UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Secluded small towns across Italy are certainly getting a lot of press from marketing around the $1 houses for sale, to Travel & Leisure naming Italy as the number one travel destination of the year for 2021 , to CNN Travel showcasing the Italian towns perfect for social distancing.
The Italian Tourism Council has also been heavily promoting their new designation "I Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia" (The most beautiful small towns in Italy) in effort to preserve the culture, heritage, and beauty of old world Italy. These villages represent the concept of Made in Italy as an expression of Italian excellence. To be designated (and certified) as an "I Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia", the village must meet certain requirements which include the age dating back to the Middle Ages to Renaissance Period, surrounded by defensive walls and towers, and have architectural and/or natural heritage certified by the Ministry of cultural heritage and environmental conservation.
Lucignano received this designation in 2020! For the full list of small towns designated as the most beautiful in all of Italy click here.
Other towns in Tuscany include:
Capalbio
Cetona
Montaione
Montefioralle
Palazzuolo sul Senio
Populonia
Santa Fiora
Scaiperia e San Piero