As Italy gears up for a night of celebration and competition, the spotlight will shine on Vignanello as it vies for the coveted title of "Borgo dei Borghi 2025" on the popular television program airing on Rai 3. The event, set to air on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 20:35, promises to showcase the beauty and charm of Italy's hidden gems, with Vignanello representing the Lazio region.
Hosted by the charismatic Camila Raznovich, the twelfth edition of "Il Borgo dei Borghi" invites viewers to discover the stories, traditions, and treasures of twenty enchanting villages from across the country. Each village, one from each region, will compete for the title of the most beautiful village in Italy. This year, the lineup includes Agliè (Piemonte), Agnone (Molise), Aieta (Calabria), Ala (Trentino Alto-Adige), Buggerru (Sardegna), Corenno Plinio (Lombardia), Deiva Marina (Liguria), Grado (Friuli-Venezia Giulia), Ischitella (Puglia), Lazise (Veneto), Maiori (Campania), Militello in Val di Catania (Sicilia), Montalbano Jonico (Basilicata), Montechiarugolo (Emilia-Romagna), Nus (Valle D’Aosta), Penne (Abruzzo), San Gemini (Umbria), Scarperia (Toscana), Sirolo (Marche), and of course, Vignanello (Lazio).
Vignanello, a charming jewel in the Tuscia region, is known for its well-preserved historical center, the captivating Ruspoli Castle, and a vibrant cultural life that flourishes throughout the year. Its participation in this prestigious competition is not just a chance to win a title; it is an opportunity for the village to gain visibility and showcase its unique identity to the entire nation.
As the program unfolds, viewers will be treated to stunning visuals and insights into each village's distinctive character. Three expert jurors will join Raznovich in evaluating the competitors. Alberta Campitelli, a garden historian and member of the Superior Council for Cultural Heritage, will be present in Valeggio sul Mincio to explore the Parco Giardino Sigurtà. Barbara Gallavotti, a biologist and science communicator, will delve into the history of Bobbio, the winner of 2019, located in Val Trebbia. Lastly, Jacopo Veneziani, an art historian and communicator, will guide viewers through the picturesque sights of Sirmione and the Vittoriale degli Italiani on Lake Garda.
In a recent interview, Raznovich reflected on the changing perception of Italy's villages, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted, "Everything started during the COVID times. We had a program that exploded because, in recent years, proximity tourism has been reevaluated. People are eager to discover the small Italian towns that hold extraordinary treasures." This shift in focus has brought renewed interest in the beauty and serenity offered by Italy's lesser-known locales.
Raznovich emphasized the importance of storytelling through visuals rather than words, stating, "I limit myself to being a guide. The real storytelling is built by the images: drones, cameras, visual details. Words can sometimes be redundant. It’s the gaze that makes the difference." She believes that in today’s fast-paced world, small towns represent places of serenity and refuge, especially in light of ongoing global uncertainties. "I think we will witness a return to more peripheral areas, with many people ready to rediscover country houses, just like during the lockdown. Economic uncertainty and ongoing conflicts push us to seek stability. And the villages, with their slow pace and quality of life, can offer that," she added.
The voting process for determining the winner involves both the online votes cast by the public and the assessments made by the expert jurors. This dual approach ensures that the title reflects not only popular sentiment but also expert evaluation of the villages' cultural and aesthetic merits.
As Vignanello prepares for its moment in the limelight, the local community is hopeful that their beloved village will capture the hearts of viewers and emerge victorious. The event is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of Italy's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the beauty and diversity of its landscapes and communities.
With its picturesque streets and historical significance, Vignanello is ready to shine on national television, hoping to enchant viewers with its charm and possibly secure the title of "Borgo dei Borghi 2025." As the countdown to the broadcast begins, anticipation builds not just in Vignanello but across the Lazio region and beyond. Will this year’s title return to the heart of Tuscia? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey of discovery and appreciation for Italy's hidden gems continues.
