From the hills of Piedmont to Lake Garda and the Emilian Apennines, medieval villages in Northern Italy are still remarkably intact. Many preserve defensive walls, towers, castles and cobbled streets that sit naturally alongside modern life. If you’re after a weekend steeped in history, art and proper small-town atmosphere, these are some of the best places to start.
Lombardy has several lesser-known medieval villages, often located along old trade routes or near lakes and rivers. Their proximity to Milan makes them easy options for a cultural weekend.
