إيطاليا التانية .. ليه محدش بيتكلم عنها؟

00:00 إيطاليا التانية – The Other Italy
01:18 رقم 10 – كالياري – Cagliari
04:53 رقم 9 – ترينتو – Trento
08:22 رقم 8 – كامولي – Camogli
11:20 رقم 7 – أورفييتو – Orvieto
15:03 رقم 6 – تاورمينا – Taormina
19:14 رقم 5 – ألبيروبيللو – Alberobello
23:10 رقم 4 – سان مارينو – San Marino
27:20 رسالة شكر للمشاهد – Thank You Note
27:41 رقم 3 – سيينا – Siena
32:48 رقم 2 – ماتيرا – Matera
37:33 رقم 1 – سان جيمينيانو – San Gimignano

________________________________________

١٠ أماكن خلتني أعشق إيطاليا من جديد – أسرار محدش هيقولك عليها ..

رحلة طويلة ومختلفة من جزيرة كالياري إلى أومبريا وباسيليكاتا وجبال دولومايتس لحد قلب توسكانا.
تجربة حقيقية بصوت ابن يحيى، وبلقطات سينمائية ومعلومات تاريخية ممتعة.
________________________________________

⚠️ إشعار حقوق النشر (Copyright Notice) هذا الفيديو قد يحتوي على أجزاء بسيطة من مواد مرخصة أو خاضعة لحقوق الطبع والنشر لأصحابها الأصليين، ويأتي استخدامها وفق مبدأ الاستخدام العادل (Fair Use) – البند 107 من قانون حقوق النشر لعام 1976، لأغراض: التعليم – التوثيق – التعليق – العرض التاريخي – البحث – التحليل.

أي محتوى لا تمتلكه قناة اسفار ابن يحيى، يكون إما:
• مستخدمًا بترخيص مناسب (بعض الفيديوهات وكل الموسيقى مرخصة)
• أو محولًا بشكل إبداعي داخل سياق العمل
• أو مقتبسًا ضمن حدود قصيرة لا تضر بالمالك الأصلي.
يتم دائمًا احترام حقوق المبدعين الأصليين، ولا يتم استخدام أي مادة قد تضرّ بحقوقهم أو أعمالهم. اذا كان لديك استفسار: يُرجى التواصل مباشرة.

—————————————————————–
Ten Places That Made Me Fall in Love with Italy All Over Again – Secrets No One Ever Tells You.

A long, different kind of journey — from the island of Sardinia to Umbria, Basilicata, the Dolomites, and all the way to the heart of Tuscany.

A real experience narrated by Ibn Yehia, featuring cinematic visuals and rich historical storytelling.
________________________________________

🎥 Footage used in this video:
• Original footage filmed personally across multiple Italian towns and villages
• Licensed stock videos & images from Envato Elements
• Fully licensed music from Envato Elements
• Some materials generated using AI technologies

⚠️ Copyright Notice

This video may contain small portions of licensed or copyright-protected material belonging to their original owners. Such material is used under the Fair Use doctrine (Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976) for purposes of:
education – documentation – commentary – historical presentation – research – analysis.

Any content not owned by Asfar Ibn Yehia is either:
• used under proper licensing,
• creatively transformed within the context of the work,
• or included in short, non-harmful excerpts that do not affect the original owner.

The rights of all original creators are respected at all times, and no material is used in a way that harms or undermines its rightful owners.
For any inquiries, feel free to get in touch.

The Italy you imagine… has nothing to do with the Italy I’m about to tell you about in just a moment. When you hear the name “Italy,” the first things that come to mind are Rome, Venice, Milan. And if you’ve traveled before and explored a little, you might say: no… The Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, or Florence. But the truth is, Italy is much bigger and more beautiful than that. It’s full of places you won’t find in any traditional tourist brochure. Hidden gems! Towns and villages you may have never even heard of. And magical places that feel like they came out of legends. A village with houses shaped like fairy-tale huts… a whole country built along the edge of a mountain… a city with medieval skyscrapers… and a town where people have lived in caves for 8,000 years. I’m ibn YEHiA an Egyptian traveler wandering the world. I’ve visited more than 50 countries so far, and I have stories no one has ever told before. In Italy, I spent months exploring it—street by street, corner by corner. And today, I’m taking you with me to show you the ten most beautiful gems in Italy— secrets no one will ever tell you about. Watch the video till the end, because if you’ve grown bored of the Italy we all know… you’ll fall back in love with it—just like I did. Number 10 Cagliari Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia. A city built on seven hills. just like Rome — But with a completely different soul. It has been shaped by many civilization from the Phoenicians, to the Romans, to the Pisans, to the Spanish. The best way to see Cagliari for the first time, is from the sea. The city appears before you, painted across the hillside colorful buildings, bright facades, and neatly stacked houses as if it were a Renaissance painting. n the heart of the city lies Castello the historic quarter: narrow alleys, old houses, and Santa Maria di Castello, a church filled inside with dazzling murals, and breathtaking decorations. And from the walls of the Su Casteddu, you’ll see a full panorama of the city, the sea, and the mountains. Among the landmarks you can’t miss in Cagliari is Torre dell’Elefante
“The Elephant Tower”. A Pisan tower, from the Republic of Pisa, built in 1307. Its name comes from the elephant statue at its entrance. It’s just a normal tower, but its history is bloody. This gate once displayed the severed heads of rebels after the Spanish conquest one of those heads remained hanging for 17 full years. There’s also the Bastione di Saint Remy, a vast panoramic terrace that turns into a lively square full of restaurants, and cafés. One of the strangest stories in Cagliari, is linked to a small church called Bonaria. In 1370, a Spanish ship was caught in a violent storm in the Mediterranean. The sailors threw part of the cargo to keep the ship from sinking among it a large wooden crate. It drifted to the shores of Cagliar, specifically at Bonaria Hill which means “pure air”. When they opened it, they found a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ. completely dry despite the storm. From that day on, the statue became a sacred symbol, and a pilgrimage site for sailors from everywhere, seeking protection from the sea. Cagliari also has one of the richest museums in Italy. the National Archaeological Museum. Inside, you’ll see the Mont’e Prama statues giant stone figures from the 8th century BC considered the oldest life-sized statues in the western Mediterranean. There are also thousands of small bronze figurines from the Nuragic civilization a mysterious and unique Bronze Age culture found only in Sardinia. But Cagliari isn’t only about history you’ve got Poetto Beach, 7 kilometers of white sand and clear water. But of course when it comes to Sardinia. its beaches don’t even need description. If you can explore the island a bit, you must visit the turquoise beaches of Costa Smeralda considered among the most beautiful in the world. And if you want to explore places near Cagliari, head to Nora, an ancient Roman city 40 minutes away with a Roman theatre and mosaic floors. And visit Barumini, around 50 minutes from Cagliari a massive Nuragic archaeological site, and a UNESCO World Heritage location. And of course, the village of Bosa, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy though a bit far around two hours by car. Cagliari is also known for its simple cuisine. based on fresh fish and local pasta. Try Culurgiones Something like Ravioli, stuffed with potatoes, cheese, and mint. And Frigola con Arselli. kind of a small pasta, similar to couscous, cooked with clams. Cagliari… A true jewel of Sardinia. A joyful city, that lets you live a complete Italian experience. Small, yet offering everything. history, legends, nature, unique cuisine, and above all the sea and its stunning turquoise beaches. Number 9 Trento Trento is a small city in the northeast
of Italy Right in the heart of the Alps, It is quiet, and you feel a strange sense of tranquility
the moment you enter it. You see the mountains surrounding it
from every direction. Its houses are painted in soft, bright colors, and their facades still carry ancient murals. In the heart of Trento. you’ll find the main square, Piazza del Duomo. At its center stands La Fontana del Nettuno Or, the fountain of Neptune. A statue that locals once rejected, because of its daring design but today, it has become one of the city’s symbols. Next to it stands the Cathedral of San Vigilio a massive medieval cathedral, built in the Romanesque style. Beneath it lies a crypto from the sixth century, the crypto is a burial chamber, or an underground sanctuary. and sometimes an entire church The city of Trento. Trento is also famous for hosting one of the most important religious event in European history the Council of Trent. Its sessions lasted 18 years from 1545 to 1563. held inside the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore It reshaped Catholic doctrine, in response to the Protestant Reformation. A short walk in Trento takes you to Castello del Buonconsiglio, the largest castle in the Trentino region, whose capital is Trento. The castle was built in the 13th century and served as the residence of prince-bishops for centuries When you enter the castle, make sure to visit Torre Aquila Which means: “The Eagle Tower.” Inside, you’ll find the famous “Cycle of Months” frescos “Ciclo dei Mesi” murals depicting medieval life Month by month. farming, hunting, harvesting, like scrolling through Instagram, In the fifteenth century. Beneath Trento, There is a whole Roman city. more than 2000 years old. It is called “Tridentum”. You can descend from Piazza Cesare Battisti, where you’ll see stone streets, ancient walls, and mosaic floors. from the 1st century BC. Until 1919, Trento was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire which explains why you feel a blend of German, Roman, Italian influences, Together. in the architecture, in the order and organization, and even in the food. Try a dish called “Canederli” It is a kind of “Zalabia”, or Dumpling, made from old bread, cheese, and herbs. Also try: “Strangolapreti” the same dumplings, but mixed with spinach. Trento may be a little far from the major Italian cities, but once you’re there, you can easily reach Riva del Garda at the northern tip of Lake Garda, about 40 km away. You can also head to Bolzano a beautiful town full of warmth and Alpine charm and the surrounding villages are pure magic. A trip of about 55 km north of Trento. But if you keep going deeper into the region, It will be in the heart of one of the most
beautiful mountainous areas in Europe. and maybe in the entire world. the “Dolomites”. There, you can take a stunning tour through Val di Fassa and Val di Fiemme, and watch the sunset behind the magical peaks. And also, you can take a boat on the fancy “Lago di Braies” a lake that looks exactly like
a computer desktop wallpaper. I spent two full weeks in the Dolomites, walking through them step by step. Of course, I’ll tell you everything in detail but in separate videos. In short. Trento is a place you won’t find in standard
Italian tourism brochures, yet it is a true gem and genuinely Hidden. A place that makes you feel
like you’re discovering Italy, but from a completely new angle. And the best part? calming and deeply relaxing. Number 8 Camoli Camogli is a village in Liguria on the Italian Riviera. And just by looking at it, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered
one of Italy’s hidden secrets the kind no one ever tells you about. Camogli isn’t crowded like Cinque Terre, nor luxurious like Portofino. On the contrary, it is quiet, comforting, simple, and still preserves the soul of an old fishing village. The best thing to do in Camoli, Is to go to the beach. breathe the fresh sea air, and look at the rows of colorful houses painted in shades of apricot, amber, and cinnamon, as the locals call them. And don’t miss the magical sunset while watching the fishermen returning home from the sea. But before you go, you must stop by a “Panetteria”—a bakery. The village is full of tiny bakeries that make something called “Focaccia di Recco” a heavenly, paper-thin flatbread, filled with molten cheese a taste that’s unforgettable. It was born right here in Camogli, with a recipe unchanged since the 12th century and officially recognized in Italy
as a traditional specialty. The best place to try it is Revello Bakery, paired with a shot of espresso. Camogli also has important historical landmarks like “Castello della Dragonara”, which mean: Castle of the Dragon It’s a 12th-century fortress, built on a high cliff overlooking the sea. From there, you get the best panorama
of the village and the deep blue water. The castle once defended the town
from pirate raids in the Middle Ages. There is a local legend that a giant fish saved the village
from a pirate attack. that’s why they decided to tiurn this
castle for a while, into a huge aquarium! It is a legend, of course, but it doesn’t make sense. If you want a small adventure take a boat to Punta Chiappa. And if you go a bit further, you’ll reach San Fruttuoso a hidden monastery-village
tucked between the sea and the mountains in a tiny bay. accessible only by boat, or by hiking. If you know how to swim, go down into the sea and dive beneath the waves, and you’ll find, at a depth of 17 meters a large bronze statue of Christ, called “Cristo degli Abissi”-
Christ of the Abyss. Camogli was once known
as “the city of a thousand white sails” In the 19th century, it had a massive fishing fleet. And to honor its maritime heritage, the village now hosts one of Italy’s
most famous festivals “Sagra del Pesce” the Fish Festival. A celebration held since 1952, every second Sunday of May. Locals join in, tourists join in, everyone is welcome. On this day, they bring out a massive frying pan more than four meters wide holding over three tons of fresh fish, caught right off the village shore. and then hand it out for free, in a full festival atmosphere music and dance. Camogli is a true hidden gem because it gives you the original,
authentic Italian Riviera experience a simple life, a palette of colors, a wide open sea, and a history carved into the rocks all of it far away from crowds, far away from stress, and definitely far away from
spending too much money. That’s why I call Camogli the affordable Cinque Terre Number 7 Orvieto The first time you see Orvieto from afar, your eyes freeze instantly. An entire city sitting on top of a massive volcanic cliff layers of rock. stone walls, towers, and a cathedral glowing under the sunlight, as if it were a scene from a movie. And it makes you wonder, how is this place not on Italy’s main tourist map? Orvieto lies in the heart of Umbria, right in the center of Italy less than two hours from Rome. It is considered one of the
most important Etruscan settlements the civilization that preceded the Romans. Beside it played a major role in Italy’s political and religious history, it served as the Pope’s refuge especially during times of chaos and conflict in Rome, to the point that it was nicknamed:
“the second Vatican.” That’s why its most iconic landmark
is the magnificent Duomo di Orvieto a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and considered one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. Its façade is extraordinary covered in real gold, mosaics, vibrant colors,
and bronze statues Its details are breathtaking and mesmerizing. Inside, is another world entirely especially the walls and ceilings, which hold the finest works of Luca Signorelli the very paintings that Michelangelo said inspired his own great frescoes in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. The Orvieto Cathedral was built in the 13th century after the “Miracle of Bolsena” one of the most important religious events
in Catholic Italy. In the year 1263. In a church in a nearby town called Bolsena, a foreign priest was going through a period of doubt. While performing Mass and holding the consecrated host, blood suddenly dripped from it
onto the white altar cloth— For believers, this was proof
that the blood was for the Christ and the bread was his body. Pope Urban IV whose seat at the time was in Orvieto, as soon as he knew ordered immediately that the cloth be
brought from Bolsena to Orvieto He then issued a decree establishing the Feast of Corpus Christi the Feast of the Body of Christ. He also ordered the construction of a new cathedral to preserve the sacred cloth. But he didn’t live to see it he died the following year. Until another Pope came Pope Nicholas IV who fulfilled his dream. Construction began in 1291 27 years after the Miracle of Bolsena and it took over 300 years
to complete its decoration until it finally stood, in 1591, as the architectural masterpiece we see today. But Orvieto is not only above ground beneath the city lies another world— a network of tunnels, caves, and secret chambers dating back to the Etruscans. Later, the Romans used them to store water and olive oil and during the Middle Ages, they became shelters and hideouts during wars. Exploring these underground passages feels like diving into a buried history especially if you descend into “Pozzo di San Patrizio”
St. Patrick’s Well a 62-meter-deep marvel, designed with pure genius two spiral staircases
without ever crossing one for going down, and another for going up It was built under Pope Clement VII in the 16th century to guarantee a water supply in case Rome was besieged. Engineers designed it like this, so the donkeys pulling water could descend and ascend without blocking each other. One of the nicest things in Orvieto is simply walking through its streets and cobblestone alleys feeling as if time has stopped. Small shops s selling colorful ceramics, and olive oil. Restaurants serving stuffed pigeon but prepared differently from the way they cook it in Egypt. Orvieto’s hills is famous for producing some of the best Truffles Which is in Italy: “Tartufo” Something you absolutely must try with any pasta you like especially when you’re in Orvieto. Orvieto a magical hidden gem that gives you two cities in one: Two cities together. one above ground bright, beautiful, full of great art,
and extraordinary architecture and the other underground Hidden, dark,
and full of secrets. Number 6 Taormina Taormina is a small town on the eastern coast
of the island of Sicily. This place has a long, layered history,
it was an important stop for the Greeks, the Romans, the Normans, the Germans, the French. and the Spanish. and among them, of course, the Arabs, who ruled Sicily for more than 200 years, and left behind agricultural, architectural, and cultural innovations that still survive until today. The moment you enter Taormina, you feel as if you’ve stepped into an open panorama. The ancient city is fortified by walls and gates from the Middle Ages. Stone-paved roads, historical alleys, wide piazzas, and medieval gothic and baroque churches. The main street is Corso Umberto a lively promenade filled with shops, restaurants. and cafes. At its end lies Piazza IX Aprile an enormous open square overlooking the sea filled with pleasant music, and live performers The most famous landmark in Taormina is the ancient theater, an open Greco-Roman amphitheater, built in the 3rd century BC Its stone tiered seatings were once a place Where people used to watch Gladiator fights. And to this day, it still hosts
festivals, concerts, and opera performances. The view from inside is spectaular the Ionic sea below, and Mount Etna rising
in the background. Next to the theater, you can take a cable car
down to the shore or walk on foot to Isola Bella a tiny island connected to the coast by a narrow strip of sand. When the tide is low, you can simply walk through the shallow water
all the way to the island. One of the special things about Taormina, is the “Testa di Moro” the Moor’s Heads,
or the Moorish faces. These were the names used for the
Arabs who came from North Africa. Colorful bowls, vases, and plant pots
shaped like the head of a man or a woman. Often planted with flowers or cacti. Their origin comes from a medieval
Arab–Sicilian legend. There was a Sicilian girl who fell in love
with a young Moorish man. When she knew he was going to
leave her and return to his country she killed him and cut off his head. Then turned it into a flower pot so he would stay with her forever. Since then, the story became a symbol of
jealousy and tragic love and transformed into an iconic Sicilian art form. In Taormina, you’ll find these faces everywher in markets, streets, alleyways,
shops, homes, and balconies. If you love adventure, there are daily trips up to Mount Etna. the largest volcano in Europe, and one of the most active in the world. It’s constantly releasing smoke, and its eruptions can happen at any time usually once or twice a year but locals are completely used to it. The best way to visit the volcano, is to take a cable car then a bus like this one that takes you as close as
possible to the summit area. Or … you can hike one of the many trails on your own, or with a group. Trust me …
It’s a breathtaking experience, and yes,
a terrifying too.. but worth doing at least once in your life. If adventure isn’t your thing, you can visit Castelmola. right above Taormina a tiny village, but
quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. There’s also a nearby gorge called:
“Alcantara” a series of natural cracks carved
into massive black basalt rocks that rise nearly 50 meters high, formed by ancient volcanic flows. It’s best to visit in summer, so you can get into the cold water, and try some body rafting. After all this, if you get hungry,
eating in Sicily is simple and joyful, especially the famous seafood,
like “Calamari Fritti”. But as long as you’re in Taormina,
you must try the local classic “Pasta con le Sarde” pasta with fresh sardines. light, fragrant, and full of flavor. made with saffron, and fennel, raisins, pine, nuts, finished with a sprinkle of bread crumbs. Also try “Caponata”, which is very close to Egyptian “Moussaka” but slightly sweet and sour. And for dessert,
head to “Bam Bar” the king of granita in Taormina. Sitting there is an experience by itself. They offer all kinds of flavors, the best for me, is lemon granita
served with warm brioche. And of course, “Cannoli” the iconic Sicilian pastry,
filled with ricotta cream that no one can visit Sicily
without tasting it Taormina is indeed a small town but it began to gain fame
when great writers and philosophers like Goethe, Oscar Wilde, and Bertrand Russell And it became even more famous later after appearing in Season 2 of
“The White Lotus” Yet many people still travel through Italy
without ever visiting it. That’s why Taormina remains
a beautiful, underrated gem a place whose soul and beauty make you feel as if you are standing
inside a giant open-air theater looking out over
the whole world. Number 5 Alberobello Alberobello is unlike any other town in Italy. And maybe unlike anywhere else in the world. It is located in the region of Puglia, in the south of Italy. On the map, the area is called
“the heel of the boot.” Alberobello’s story is its strange houses white stone huts with curved, conical roofs known as “Trulli” They stack behind one another
and beside each other, it’s like a forest made of
strange triangles shaped like the houses of dwarve or the huts of fairies and spirits. The strange thing is that the story of these houses
was actually a clever way to escape taxes. According to historical sources, Puglia in the 16th century, including Alberobello, was part of the Kingdom of Naples,
which was under Spanish rule And the lands were owned by Italian nobles, from the family of
“Acquaviva di Aragona” According to the system, nobles were
required to pay taxes to the Spanish every permanent settlement on their lands. So to avoid paying these taxes,
they came up with a smart trick: they ordered the peasants to build their houses
from dry stone, without mortar, so they would look like temporary shelters. And for nearly two hundred years, they managed to keep the settlement unofficial Of course, paid no taxes on it Until King Ferdinand IV,
in 1797, officially declared Alberobello a real town. But popular stories tell a different version. that it was the villagers and farmers themselves
who came up with the idea, especially the conical roofs,
so they could be quickly removed or lifted before the tax inspector arrived. and put back into place as soon as he left. Alberobello is divided into two districts: Rione Monti,
which contains more than a thousand Trulli houses and this is the tourist area, where most houses are now museums, small shops, and restaurants. The other district,
Aia Piccola, is considered the heart of the original village and to this day,
people still live in Trulli houses. There, you can visit the
“Trullo Sovrano” the only two-story Trullo ever built. And today it is a museum that explains
the life of the villagers. If you look closely at the conical roofs of the Trulli, you’ll notice many are painted with white symbols religious, pagan, or even celestial signs. These symbols are original, not modern. But no one is completely sure
where they came from. Some say they were drawn to protect from envy
and bring good fortune. For a long time, Alberobello remained quiet
and unknown to most people but after it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, it gradually started transforming
from a silent village into a unique tourist destination and now it has become one of the most famous villages in the world. Despite its beauty and strangeness at the same time it is, in reality, very different from the photos
you may have seen on Instagram. I visited once in August in the heart of summer and it was unbelievably crowded,
and I hated the experience at the time. But I went again on a weekday, in the middle of winter,
in January and it was completely empty. The weather was sunny and warm as well. If you decide to stay there,
you must try spending the night in a real Trullo house. an experience you will never forget. From the outside, an ancient stone hut, but inside, a fully equipped 5-star room
with everything you need for comfort If you get hungry,
you must try Puglia’s special cuisine Orecchiette pasta, handmade by local women
in the suburbs of the city of Bari. and of course, the original Burrata cheese,
invented right here in Puglia and the crunchy “Taralli”,
which looks a tastes a bit like Egyptian “Karakish” If you finish early,
you can visit on the same day Locorotondo..
the beautiful circular village. Martina Franca..
the quiet Baroque town. and of course, you also have
Bari, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, and the white city,
Ostuni and many others in the beautiful Puglia region. To be honest,
Alberobello is a real gem it gives you an experience you will not find
anywhere else in the world a town full of wonder,
as if it had come out of a children’s book. Yes it’s simple,
but unforgettable. And the lesson it teaches is that it was born from a temporary trick and became a legend that lasts forever. Number 4 San Marino San Marino is not a city It is a real, independent state. But it lies entirely within Italy. It is the oldest republic in the world. More than 1700 years old. It was founded by Saint Marinus
in the year 301. According to legend, Marinus was a citizen of the Roman Empire,
he lefted his home in Rab, an island that is now in Croatia, It settled in the city of Rimini
on the other side of the Adriatic Sea, to work as a laborer and stonecutter. But after a while, fleeing religious persecution under the Roman Empire, Diocletian, he escaped and settled on Mount Titano,
and built a small monastery. Over time, it grew into a small town,
which later became an independent republic. Throughout the centuries, many kingdoms and empires
tried to take San Marino, but they never succeeded. The Romans, the Lombards, the Papal States When Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Italy, they refused to join him,
and he respected their independence. Even when Italy unified in 1861,
San Marino did not join. San Marino is so small,
you can walk across the whole country in half a day. It is the fifth smallest country in the world. Its area is only 61 square kilometers smaller than New Cairo. When you first arrive, you feel as if
you’ve entered an empty green countryside but once you begin climbing Mount Titano, everything changes completely. At the top of the mountain lies the capital,
also called San Marino. An old city packed with narrow streets
clinging to the edges of the cliffs, filled with medieval fotresses, towers,
narrow alleys, historic quarters, houses from the Middle Ages,
and legendary walls. It feels like stepping into Assassin’s Creed or walking through a real-life Game of Thrones set. The old city has been a
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. The best way to reach it
is by taking the cable car from the foot of the mountain to the top
in just two minutes. Its most famous landmarks
are the three peaks on the three summits of Mount Titano Guaita, Cesta, and Montale. They are connected by hiking trails.
This is the most joyful part when exploring the city. You literally walk above the clouds,
and see breathtaking views the entire Adriatic Sea and the coast of Rimini on one side, and the Apennine Mountains on the other. Liberty Square is the heart of the city. It contains the Palazzo Pubblico,
the seat of government a beautiful gothic building where the
flag of the republic raised every day, and above it, the Clock Tower
and the Statue of Liberty of San Marino. You can enter the building, tour it, and take photos as long as there are no government meetings
or parliamentary sessions There is also Piazza Domus Plebis,
which holds the main basilica of the city, where Saint Marinus himself is buried. One of the things I loved most in the city is that it is full of an unusual number
of small shops and boutiques. They sell souvenirs and unusual gifts
like weapons, swords, leather goods, and medieval antiques. But San Marino is most famous
for its stamps and coins and they even have a museum dedicated
to philately and numismatics. Collectors would absolutely love it. If you want to buy some,
you’ll find them sold in tourist offices And there you can ask them
to stamp your passport with the seal of
the oldest republic in the world. The food in San Marino is similar to Italy. Also restaurants and cafés in San Marino
are charming, old, elegant, and timeless. You feel as if nothing has changed
for a thousand years. They have one traditional national dessert
the “Torta Tre Monti” Made of three layers of wafer and chocolate,
symbolizing the three towers. If the weather changes suddenly, which is very normal, the country is full of
some interesting museums. My favorite is the Museum of Curiosities. a place filled with strange objects, failed inventions, bizarre photos,
and odd stories. And there is another museum,
but only if you have a strong heart. “Museo Della Tortura”
or Torture Museum. Inside are original tools and remains
of torture devices used in the Middle Ages iron chaires with spikes, maidens, head crushers, finger cutters,
bladed weapons, and many others. Despite being a real country,
San Marino still feels like a real hidden gem. It offers a genuine experience
of stepping back into the Middle Ages. Maybe one of the few places i visited in Europe where I truly felt that time
had gone backwards and stopped. A small country in size,
but massive in history and spirit. Before we get to the top three places,
and since you have made it this far into the video, I want to thank you very much. If you liked the video and want to see more like it, please like and subscribe on YouTube,
and follow me as well on Facebook and Instagram. This really encourages me a lot,
and makes me feel that I’m creating something valuable. Number 3 Siena Siena is located in the heart of the beautiful region of Tuscany. A great city that decided not to walk with time, but instead made time revolve around it in a circle. Just like Piazza del Campo, the historical square that is built
in the shape of an open shell. Its ground is divided into nine sections. Representing the Council of Nine who
ruled the city during its Golden Age from 1287 to 1355. And there you’ll find “Fonte Gaia”,
the Fountain of Joy. It was built in 1342, and water used to reach it
by pipes from a distance of 25 km. This marble frame was made in 1419. It is carved with scenes from the Book of Genesis. The square is surrounded by historic buildings
with a unique brick-red color ound only in Siena And in the middle stands
“Palazzo Pubblico” It was built to be the seat of the government
of the Republic of Siena during its Golden Age. Inside, the walls are astonishing. The most important is the frescos of Good and Bad Government,
painted by Lorenzetti in 1338. It is the first artwork in history ever to depict
the system of civil governance and social justice. The paintings show how just rule prospers a city, and how corrupt rule destroys it. Above the palace rises
“Torre del Mangia” one of the tallest towers in the Middle Ages. It is 102 meters high. Its name means “the eater”
or “the devourer.” This nickname belonged to the first bell ringer, who was known for spending all his money on food and drink. But what truly distinguishes Siena
from any other place in Italy is Palio di Siena
“the Palio Horse Race”. In 1260, Siena was an independent republic
competing with its rival Florence. A famous battle took place between
them called “Montaperti” Before the battle, the people of Siena
vowed that if they won, they would hold an annual celebration
in honor of the Virgin Mary. And indeed,
Siena won. And out of joy,
they celebrated not onece, but twice, on July 2 and August 16. First it was in the form of religious processions, and then horse races began outside the city walls in 1310. But as of 1656, the race moved inside Piazza del Campo. In the 18th century, new rules were added. Now the competing teams became “Contrade”,
which are the city’s neighborhoods. 17 Contrade, Each one has its own distinctive symbol,
flag, colors and church, and its museum as well. Palio is not a normal race. more like a war of honor and
dignity between the districts. A symbol of pride and belonging
for the people of Siena. Exceptional, extraordinary,
electrifying, and crazy event. Lucky those who get the chance to see it. Siena is also known for one of
Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals “Duomo di Siena”
the Siena Cathedral. A gothic masterpiece, faced with
white, green, and red marble It inspired the design of Orvieto Cathedral. It really is very similar. Construction began in 1196,
and after 150 years — in 1339, they decided to expand it to become
the largest cathedral in Europe. But the plague hit Siena in 1348, killing more than a third of its population. The construction stopped,
and half the structure remains unfinished to this day. This unfinished part is called
the “Facciatone”. The cathedral is full of masterpieces
by the great geniuses of the Renaissance Donatello, Michelangelo, Pisano. Its floor is an artistic wonder. 60 marble inlays carved over 200 years, from 1369 to 1547. But Siena is not only about landmarks. Wandering through its streets with no plan
is a joy in itself. Get lost through the neighborhoods and
see the drawings of each Contrada on the walls Visit the Church of San Domenico,
which preserves the head of St. Catherine. And the “Santa Maria della Scala” Museum, one of the oldest hospitals in
the world since the 9th century. Walk along “Via di Pantaneto”,
full of shops and bakeries. Try “Pici” pasta,
the thick, hand-rolled noodles. “Ricciarelli”, the soft almond
biscuit that Siena is famous for. And “Panforte”, Siena’s iconic medieval sweet
that’s still made the same way today If you stay for a few days, make sure you visit Monterrioni, and then head over to
Pienza and Montepulciano. Go down to the hot springs of San Filippo, and soak in the beauty and magic of
Tuscany in the “Val d’Orcia” It’s just about an hour’s walk from Siena. And while you’re already there, take another hour, to relax or to take a dip in the pools of
“Terme di Saturnia” Amazing! In short,
Siena isn’t a hidden gem. It’s a complete gem. A majestic city overflowing with
legends, history, identity, faith, and pride. I honestly wanted to place it at number one on my list,
but the criteria I set held me back. Every alley feels like a line
from an ancient book, and every sculpture seems as if it’s
about to speak and tell its own story. Siena is a living painting..
frozen in time. Number 2 Matera Cities are usually built with
bricks … concrete, but Matera,
was carved directly into the rock. Matera is a city in the heart of Basilicata,
in southern Italy. But it is unlike any other city in Italy,
or even in all of Europe. The moment you see it from a distance, you feel as if you’re standing before a painting
from a time older than time itself. White houses pressed tightly
against one another, hanging almost weightlessly between sky and earth. A maze of narrow stone streets and alleys. Paths that take you upward,
slopes that lead you down. Homes built into homes,
stacked over other homes. Staircases tied to even more staircases,
seemingly without end. And ancient stone churches
hidden inside caves. Matera is one of the oldest continuously
inhabited settlements in the world. From the Paleolithic age all the way to the mid-20th century, meaning it has been lived in for more than 8,000 years. Its historical heart is called
“Sassi di Matera” And “Sassi” in Italian
literally means “rocks.” The Sassi are divided into two main districts: “Sasso Barisano” in the north,
and “Sasso Caveoso” in the south. Between them lies a high rocky ridge
called “Civita”, crowned by Matera’s iconic cathedral
“Duomo di Matera” The city sits above the Gravina valley. But because there was no permanent river, people long ago invented
a brilliant water-catchment system a network of cisterns and channels that
collected and purified rainwater underground. You can go down to the massive cistern called
“Palombaro Lungo”, beneath the main square, which was the primary source of drinking water for the town’s inhabitants. The most breathtaking view of Matera
requires crossing to the opposite side of the Sassi, to “Belvedere Murgia Timone” From there, you see a mythical panorama, a city of white layers stacked endlessly upon one another. It might genuinely be the most
beautiful photograph you’ll ever take. At night,
Matera becomes something entirely different. It transforms into a magical scene. Every cave and stone house glows
with a warm golden light. The whole city looks like thousands
of stars scattered across the mountainside. But the story wasn’t always
romantic or beautiful. In the 20th century,
Matera was known as “the shame of Italy.” People literally lived inside caves entire families sleeping
alongside their animals. No electricity, no clean water, no sanitation,
only poverty, disease and children dying in large numbers
from malaria and typhoid. In 1952, the Italian government decided
to relocate the residents from the caves into new homes leaving the old city completely abandoned. Then came the miracle. In the 1970s and 1980s, Italian artists
and intellectuals began to rediscover the place. Journalists started writing again about
the abandoned cave dwellings. Little by little, interest returned,
and Matera slowly stepped back into the spotlight. In 1993, Matera was added to
the UNESCO World Heritage list. And in 2019, it became
the European Capital of Culture. Imagine that! The city once considered a symbol of poverty and disgrace, became a symbol of culture and pride. If you want to see how people truly lived,
visit “Casa Grotta” an old cave-house preserved exactly as it once was. Matera has also been a filming location
for major international films. Mel Gibson chose it as backdrop for his masterpiece,
The Passion of the Christ, It was also a location for several famous films,
most notably: James Bond – No Time to Die. This, brought global fame and made
many people add Matera to their travel list. Even the food in Matera carries ancient roots. They have the famous Matera bread, and “Crapiata”.
The traditional farmers’ soup made with fava beans, lentils, chickpeas, and wheat. And the Matera-style Orecchiette pasta, served with sauce, lamb, pecorino cheese, and mozzarella. while you’re in Matera,
there are three must-visit places all within about an hour’s drive. Castelmezzano ..
one of the most stunning mountain villages in all of Italy. Rotondella ..
An extraordinary panoramic village perched on a round hill. And Craco, completely abandoned since the 1960s, yet still standing exactly as it was, a perfect backdrop for apocalypse films. Matera is one of the most beautiful
and important hidden gems in Italy and perhaps in all of Europe. It’s not as hidden as it used to be, but many people still don’t know about it. or they know it,
but skip it because it’s far from the main Italian cities And I’m telling you, Matera absolutely must be on
the bucket list of anyone visiting Italy. It’s not just a visit,
or even an trip it’s a complete human
and spiritual experience. It takes you thousands of years back in time, and at the same time, it shows you just how incredibly humans can adapt
and build an entire life carved inside stone. Number 1 San Gimignano The city of towers and the timeless icon of Tuscany. San Gimignano is a small city, or,
if you like, a large village. perched on a high hill, surrounded
by olive groves and vineyards, and wrapped in towering historic stone walls. Its history goes back to the Etruscan era
in the 3rd century BC, before Rome itself. In the 5th century AD,
it was named after Saint Geminianus of Modena, who, legend says, saved it from the Huns,
led by “Attila The Hum” so they built him a church,
and the town took his name. But in fact, the story is more symbolic than historical, because Geminianus died more than fifty years
before Attila’s campaign in Italy And the Huns stopped in northern
Italy, and never even reached Tuscany. What is certain, though,
is that San Gimignano once had 72 towers. An unbelievable number for such
a small medieval village. That’s why they call it the
Manhattan of the Middle Ages. The idea of towers was common in the region, especially in Florence and Bologna, where towers symbolized power and protection. But in the 12th century in San Gimignano, noble families were locked in constant conflict. Each family built its own high tower, as a refuge, a defensive fortress against each others. The first tower was built in 1150.
Then the tower-building rivalry began. As the city stabilized, the towers became
symbols of wealth and prestige. every rich family had to build theirs
higher than the next, to show its influence and strength. Even if the inside was empty,
not really an issue. what mattered was the height. Today, only fourteen towers remain. The most famous and tallest is
“Torre Grossa”, built in 1311,
reaching 54 meters. In that period,
Dante Alighieri visited the town in 1300, as an ambassador of
the Republic of Florence. He later wrote about it in
The Divine Comedy, criticizing the arrogance, class rivalry,
and obsession with building ever-taller towers. San Gimignano flourished for
only forty-eight more years after Dante’s visit, until the plague struck and wiped out
more than half of its population. That was the end of the age of towers, From that moment on, the town remained frozen
exactly as it was unchanged to this very day. It’s as if the same disaster that
destroyed it is what preserved it. The city’s most famous square is
“Piazza della Cisterna”, a triangular piazza named after the old well
in its center in the 13th century. This was once the main market and the gathering point for merchants and pilgrims
traveling between Rome and Florence Next to it lies Piazza del Duomo, home to
the “Collegiata de Santa Maria Assunta” often referred to as
San Gimignano’s cathedral. Inside are remarkable 14th-century frescoes depicting scenes from
the Old and New Testaments Beside it stands Palazzo Comunale,
the 13th-century town hall, housing a museum and the historic
“Dante Hall” commemorating his visit You can technically see the whole
town in a few hours, but I doubt you’ll want to leave. San Gimignano is the kind of place that leaves you with a feeling you can’t quite explain something that settles deep inside your soul,
and holds your heart. Every corner is full of life and heritage, stone streets,
ancient squares, tight alleys that suddenly open onto panoramic
views of the rolling green Tuscan hills. Restaurants that look straight out of a magazine, nd the scent of saffron grown here
for centuries floating everywhere And of course, the gelato.
You must try the gelato from Dondoli, one of Italy’s most famous gelaterias winner of multiple awards of
“best gelato in the world” Try the saffron flavor,
you won’t find it anywhere else. But the town’s real secret
theat no one tells you about, appears after sunset. The tourists leave, the streets quiet down, yellow lanterns glow in the alleys, the towers rise behind the town
like long, silent phantoms, and soft lights glowing with
a quiet, enchanting shimmer. From San Gimignano, you can visit
Volterra on the same day, a wonderful Tuscan hilltop city
with ancient Etruscan walls. It was one of the most important
Etruscan cities long before the rise of
the Roman Empire. You can also head to Colle Val d’Elsa,
or “The Hill of Elsa Valley”. A small medieval town, famous for producing 15% of the world’s crystal earning it the nickname
“The Bohemia of Italy” San Gimignano isn’t just a wonder
that captures the beauty of Tuscany. For me, it’s the most important
and beautiful hidden gem in Italy. You may ask me,
why not Matera? Why not Siena? Why not Alberobello? And I’ll tell you:
those are true gems but they’ve begun to gain fame. San Gimignano, however,
still keeps its secret. A city standing on a green hill, watching time move around it
while it remains exactly where it has always been Breathing the same air that merchants and pilgrims breathed 15 centuries ago. It has a calmness, that lets you hear your own
footsteps as you wander its stone alleys. It has details that have never changed, and will convinces you that you might be
the first person to see it after time itself stopped It isn’t just a city of towers. It’s a city that teaches you many things. most of all, the meaning of elevation. Not only in stone,
but in feeling … and in spirit. And that was our journey through
10 of the most beautiful hidden gems in Italy. Places you won’t always find in travel catalogs
or in typical travel vlogs. Filled with stories and secrets that made you
experience Italy in a completely different way. Tell me in the comments:
if you had the chance to visit just one of these ten places… …which one would you choose? Mmost importantly,
don’t forget to like and subscribe. And follow me as well on
Facebook and Instagram. This is only the beginning. There are still many more videos coming. About all the countries I’ve been to… …each city on its own… …with all the details and stories that will make you live it
as if you were there… …or maybe even make you stand up,
book a ticket, and go visit it right away. My greetings, everyone. I am ibn YEHiA See you in the next video.
Salam