Militello in Val di Catania has been crowned the "Borgo dei Borghi 2025," a prestigious title awarded during the final episode of the Rai Cultura program "Il Borgo dei Borghi," aired on April 20, 2025. The Sicilian village triumphed over 19 other contenders from across Italy, showcasing its rich history and cultural heritage.
The program, hosted by Camila Raznovich, is an annual celebration of Italy's most beautiful villages, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural and historical sites. This year, the competition featured twenty locations, one from each Italian region, each vying for the title of the most beautiful village in Italy.
Militello in Val di Catania, a small town in the province of Catania, emerged victorious, succeeding Peccioli, the winner of the previous edition. This marks the fifth time a Sicilian village has claimed the title, highlighting the region's prominence in Italy's cultural landscape.
In the final rankings, Agliè from Piedmont secured second place, while Vignanello from Lazio took third. The results were determined by a combination of public votes and evaluations from a panel of expert jurors, which included Alberta Campitelli, a garden historian and member of the Superior Council for Cultural Heritage; Barbara Gallavotti, a biologist and science communicator; and Jacopo Veneziani, an art historian and television presenter.
The public voting took place from March 23 to April 6, 2025, allowing thousands of viewers to express their preferences for their favorite villages. Each participant could vote once per day, with a total of five votes allowed throughout the voting period. The jurors' scores accounted for 15% of the final tally, while the public votes made up the remaining 85%.
Militello in Val di Catania is renowned for its stunning baroque architecture and rich historical significance. The town, founded in the Middle Ages, boasts a population of approximately 1,600 residents and is known for its twenty-one churches, earning it a place among the eight late baroque cities of Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The village's victory is not just a testament to its architectural beauty but also a recognition of its vibrant cultural identity. The town's historical narrative includes its reconstruction following the devastating earthquake of 1693, which reshaped much of the southeastern region of Sicily. The baroque style that emerged from this period is evident in the town's urban layout and architectural heritage.
During the program, Raznovich guided viewers through the picturesque landscapes of Italy, highlighting the unique stories and traditions of each competing village. Campitelli explored the enchanting Parco Giardino Sigurtà in Valeggio sul Mincio, while Gallavotti visited the scenic Val Trebbia, shedding light on Bobbio, the winner of the 2019 edition. Veneziani captivated audiences with stunning visuals from the shores of Lake Garda, including Sirmione and the Vittoriale degli Italiani.
The competition serves a dual purpose: it aims to promote tourism while raising awareness about the importance of protecting Italy's cultural and natural heritage. The towns participating in the competition are not just competing for a title; they are also showcasing their unique identities and the stories that make them special.
The final ranking of the twenty villages was as follows: 20th place went to Nus in Valle d'Aosta; 19th to Deiva Marina in Liguria; 18th to San Gemini in Umbria; 17th to Agnone in Molise; 16th to Sirolo in Marche; 15th to Ala in Trentino Alto-Adige; 14th to Scarperia in Tuscany; 13th to Penne in Abruzzo; 12th to Montalbano Jonico in Basilicata; 11th to Corenno Plinio in Lombardy; 10th to Montechiarugolo in Emilia-Romagna; 9th to Buggerru in Sardinia; 8th to Grado in Friuli-Venezia Giulia; 7th to Ischitella in Puglia; 6th to Lazise in Veneto; 5th to Maiori in Campania; 4th to Aieta in Calabria; 3rd to Vignanello in Lazio; 2nd to Agliè in Piedmont; and 1st to Militello in Val di Catania.
This recognition brings new visibility to Militello in Val di Catania, fostering hopes for increased tourism and interest in this hidden gem of Sicily. The village's rich traditions, welcoming community, and culinary delights further enhance its appeal, making it a vibrant part of Italy's cultural tapestry.
As the competition concluded, the sense of pride among the residents of Militello was palpable. Their dedication to preserving their heritage and promoting sustainable cultural tourism has not only brought them national recognition but also reinforced their commitment to maintaining the unique character of their village.
In summary, the title of "Borgo dei Borghi 2025" awarded to Militello in Val di Catania is a celebration of Italy's diverse cultural heritage and an invitation for travelers to explore the beauty and history of its lesser-known villages.
