发展产生了决定性影响。帕拉第奥的建筑作品形成了一个与众不同的建筑风格，就是人们熟知的帕拉迪恩风格，这种建筑风格也传播到了英国、其他欧洲国家和北美。 Восемь городов на юго-востоке Сицилии – Кальтаджироне Рагуза и Шикли – были восстановлены после землетрясения 1693 г То был масштабный комплекс совместно выполняемых мероприятий успешно реализованный на высоком архитектурно-художественном уровне эти города продемонстрировали новаторские для того времени методы планировки и застройки Este sitio está formado por ocho ciudades del sudeste de Sicilia –Caltagirone Ragusa y Scicli– que fueron reconstruidas in situ después del terremoto que las destruyó en 1693 Fruto de una iniciativa colectiva de gran envergadura su reconstrucción se caracterizó por el alto nivel de las obras arquitectónicas y artísticas realizadas Edificadas en el estilo barroco tardío imperante de la época estas ciudades son un ejemplo sumamente ilustrativo de toda una serie de innovaciones notables en materia de urbanismo y técnicas de construcción The Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto is comprised of components of eight towns located in south-eastern Sicily (Caltagirone These historic centres and urban environments reflect the great post-seismic rebuilding achievement of the decades following the catastrophic earthquake of 1693 which ravaged towns across south-eastern Sicily restoration and reconstruction of these communities resulted in the creation of an exceptional group of towns all reflecting the late Baroque architecture of the 17th century in all its forms and applications The eight components of the property differ in size and represent a range of responses to the rebuilding needs They include the entire old town of Caltagirone Noto and Ragusa; specific urban areas of Catania and Scicli; and isolated monuments in the historic town centres of Modica Palazzolo Acreide and Militello Val di Catania Catania was rebuilt on the site of the original town while others new urban centres were created next to the ancient ones The centres of Scicli and Modica were moved and rebuilt in adjoining areas already partially urbanized The towns exhibit a plethora of late Baroque art and architecture of high quality and of a remarkable homogeneity as a result of the circumstances of time and social context in which they were created they also display distinctive innovations in the town planning and urban rebuilding The property also represents a considerable collective undertaking in response to a catastrophic seismic event Criterion (i): The Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto in south-eastern Sicily provide outstanding testimony to the exuberant genius of late Baroque art and architecture Criterion (ii): The Late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto represent the culmination and final flowering of Baroque art in Europe Criterion (iv): The exceptional quality of the late Baroque art and architecture in the Val di Noto lies in its geographical and chronological homogeneity and is the result of the 1693 earthquake in this region Criterion (v): The eight Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto in south-eastern Sicily are characteristic of the settlement pattern and urban form of this region are permanently at risk from earthquakes and eruptions of Mount Etna The property includes all the attributes required to express its Outstanding Universal Value as it encompasses the most representative centres of the late Baroque period in the Val di Noto The eight components of the property reflect the range of architectural and town-planning developments resulting from the post-seismic reconstruction in the Val di Noto after the 1693 earthquake This earthquake created an opportunity for an enormous artistic The centres retain their residential function along with a lively society of inhabitants The eight components of the property continue to demonstrate with remarkable homogeneity the late Baroque art and architectural style of south-eastern Sicily in individual buildings and town planning the almost completely preserved town plans express a variety of reactions to the destruction caused by the earthquake Although the property meets the requirements for authenticity it has been affected by further seismic activity as well as long-term degradation and a great many buildings and monumental complexes require major restoration The majority of the properties in all eight components are in private ownership the Italian State and local Government authorities as well as the Municipalities of the eight towns have the responsibility for looking after the urban and architectural heritage in their respective territories The eight towns are identified in the respective town plans as Homogeneous Territorial Zones or Historic Centres where the existing urban and architectural heritage can be submitted only to rehabilitation and maintenance works that fully respect the historic and cultural vocation of each town The main legal protection and conservation measures are provided by the national and regional legislation for the protection of the artistic Numerous buildings (109) falling within the core-zones are bound according to the DL 42/2004 (pursuant to Law 1089/39) because of historical monuments The historical towns of Ragusa Iblea and Noto and Modica Palazzolo Acreide are subject to landscape protection (under Law 1497/39) All goods falling within urban areas classified as Zone A (historic centre) from the general zoning and applicable planning legislation are regulated by national and regional laws The old town of Ragusa Ibla also benefits from a detailed plan and a special law (L.R 61/81) that promote recovery for restoration of public and private buildings All work on the property must be approved in advance by local Superintendents and Municipal Administration The norms that protect the site are dictated by state laws (legislative decree 22 January 2004 a Management Plan was developed to coordinate the management of the eight components of the property The Management Structure is regularly revised ShareSaveLifestyleTravel8 Fabulous Cities And Towns in Sicily To See NowByCatherine Sabino which specializes in custom travel planning in Italy throughout Sicily you can find these types of wonderful attractions but the Val di Noto stands out for being so well set up that you can easily take it all in within a realistic time span.” The historic Nymph Zizza fountain in the town of Militello in Val di Catania There are eight beautiful cities and towns designated as a UNESCO Word Heritage Site in 2002 decked out in full Baroque splendor: Caltagirone Best time to visit: “September and October when there are summer-like days and cool evenings,” says Santoro and end the day by the seaside or make sure to choose a hotel with a pool be aware of the closings around the Ferragosto holiday on August 15th.”  Note: The cities and towns near the sea in this article are Catania Scicli (about 15 kilometers from the coast) Modica (about 21 kilometers) and Ragusa (24 kilometers) “No less than five or six days,” says Santoro In this part of Sicily there’s so much history to experience and the local lifestyle to enjoy.” But if you only have a few days: “Many visitors will arrive at the airport in Catania Modica and Scicli—they’re in close proximity allowing you to make the most of your time.” What to eat: “Besides the classic fish dishes try the fresh cavati pasta with pork and tomato sauce," says Santoro "You may also see it on menus as cavati e ravioli alla ragusana con sugo di maiale This is a combination of cavati pasta and ravioli stuffed with ricotta in a pork and tomato sauce Don’t miss the arancini; in Catania these rice balls have a different shape than the ones you find in Palermo A special dessert (when available) is the Minne di Sant’Agata [made with chocolate created to honor the patron saint of Catania If you are adventurous try the 'mpanatigghi (or impanatigli) These are cookie-like desserts filled with chocolate and veal Stop by the famous Antica Dolceria Bonajuto in Modica for freshly made samples And drink: “A cocktail to try when visiting the area is the Etna Spritz a special aperitif that’s a twist on the classic Aperol drink it includes Sicily’s Amara Amaro d'Arancia Rossa.” a beautiful "hotel du charme" in a private wing of the Palazzo Nicolaci in Noto.]  What to see: Count on these cities and towns to offer a dazzling display of Baroque palazzi and churches A long-time center for elaborately designed pottery where risers are adorned with ceramic patterns associated with the city’s long history Francis Bridge is decorated with ceramics too skip back more centuries to ancient Rome by visiting the Teatro Romano On hot afternoons go to nearby beaches like La Playa or the Riviera dei Ciclopi Militello in Val di Catania with Mount Etna in the background this town has been called an open-air museum for its abundance of palazzi and more than 20 churches The ruins of the 14th-century Barresi-Branciforte Castle along with the Oratory of the Madonna della Catena are among the few reminders of the pre-earthquake town is regarded as one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture The city is also known for its unique chocolate produced with methods dating to Aztec times that have been in use from when the city was under Spanish rule where artists create intricate designs using flowers and petals that draws visitors from all over the world Because of its ancient and Baroque treasures and the town’s Museo dei Viaggiataori in Sicilia recalls that period with historic travel memorabilia was once a Greek colony dating from 664 BC There are two parts to the city—Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla although it is home to the imposing cathedral of San Giovanni Battista whose construction began in the 17th-century As you stroll Ragusa Ibla’s evocative streets you’ll find Baroque masterpieces like the Duomo di San Giorgio and Palazzo Cosentini The well-known Italian novelist Elio Vittorini called Scicli “perhaps the most beautiful city of the world” and you can see why as you amble along the Via Francesco Mormino Penna with its splendid Baroque facades noted for its lavish ornamentation and vivid mascarons where you’ll find sand beaches and translucent waters All of them must have had a great arrogance of themselves as individuals and of themselves as a community if immediately after the earthquake they wanted to and were able to miraculously rebuild those cities with those baroque architectures: scenographic It is 1693 and the earth begins to shake so strongly that it razes entire towns in south-eastern Sicily to the ground and makes centuries of history disappear in a short space of time It is incredible how one of the most tragic events in Italy can be the source of an artistic masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 there arose cities conceived and built as a hymn to art places that still enchant visitors with their charm Or that special gift Italians have of bringing Beauty to life a perfect balance between the colours of Sicily and the refined architectural decorations has made many people This is where the famous Italian couple of influencer Chiara Ferragni and rapper Fedez celebrated their wedding and where several episodes of the series "Inspector Montalbano" a character created by the great writer Andrea Camilleri The Val di Noto extends from the hills to the sea where everyone can find a view that will remain in their hearts forever It is this flowering of Baroque taste that was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 based on these four criteria, as we can read on the official UNESCO website: The UNESCO site covers these cities in different ways including in some cases the entire historic centre (Noto and Ragusa) and in others more specific urban areas or individual monuments All together these places represent one of the greatest expressions of late European Baroque in the world so that their style is called 'Val di Noto Baroque' Each town here is different from the next because the choice of different materials gives the buildings a different colour but they all share sumptuous palaces and churches with inlaid facades and embroidered interiors Just a short walk from the sea on a plateau overlooking the Asinaro valley Noto has all the beauty of Sicilian landscapes blended with the elegance of the Baroque so beautiful that it has been given the nickname 'The Garden of Stone' thanks to the bright limestone architecture of its wide straight streets interrupted from time to time by squares with staircases as when the Infiorata festival - one of the most significant and famous on the island - fills the central Via Nicolati with carpets of flowers and petals in May Noto's most famous monument is undoubtedly the Cathedral of San Nicolò which stands at the top of a flight of steps and is the highest point of the city's architecture Directly opposite are the Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop's Palace) and Palazzo Ducezio home to the Town Hall and the location chosen by Chiara Ferragni and Fedez for their wedding Also beautiful are the Church of the Crucifix the Church of the Carmine and Santa Chiara San Domenico with its extraordinary stucco and polychrome marble as well as the Church of San Francesco dell'Immacolata with the nearby Monastery of the SS The numerous palaces include Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata with its façade decorated with putti considered the second most beautiful Baroque palace in Noto after Palazzo Nicolaci this town has an urban plan that still preserves the typical sixteenth-century characteristics and is full of Baroque treasures These include the Monastery of San Benedetto where the sinuosity of the Baroque combines with the beauty of Caltagirone majolica and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella Historian and architect Paolo Portoghesi says of Scicli: "What makes it a unique city is its dialogue with nature The relationship with nature is more successful in Scicli than in any other town in the entire south-eastern area" The post-reconstruction Scicli is a village nestled between three valleys a sort of stone garden adorned with enchanting churches and palaces The reason for its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List reads: "...The Via Francesco Mormina Penna stretches to the nearby Beneventano palace perhaps the only one in Sicily to display fantastic decoration in an urban setting where churches rise alongside patrician buildings of late Baroque age and Saint Teresa) are from the 18th century" Divided between Modica Alta and Modica Bassa it is a treasure trove of Baroque beauty perched on the Iblei plateau and is famous for its chocolate production Its centre is full of narrow streets adorned with staircases and buildings mainly in the late Baroque style; churches such as the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista while among the most beautiful buildings is Palazzo Napolino -Tommasi Rosso Ragusa is a large city that stands out for the beauty of its historic centre an unspoilt reserve between the Iblei Mountains and the Irminio River The Ragusa Ibla area boasts a wealth of Baroque buildings including the 18th-century Palazzo Bertini with its masks on the windows depicting a beggar Baroque is the city's main place of worship: the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista with its façade embellished with sculptures and columns Other buildings representative of this style are the Church of San Giorgio Palazzo della Cancelleria and Palazzo Cosentini We greet you with another curiosity about the places in the Val di Noto Have you ever wondered if the famous Vigata of Inspector Montalbano exists and not only in the mind of the writer Andrea Camilleri the movie director and scriptwriter found it in the palaces of Scicli I love to write since I can remember and I do not like the clichés that propose a life enclosed within “boxes” For years I have decided to dedicate myself to the promotion of “Beauty” which I consider a universal value I write because I like to bring the world close to me anytime and because I think we can create anything from words Subscribe to our weekly Newsletter dedicated to the Italian culture Check your email to confirm your subscription and receive special offers Top Attractions Colosseum Santa Maria Maggiore Vatican Museum Uffizi Gallery Pompeii Ruins Milan Cathedral Pantheon Vesuvius Florence Cathedral Sant'Angelo Castle Doge Palace Verona Arena Experiences Positano,Sorrento&Pompeii Tour Chianti Tour& San Gimignano Lake Como from Milan Romantic Sunset Boat Tour in Naples Capri Private Motorboat Tour Private Electric Cart Tour in Rome Abruzzo Basilicata Calabria Campania Emilia Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Lazio Liguria Lombardy Marche Molise Piedmont Apulia Sardinia Sicily Tuscany Trentino-Alto Adige Umbria Aosta Valley Veneto Italy like a local Hidden gems How to go 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