Best non-touristy places in Northern Italy?

Question

Best non-touristy places in Northern Italy?

Answer 1

Saluzzo is an absolutely exquisite little Piedmont town, a real gem, encapsulating all that makes Italy, and more especially Piedmont special. There is so much that is wonderful about Saluzzo; from the beautiful scenery around the town to the perfectly preserved old town.

The town is only just over an hour by car from Turin/Torino and lies at the foothills of the Piedmont Alps, dominated by the towering peak of Monviso – the source of the mighty river Po.

The old town with its narrow streets rambles up one of the rolling hills of the area. The town, with its bell towers and ancient spires is clearly visible in the distance as you arrive from the Piedmont plains.

Answer 2

Torino area has lovely cities surrounding.  Chieri and Moncalarri to name a few.  In addition, Torino is a short drive from Briancon, France (stage 12 possibly of the Tour de France).

Answer 3

I lived there for four years.  I would have to say Verona, Venice in the fall, and Marostica.

Answer 4

I'm not sure that there really are any non-touristy places here, but there are some that are less touristy.

In Mantova, the castle, palace and Palazzo Te are all among the palces that are worth a visit. The local specialties at the restaurants are good too. They also have a terrific music festival in the summer.

Ferrara also has several historic buildings including the castle, and the Duomo. The Palio in May is definitely worth seeing. There are festivals in the small towns throughout Emilia-Romagna all summer.

Cremona doesn't get as many tourists as some other places.

Modena is also an interesting city. Other places to look into include Pavia, Marostica, Bassano del Grappa, Soave and Vicenza The old theater, the Duomo, and the baptistry in Parma are worth visiting. There are several good castles in towns in the area.

Answer 5

Cuneo, Alba, Novi Ligure, Genoa (a must to have a serious dish of pasta & pesto), Pavia & Parma (wine, cheese and ham), Monza, Como, Bergamo (alto), Lake Garda (full of German & Britich tourists but lovely all the same), Vicenza, Verona, Merano & Bolzano, Trieste.

Answer 6

Pienza e Monticchiello in Tuscany near Siena