Everyone knows Florence, Rome, and Venice when it comes to Italian art. But there’s another side to Italy’s cultural landscape, one that’s quieter, less crowded, and just as rich in creativity. Scattered across the country are smaller cities where masterpieces live in peace, local artists still shape the story, and every piazza feels like a personal discovery.
If you’re an art lover ready to go beyond the obvious, this is your guide. These underrated art cities in Italy blend heritage, beauty, and local life, and they’re waiting to be explored.
Mantua, Lombardy: The Silent Stage of the Renaissance
Once the capital of the Gonzaga dynasty, Mantua is a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture. It’s home to the Palazzo Ducale, a sprawling complex filled with frescoed rooms, royal gardens, and Mantegna’s famous Camera degli Sposi, a masterpiece of illusion and symbolism.
The city’s compact historic center is easy to explore on foot or by bike. Don’t miss the Palazzo Te, where Giulio Romano’s bold Mannerist frescoes push boundaries and surprise at every turn. Mantua’s theaters, galleries, and literary history make it a perfect cultural escape for travelers looking to slow down and soak in refined beauty.
Parma, Emilia-Romagna: Music, Murals, and More
Known for its food, Parma also serves up a rich artistic legacy. Start at the Cathedral of Parma, whose dome is painted with a visionary fresco by Correggio that seems to open into heaven. Just next door, the pink-marble Baptistery dazzles with medieval carvings and vibrant color.
Parma is also the birthplace of composer Giuseppe Verdi, and music runs through the soul of the city. Stop by the Teatro Regio, one of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses, and explore contemporary art at the CSAC (Centro Studi e Archivio della Comunicazione) housed in a former monastery. With its combination of classical and modern, Parma blends artistic eras in surprising ways.
Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna: Walls, Frescoes, and Harmony
Ferrara was once a center of avant-garde thinking and humanist culture under the Este family. Today, the city still reflects their passion for the arts. Its centerpiece is the Castello Estense, a moated fortress with grand halls and frescoed ceilings.
Ferrara is also home to Palazzo Schifanoia, whose fresco cycle, The Months, offers an extraordinary glimpse into life, astrology, and symbolism in the 15th century. Biking through the quiet streets of Ferrara, which still retain their medieval layout, is like riding through a living museum.
Lecce, Puglia: The Florence of the South
Often called the “Florence of the South,” Lecce stuns visitors with its elaborate Baroque architecture carved in the warm, golden limestone unique to the region. Walk through its historic center and you’ll find facades that look like stage sets, balconies overflowing with detail, and squares that glow at sunset.
Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, a masterpiece of Lecce Baroque, and explore the Roman Amphitheatre right in the middle of the city. Lecce also has a vibrant community of artisans working in traditional papier-mâché and ceramics, adding a living, breathing element to the art scene.
Urbino, Marche: Raphael’s Hometown
Tucked into the hills of the Marche region, Urbino is the birthplace of Renaissance master Raphael. His childhood home is now a museum, and the city itself feels frozen in a golden era of art and intellect.
The star attraction is the Palazzo Ducale, an architectural masterpiece built by Federico da Montefeltro, filled with frescoes, tapestries, and one of Italy’s most important collections of Renaissance art. As a university town, Urbino remains lively and youthful, with exhibitions, art lectures, and student life spilling into its streets.
Vicenza, Veneto: The City of Palladio
While nearby Venice gets most of the attention, Vicenza quietly showcases some of Italy’s most elegant architecture, thanks to the 16th-century genius Andrea Palladio. His clean lines, harmonious proportions, and classical style earned the city a UNESCO World Heritage status.
Visit the Teatro Olimpico, the world’s oldest indoor theater, and Villa La Rotonda, the model for countless neoclassical buildings across Europe and the US. Vicenza also has a contemporary side, with modern art galleries and events that celebrate the intersection of past and present.
Bonus Stop: Cagliari, Sardinia’s Cultural Capital
Often bypassed in favor of beaches, Cagliari is one of Italy’s most underrated cultural cities. Its National Archaeological Museum holds artifacts from the island’s mysterious Nuragic civilization, while the hilltop Castello district offers sweeping views and hidden art-filled churches.
Explore the Cittadella dei Musei, a cluster of museums, and discover how Sardinia’s unique identity translates into its art, language, and traditions. Cagliari is both ancient and modern, quiet yet full of stories.
How to Explore Art Cities the Slow Way
- Stay in smaller B&Bs or historical residences to feel the character of the city.
- Visit during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for fewer crowds and better light.
- Choose guided art walks or local workshops to deepen your understanding.
- Travel by train or car to connect underrated cities and countryside in one trip.
Discover Culture Off the Beaten Track with Maestro Discover Italy
At Maestro Discover Italy, we go beyond the obvious. Our Sinfonia Italiana itineraries are crafted for travelers who want to explore Italy’s artistic soul through handpicked destinations, local insight, and time to truly take it in.
From frescoed cathedrals to artist workshops, from Baroque facades to modern design, we’ll help you create an art journey that feels personal and inspiring.
Travel like an art historian, experience like a local. Let Maestro guide you to Italy’s most unforgettable cultural treasures.