Italy’s village heritage feels almost endless. There are medieval hilltop settlements, rugged hamlets clinging to rocky slopes, and graceful lowland towns shaped by centuries of rural life. Among them, a handful stand out for a rather unexpected reason: their layout forms a heart when seen from above.
These small historic centres trace a distinct outline in their walls and streets, forming unique heart-shaped villages.
Montemerano, the village in the Maremma
In Maremma, not far from the famous Terme di Saturnia, lies the village of Montemerano. Its historic centre, enclosed by ancient medieval walls, reveals a layout clearly reminiscent of a heart when seen from above. Montemerano's heart-shaped layout is best appreciated from certain vantage points along the road leading up from Saturnia or from the surrounding fields.
But what is there to see in Montemerano? The heart of the town is Piazza del Castello. Also not to be missed are the Church of San Giorgio, famous for its frescoes and elegant Renaissance polyptych, and the Church of the Madonna del Cavalluzzo.
Ormea, the heart of the Ligurian Alps
Ormea is a mountain village located in the Ligurian Alps, in the province of Cuneo, a few kilometres from the Ligurian border. It is one of the most unique villages in Northern Italy. Looking at its historic centre from above, you notice that the houses are arranged to outline the shape of a heart nestled among the mountains.
The village is a maze of "carruggi" —narrow, covered alleys and porticoes reminiscent of Ligurian towns. The Parish Church of San Martino, with its soaring bell tower, ancient houses with frescoed facades, and historic fountains, are worth a stroll.
Castellaro Lagusello, a heart-shaped lakeside village
In the case of Castellaro Lagusello, nature is the real protagonist: next to the medieval village is a small lake that, when seen from above, forms a perfect heart shape. The town is located in the lower Garda area, in the province of Mantua, in an area of rolling moraine hills and vineyards.
Among the town's must-see attractions are the parish church dedicated to San Nicola, several ancient stately homes, and sections of the city walls with walkways.
Scanno and the heart-shaped lake
The village, perched on the mountainside, is a labyrinth of stairways, arches, and stone houses. However, the true icon of Scanno is the view of the heart-shaped lake, which can be admired from several lookouts.
The village of Scanno offers no shortage of things to see: historic churches, such as Santa Maria della Valle, narrow alleys with steep stairways, wrought-iron balconies, and ancient workshops where gold and filigree are still crafted according to tradition.
Castelsaraceno, a village nestled between two natural parks
Castelsaraceno is a charming Lucanian village perched between two large protected areas: the Pollino National Park and the Appennino Lucano Val d'Agri–Lagonegrese National Park. The town's skyline is nestled on a mountain ridge, so much so that, from some vantage points, it appears heart-shaped.
In addition to its shape, Castelsaraceno has become known in recent years for the longest Tibetan bridge in the world, which connects two slopes and offers an adrenaline-filled experience.
The village's ancient churches, such as the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the panoramic points overlooking the Pollino are also worth a visit.
Stay inspired for your travels in Italy —get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
