“Picture Perfect” Italy

Italy is one of the destination hotspots in Europe. Tourists flood Italy to “experience” Italy. It has something for everyone, food, history and culture. But the Italian charm is lost because tourists aren’t there for the charm but for the “main attractions.”

Mike Manchester lives in Bologna and said that now people are coming to Italy for “that” picture. Pictures of the canals in Venice, or picture in front of the Colosseum, or holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa up.

While in Bologna, there is a wall with a small cut out to make a window. It’s full of locks but opens to show the aqueducts. According to Manchester, this is another must picture spot.

Photo Credit: Chole Nelson. Picture through the window in the wall in Bologna. It's "that" picture that people have to get.

People will usually do a video. They’ll walk up to the wall and open the window to reveal the aqueducts. As I was standing there a line had already formed to take their turn opening the window.

Tourists still flood to Italy, but not to necessarily immerse themselves in the culture or learn about the history of the of the place. Instead for those pictures for social media.

While the tourists are busy worrying about their social media pictures and hitting all of the main spots, they’re missing the real experiences and hidden gems throughout Italy.

One of these gems is the history. Italy is rich in Roman history, as it was the capital for the Roman empire. Because of this people can see its influence on the country. Many Roman ruins and structures are found everywhere.

Roman architecture in the center of Bologna's city building.

Italians grumble when new ruins are found because everything has to halt for archeologist to come in. There is this idea that these ruins and buildings are only a look don’t touch or use.

The city of Bologna has started to alter this ideology. Bologna officials saw that these locations brought in people. They were places people gathered and met with each other, so instead of it being like a museum, they put these places to use.

Piazza Maggiore is one of those places. It has Roman structures and historical buildings within the Piazza, they have been preserved, but also put to use.

The public library has a long history of being used for different things as well has a basketball court but started as the Roman city government building.

Since it is the start of summer there is a large screen set up in the Piazza with chairs surrounding it. I originally thought there was going to be a concert that day, however, I soon learned that during the summer the city turns the Piazza into an outdoor movie theater.

Piazza Maggiore sets up a summer outdoor movie theater for people to watch movies and gather.

Urbino is another hidden gem that’s in the Marche region of Italy. It is more difficult to get to and is 4 hours away from Rome.

I didn’t know about Urbino until I went there and found out that some Italians don’t know about this city as well.

Urbino is a fortress built in the Renaissance and is astonishing. The entire city proper is walled in and the only cars allowed in are the residents. The whole city is made of bricks and stone with stunning architecture showcasing the genius of those from the Renaissance time period.

View of the city of Urbino.

One would think that since it’s so hidden and well preserved it would be a stuffy boring town set on preserving its history. You would be sorely mistaken.

Urbino is a lively city and a college town. The University of Urbino is found within the walls bringing students from every walk of life and different countries to this city.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, however, it’s not stuffy. The buildings are used, and it functions like a normal city.

While I was there, they had a laser show in the main piazza celebrating their history. They also used the piazza as a party center for the college students. The last day of school they had a DJ booth set up and had the biggest party I’ve ever seen in the piazza.

One of the laser shows in the main piazza in Urbino.

The Italian futbol team was playing. Bars put TVs in front of their places for masses of people to crowd around and cheer on their teams. Even though it is a historical site, its still very much alive.

Another hidden place is Vieste. This is a coastal town in southern Italy and is also a little more difficult to reach as well, but it’s worth it if you enjoy a stunning coast and enjoy a more laid-back time.

Vieste is a white city. Everything is white and is a small town. The coastline is also white and there’s tales of pirates, mermaids and sailors woven into its history.

View of Vieste from the sea. It's a white coastal town that loves love.

Hidden caves are along the coast with and sandy beaches. During the day the town is quiet. Everyone is out on the water whether for work or play. At night the town comes alive.

There’s not a main piazza but small streets filled with restaurants shops and just places to enjoy each other’s company.

Down one alley way there was a restaurant that was filled with people. The owner came out and played music and everyone started singing and dancing bringing people walking by into their dance circle soon filling the alley.

These places are off the beaten map but are gems that one wouldn’t know to look for if you’re running from one hot spot to the next. I wouldn’t have even known about these places or things unless I stopped and asked.

When you’re in a new country or if you’re in Italy stop. Stop for a second. Don’t worry about the social media post to brag to all your followers. Don’t worry about getting to the main attractions as fast as possible, they’ll still be there. Just stop and look around.

You might find a new place. You might find the culture of the place you might miss if you run from one place to the other.