Italians are adamant about recognizing and protecting their heritage. There are consortiums that protect regional products like Parmigiano Reggiano, organizations that preserve the country’s artistic and architectural treasures, and even official designations for the country’s most beautiful villages. I Borghi più belli d’Italia is an association founded in 2001 to valorize and promote the historic, cultural, and artistic heritage of Italy’s villages.

According to the association, “A borgo (plural: borghi) is a fascinating small Italian town, generally fortified and dating back to the period from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. It usually rises around a castle or a noble palace and is often surrounded by defensive walls and towers.” There are currently 313 villages recognized as the borghi più belli d’Italia, and each one proudly displays the association’s logo.