Think you know Italy? Think again. Beyond the iconic canals of Venice and ancient ruins of Rome lies a hidden Italy that seems to defy reality.
From a monastery clinging to a cliff face to an underwater Christ statue in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, these aren’t scenes from a fantasy movie – they’re real places waiting to be discovered.
Ready to explore 17 extraordinary destinations that will challenge everything you thought you knew about Italy?
Let’s uncover these remarkable places that look too surreal to be real.
17 Most Unusual Places in Italy to Visit
Discover these 17 mind-bending destinations below that prove Italy is far more extraordinary than you ever imagined
1. Santuario Madonna della Corona Monastery
Among the unusual places in Italy, this gravity-defying monastery clings dramatically to a sheer cliff face 774 meters above the Adige Valley.
Built directly into the rock of Mount Baldo, this architectural marvel seems to float between heaven and earth.
The journey here – either climbing 1,540 steps or taking a winding mountain shuttle – rewards visitors with breathtaking views.
2. Ghost Town of Craco in Basilicata
Perched atop a steep cliff, this medieval ghost town stands frozen in time since its abandonment in 1963.
Now one of the most unique places in Italy, Craco’s empty streets and deteriorating structures against Basilicata’s dramatic landscape has made it a favorite among photographers.
3. Valley of the Mills in Sorrento
Hidden in a natural valley in Sorrento, this abandoned 13th-century mill complex has been transformed by nature into something extraordinary.
A unique microclimate has allowed vegetation to completely overtake the structures, creating a thick blankets of moss and ferns draping the ancient stones.
4. Cristo degli Abissi in Portofino
Below the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters stands a mesmerizing bronze Christ statue, arms raised toward the surface in eternal blessing.
Placed here in 1954 to protect divers and sailors, you can now view it through either a glass-bottom boat or up close while diving in Portofino.
5. Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) in Milan
Two residential towers transformed into living, breathing vertical forests stand as a testament to sustainable urban architecture.
With over 900 trees and 2,000 plants adorning their facades, these towers create a stunning visual contrast against Milan’s historic skyline.
6. Civita di Bagnoregio
Connected to the world only by a long footbridge, this ancient town seems to float on its plateau of volcanic rock.
Known as the “dying city” due to ongoing erosion, it stands as one of the most unusual places in Italy. You can read more about Civita di Bagnoregio here.
7. The Hermitage of Saint Columban in Trentino
The Hermitage of Saint Columban in Trentino is a small church built precariously into a sheer cliff face, suspended 120 meters above the ground.
Connected to the outside world by a steep staircase carved into the rock, this sanctuary seems to defy gravity.
8. Cascate del Mulino in Tuscany
Cascading over white limestone formations, these natural thermal waterfalls are a hidden gem in Tuscany that most don’t know about!
Free and open 24/7, the steaming pools of varying depths create perfect spots for relaxation.
9. Sunken Church of Lake Resia in South Tyrol
Rising from the artificial lake Resia’s surface in South Tyrol, a lone 14th-century bell tower stands as the only visible reminder of a submerged village.
In winter, when the lake freezes, visitors can walk across the ice to reach this haunting reminder of the past.
10. Cave Churches of Matera
Carved into ancient limestone cliffs, these rock churches in Matera contain some of Italy’s oldest frescoes dating back to the 8th century.
The complex network of cave dwellings and religious spaces creates a unusual atmosphere that transports visitors back through centuries.
11. Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps) in Sicily
This dazzling white cliff formation resembles a giant marble staircase descending into the Mediterranean Sea.
The natural limestone steps, sculpted by wind and waves over millennia, create an otherworldly landscape that attracts tourists in Sicily.
12. Castello di Fenis in Valle d’Aosta
This pentagonal castle with its unique five-sided courtyard showcases some of the most remarkable medieval frescoes in the Alpine region.
A semi-circular stone staircase adorned with vibrant frescoes and a perfectly preserved medieval kitchen showcase remarkable engineering from the Middle Ages.
13. Necropolis of Pantalica in Sicily
Set dramatically within a canyon landscape in Sicily, this ancient necropolis features over 5,000 rock-cut tombs arranged in honeycomb patterns along limestone cliffs.
This UNESCO site perfectly blends natural beauty with prehistoric ingenuity.
14. Salt Pans in Sicily
These historic salt flats with white salt pyramids rising against the backdrop of windmills and reflecting pools creates an almost surreal landscape.
Active since Phoenician times, these pans still produce sea salt using traditional methods. You can find these salt pans near Marsala and Trapani in Sicily.
15. Monastery of St. Benedict near Subiaco
The Monastery of St. Benedict near Subiaco appears to cascade down its cliff face like a medieval waterfall.
Built over Saint Benedict’s hermit cave, this multilevel sanctuary blends so seamlessly with the rock that architecture and nature become one, creating one of Italy’s most dramatic monastic sites.
16. Grotta di Poesia in Puglia
Carved into limestone cliffs, the Grotta della Poesia in Puglia features crystal-clear waters illuminated through natural arches, creating one of the world’s most beautiful natural swimming pools.
Ancient inscriptions on the cave walls add mystery to this spectacular swimming spot beloved by locals and visitors alike.
17. Alberobello in Puglia
Among the best places to visit in Puglia, Alberobello attrackts visitors with its landscape dotted with over 1,500 trulli – unique cone-shaped houses with painted symbols on their limestone roofs.
These curious 16th-century dwellings create a whimsical village that looks more like a gnome kingdom than a typical Italian town.
Final Thoughts on the Most Unique Places to Visit in Italy
Italy never fails to surprise, hiding extraordinary places that seem to belong in fantasy rather than reality.
From gravity-defying monasteries and underwater statues to fluorescent caves and ghost towns, these unusual treasures prove there’s so much more to discover beyond the iconic sites of Rome, Venice, and Florence.
Ready to explore more incredible destinations? Check out these articles:
- Most Unusual Places in Europe That Look Unreal
- Most Incredible Places in the World You Won’t Believe Exist
- Most Magical Places in Italy That Will Take Your Breath Away
Want to discover more hidden gems in Italy? Visit our Italy Travel Blog for insider tips, secret spots, and travel guides that go beyond the ordinary.
