On 5 April, during the prime-time broadcast of Il Kilimangiaro, the winner of Borgo dei Borghi 2026 was officially announced. The much-followed competition once again placed 20 Italian villages in the national spotlight, with viewers voting online alongside an expert jury to decide which would take the title of Italy’s most beautiful village.
Borgo dei Borghi 2026 winner
The village crowned Borgo dei Borghi 2026, or the "Village of Villages", is Cingoli, in the province of Macerata, Marche.
Often referred to as Il Balcone delle Marche — “The Balcony of the Marche” — Cingoli sits high above the surrounding countryside, with wide-open views stretching across central Italy. It is a town with almost entirely intact city walls and a historic centre threaded with quiet streets and long-standing monuments reflecting its past.
The result was announced live on Rai 3 during Il Kilimangiaro, and the mayor declared that the town had “conquered Italy” after securing first place.
Things to do in Cingoli
Cingoli’s appeal lies in its elevated position, defensive walls and strong sense of continuity. It feels lived-in rather than staged.
Walk the historic centre and city walls
Cingoli’s medieval walls remain largely intact, tracing the outline of the old town. Inside, narrow lanes open onto small piazzas and stone palazzi that speak to its past importance.
The Palazzo Comunale and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta anchor the historic core, while smaller churches and civic buildings add layers of Renaissance and medieval history.
Take in the views from “The Balcony of the Marche”
On clear days, the panoramas stretch across rolling hills towards the Apennines. There are several viewpoints along the town’s edge where the landscape unfolds in wide, open swathes of farmland and distant peaks.
Visit Lake Cingoli
A short drive from the centre lies Lago di Castreccioni, commonly known as Lake Cingoli. It’s one of the largest artificial lakes in central Italy and draws locals for sailing, kayaking and summer swimming.
Explore museums and local culture
The Pinacoteca Comunale houses works linked to the Marche region, including pieces associated with Lorenzo Lotto’s influence in the area.
Seasonal events and sagre — traditional food festivals dedicated to specific local products — bring the town to life at various points in the year.
Taste Marche cuisine in traditional trattorie
Expect straightforward regional cooking:
- Classic pasta dishes like Vincisgrassi (a rich baked pasta typical of Marche)
- Local salumi and pecorino
- Verdicchio wine from nearby producers
Why this win matters for Le Marche
Le Marche often sits quietly between better-known regions. It has hilltop towns, Adriatic beaches and mountain backdrops, yet far fewer international visitors than its neighbours. The official list celebrating the most beautiful towns in Italy tends to feature places in Tuscany or Umbria first, while this stretch of central Italy carries on at its own pace.
Winning Borgo dei Borghi 2026 places Cingoli — and by extension inland Marche — firmly in the national conversation. It also puts Cingoli alongside other contenders often cited among the most beautiful villages in Italy, reinforcing its status beyond a single television moment.
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