Buzz
Recanati (Italy), Viljandi (Estonia), or Vézelay (France) are projected by travel websites to become hotspots for cultural journeys, replacing the overly familiar Florence and Paris.
Explore the new cultural destinations challenging Florence and Paris.
* Compared to the renowned cities like Venice or Florence, the lesser-known city of Recanati in Macerata, part of the central Italian region of Marches, may not boast as rich a cultural heritage. However, Recanati, known as the 'city of poetry,' serves as a haven for art enthusiasts.
It is the birthplace of famous figures such as opera singer Beniamino Gigli, and one of Italy's greatest philosophers and poets, Giacomo Leopardi… It houses a museum featuring masterpieces by Lorenzo Lotto, the 16th-century Italian painter who resided here for many years.
Established since 1150 BC, Recanati perches atop hills, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, towering mountains, and expansive azure seas.
Regarded as one of the most romantic cities in the Marches region, it evokes artistic inspiration with its ever-changing hues throughout the day against the surrounding landscape.
The city stretches from the main square, Piazza Leopardi, adorned with opulent neo-classical buildings, to a plethora of interconnected restaurants, cafes, and shops.
The central square is embellished with a statue of poet Giacomo Leopardi and flanked by the Torre del Borgo tower dating back to 1562.
Every street, corner, and small courtyard in Recanati offers something for visitors to marvel at. Former residences of renowned artists have been transformed into inviting small museums, such as the Civil Museum and ceramics workshop…
Among Recanati's most popular attractions is Colle dell’Infinito, where poet Giacomo Leopardi found his greatest inspiration.
Visiting Recanati in July grants you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Lunaria music festival…
* Viljandi, an ancient hillside city nestled by Lake Võrtsjärv, just an hour's drive from the capital Tallinn, isn't merely a stop in Estonia. With a cultural academy, an open-air theater, Estonia's largest folk music festival, and picturesque landscapes, Viljandi has become Estonia's cultural capital.
While the Soomaa marshes, a beautiful nature reserve, offer impressive early morning nature exploration moments, the remains of Fellin Castle, built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, surrounded by a botanical park, stand as Viljandi's top tourist attraction.
After being leveled by a devastating earthquake in the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt only to fall into ruins again during various wars.
Late spring is the ideal time to visit Viljandi, but Viljandi in autumn will melt your heart with its romantic natural scenery. And during the folk festival in late July, Viljandi transforms into a giant outdoor concert venue.
The city is bustling with people and echoing with music on every street corner, while drinks flow freely.
* Vézelay in the Yonne department, one of France's most beautiful villages built in the 12th century, sits atop a hill considered a source of inspiration for 20th-century French artists and writers. It also marks the beginning of one of the main pilgrimage routes from France to the pilgrimage site of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle in Spain, where the tomb of the Apostle James is said to be located.
The grand cathedral of Marie-Madeleine at the entrance to Vézelay village, not only a stopping point for pilgrims on their journey to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle but also a top tourist attraction.
This architectural masterpiece adorned with magnificent sculptures has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Vézelay's museums often showcase works by famous 20th-century artists like the Zervos Museum…
Many houses along the main street house galleries interspersed with cafes. Shells on the pavement are symbols of French pilgrims walking from Vézelay to the holy site.
Narrow winding streets lead off the main thoroughfare, lined with ancient houses and remnants of ancient walls.
Surrounding the village are meadows teeming with wildflowers, forests with centuries-old trees, prehistoric caves with some of the world's oldest paintings, ancient castles… enhancing Vézelay's allure.
According to Tuổi Trẻ
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourJuly 7, 2016
