Sterzing
Embedded in the impressive mountains of South Tyrol, about 15 kilometers south of the Brenner Pass, the northernmost city in Italy on the border with Austria is presented. In the southern Wipptal, on the sun-drenched side of the Alps, Sterzing is one of the most beautiful small towns in the country. The old Fugger city casts a spell over countless visitors. Vipiteno delights with magnificent town houses, medieval squares and art-historical treasures, gently enveloped by the magic of the mountains of the Eisack Valley.
Sterzing – charming, venerable and extremely lovable
The small town in the upper Eisack valley gives the region a very special magic. Many castles close to the city bear witness to its former strategic importance. The old trading town now has around 6500 inhabitants and invites you to travel back in time. Once a coveted residence of the nobility, today a popular holiday destination – Sterzing lures with impressive sights in an irresistible atmosphere. The settlement has never shed its medieval dress, but combines it with the modern flair of a small town. This results in the incomparable charm with which the alpine town enchants its guests. The name “Fugger” is closely associated with Sterzing. The Augsburg trading family owned rich silver tunnels here in the nearby Ridnaun Valley. The cityscape still reflects the enormous wealth that existed in the 15th
A lovely city stroll in South Tyrol
Richly furnished town houses bear witness to the brisk trade in the Middle Ages. Colorful facades, lovely bay windows and gables adorn the main street. The city’s landmark rises above everything: at a height of 46 meters, the Zwölferturm – crowned by a stone stepped gable – forms the center of the historic city center. The tower has been dividing the city center into the old and new parts of the city since 1472. Every night the night watch tower kept an eye out for fire. Also worth seeing are the parish church with the crucifixion group, the town hall with its Gothic council chamber and the city museum in the former Teutonic Order. The altar by the Ulm master Hans Multscher is considered to be one of the masterpieces of that era.
In this magical setting, one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe beckons. Quaint cafés invite you to linger. You can dine excellently under the old town arcades. A pleasure to visit and a culinary delight: the “Little Flame” of Sterzing.
Activities
Outside the city, the surrounding landscape offers perfect terrain for hiking or mountain biking. In winter there are numerous ski slopes and snowboard opportunities, also high alpine.
Tropea
Italian town on the Mediterranean coast
Anyone traveling on the Italian Mediterranean coast in Calabria is guaranteed to find pure relaxation here. A very popular travel destination here is Tropea. The small town in the province of Vibo Valentia, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Calabria, attracts thousands of tourists from all over Europe every year.
Activities
Those looking for relaxation and bathing holidaymakers are particularly drawn to the dreamy beaches on the so-called Coast of the Gods on the Tyrrhenian Sea, which are famous far beyond the Italian borders. Thanks to the numerous dive sites on the coast, divers and snorkelers also get their money’s worth.
Sights and daring architecture on a 40 meter high cliff
But the impressive city of 6,500 people has much more to offer than its beautiful beaches, small, secluded bays and fascinating landscapes. A relaxed stroll through the narrow streets of the historic old town is just as worthwhile as a visit to the impressive cathedral from the 12th century and the neighboring bishop’s palace. There are also other small palaces in and around Tropea. You can marvel at stately houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Baroque facades await you around the Largo Galluppi square.
From the popular viewpoint Capo Vaticano you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire region up to the Aeolian Islands. Another popular attraction in the city is the small pilgrimage church Chiesetta dell’Isola. In front of the gates of Tropea on a cliff is the monastery of Santa Maria della Sanità, which is also always worth a trip.
Maddalena Islands
A wonderful travel destination
The La Maddalena archipelago is located off the north coast of Sardinia and is in the Tyrrhenian Sea. La Maddalena is the largest of the 62 islets that make up the archipelago. It belongs to the Italian region of Gallura. The municipality that bears the same name has more than 11,000 inhabitants and is located in the province of Sassari. The atoll is not far from the Sardinian coast and Corsica is also nearby. The islands there are very rocky, but also have beautiful beaches, which is why traveling to this area is always worthwhile. A visit is also a valuable and enjoyable experience as part of study trips.
History
It was not until the 12th century that Benedictines began to settle here. Although the islands were already known in the Roman Empire, colonization was not worthwhile. Time and again there were disputes over this area between the Italian naval powers Pisa and Genoa. At the end of the 16th century, the Ottomans conquered the archipelago and also destroyed the monasteries that the monks had built here. It wasn’t until about 100 years later that people settled there again. They were Corsican shepherds who found new grazing grounds here. Even fishermen were drawn here now, as the grounds were species-rich and not yet developed.
Sights on La Maddalena
Even the beautiful old town invites you to stay. The atmosphere here is Mediterranean and the buildings are architectural masterpieces. In the old port district there is a large pedestrian zone, in which the visitor will find a large number of different bars, shops and ice cream parlors. The church of Santa Maria Maddalena is also a popular destination for tourists and an important contemporary witness. The museum right next to it is also interesting. The visitor will find a document written by Admiral Nelson there. The town hall in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is also a popular place that is ideal as a photo opportunity.
