Militello in Val di Catania triumphs at Borgo dei Borghi 2025: it is the most beautiful in Italy

Militello in Val di Catania is the Borgo dei Borghi 2025. The verdict came Sunday, April 20, in prime time on Rai3, during the final of Rai Cultura’s program “Il Borgo dei Borghi,” hosted by Camila Raznovich, which every year guides viewers on a journey through Italy’s most fascinating villages. It was a victory loaded with significance for the Sicilian center, which prevailed over nineteen other candidates - one for each region - winning the title of most beautiful village in Italy. With its victory, Militello in Val di Catania joins a list of villages that have managed to win the hearts of Italians. A recognition that, as happened with previous winners, will result in new visibility and, it is hoped, a growth in tourist interest in this splendid Sicilian reality. A Baroque pearl, nestled at the foot of Mount Etna.

A triumph that rewards not only the architectural and scenic beauty of Militello, which was in the race for Sicily, but also its deep historical and cultural identity. Second place went to Agliè, a charming village in Piedmont, while the bronze medal went to Vignanello, in Lazio.

During the final, which was followed by a large audience, Camila Raznovich led viewers along an itinerary that spanned the entire peninsula, highlighting the authentic beauty of well-known and lesser-known villages, with the help of three jurors: Alberta Campitelli, garden historian and member of the Superior Council for Cultural and Landscape Heritage of the Ministry of Culture; Barbara Gallavotti, biologist and science popularizer; and Jacopo Veneziani, art historian and well-known face of television popularization. The three experts talked about some of the most beautiful corners of Italy: Alberta Campitelli led the audience to Valeggio sul Mincio, among the wonders of the Parco Giardino Sigurtà, one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world; Barbara Gallavotti went to the Trebbia Valley, in the Colli Piacentini, to explore Bobbio, the winning village of the 2019 edition; while Jacopo Veneziani enchanted with images of Lake Garda, between Sirmione and the Vittoriale degli Italiani.

At the end of the race, as mentioned, it was Militello in Val di Catania that came out on top. Located in the heart of eastern Sicily, in a hilly area straddling Mount Etna and the Val di Noto, Militello is a veritable treasure trove of Baroque art. Founded in the Middle Ages, the town experienced its heyday between the 17th and 18th centuries, under the influence of the great Sicilian noble families. After the devastating earthquake of 1693, which affected the entire southeastern area of the island, the town was largely rebuilt in the Baroque style, giving rise to an urban layout and architectural heritage now recognized by UNESCO as part of the serial site “The Late Baroque Cities of the Val di Noto.”

Walking through the streets of Militello is like stepping back in time: the churches, noble palaces, squares and fountains tell centuries of history and art. Among its gems are the Mother Church of San Nicolò and the Santissimo Salvatore, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella-with its famous marble statue of the Madonna of the same name attributed to Francesco Laurana-and the Barresi-Branciforte Castle, a symbol of feudal power and residence of the princes who marked the town’s history. But Militello is not only architecture: it is also living tradition, popular culture, ancient flavors.

Over the course of the show, the Sicilian village won over audience and jury with the tale of its authentic soul, made up of welcoming people, centuries-old rituals such as the Feast of Our Lady of the Star, and a gastronomy that mixes intense flavors and Mediterranean scents. It is this mix that makes it unique: being both a testimony to a glorious past and a vital community, ready to face the challenges of the present.

Participation in “The Village of Villages” has represented an extraordinary showcase for Militello, bringing into the national spotlight an area that is often little known to the general public, but very rich in natural beauty and artistic treasures. A candidacy enthusiastically supported by its inhabitants, local institutions and the many who, in Italy and abroad, retain a deep bond with the town. A result that also rewards commitment to the enhancement of the territory and the promotion of sustainable cultural tourism.

Agliè’s second place is no less impressive in terms of charm. Located in the heart of Canavese, Piedmont, Agliè is famous for its imposing castle, a Savoy residence and UNESCO heritage site, and a refined historic center surrounded by hills and vineyards. During the program, the village was able to tell a story related to Piedmontese nobility and the elegance of its 18th-century architecture, garnering public appreciation.

Third runner-up, Vignanello, represents the heart of Tuscia viterbese. The village, dominated by the Ruspoli castle with its Italian garden, enchanted for its perfect balance of nature, history and traditions. Also known for its historic wine production, Vignanello offered an authentic image of rural and cultural Lazio, made up of rituals, flavors and landscapes that are still intact.

This is the rest of the ranking: 4th place Aieta (Calabria), 5th Maiori (Campania), 6th Lazise (Veneto), 7th Ischitella (Puglia), 8th Buggerru (Sardinia), 9th Grado (Friuli-Venezia Giulia), 10th Montechiarugolo (Emilia-Romagna), 11th Corenno Plinio (Lombardy), 12th Montalbano Jonico (Basilicata), 13th Penne (Abruzzo), 14th Scarperia (Tuscany), 15th San Gemini (Umbria), 16th Agnone (Molise), 17th Ala (Trentino Alto-Adige),1 8th Sirolo (Marche), 19th Deiva Marina (Liguria), 20th Nus (Valle D’Aosta).

Militello in Val di Catania triumphs at Borgo dei Borghi 2025: it is the most beautiful in Italy

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