June 2nd: A Journey Through Italy’s Most Inspired Architecture, Between Design and Territory
Republic Day, June 2nd, is the perfect occasion for a long weekend devoted to contemporary architecture and Italian design. While major cities are often the stars of classic itineraries, today we’re offering a selection of lesser-known but extraordinarily fascinating destinations—ideal for those who love to explore the creative side of our country.
The "Abitare" section was created to explore the evolution of the spaces we live in: environments, materials, styles, and transformations that narrate the present and suggest future visions. From this perspective, we couldn’t miss the chance to dedicate a special feature to those Italian destinations that best embody the intersection of contemporary architecture and landscape.
As we approach the long Republic Day weekend, we want to propose an itinerary that goes beyond conventional tourist paths and opens up a deeper dimension of living—one that links architectural innovation, historical memory, and environmental sustainability. A journey through alpine villages and southern cities, cultural hubs and urban laboratories, where design becomes a lens to understand new ways of living and interpreting the Italian territory.
Let’s discover five surprising destinations where art, landscape, and sustainable design merge into unique experiences.
1. Cibiana di Cadore (BL) – Art and Architecture in the Dolomites
A small village nestled among the peaks of the Belluno Dolomites, Cibiana di Cadore is an architectural and artistic gem. Famous for its murals scattered throughout the town, in recent years it has seen the rise of residences and accommodations designed by young architects who reinterpret the alpine style in a contemporary key. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking sustainable architecture immersed in nature.
2. Matera and the Serra Venerdì District – Beyond the Sassi, a City of Innovation
Much has been said about the Sassi of Matera, but few know about the urban regeneration project of Serra Venerdì, where local architecture firms have transformed former public housing into cultural spaces and contemporary residences. It’s a perfect example of urban renewal in southern Italy, where design interacts with historical memory.
3. Rovereto (TN) – Where Industry Meets Art and Architecture
Rovereto is known for MART, one of the most iconic museum hubs in Trentino. But the entire city serves as a lab of converted industrial architecture, thanks to interventions that enhance abandoned warehouses and suburban areas. Its new creative hubs and coworking spaces make it a must-visit for those interested in architectural revitalization of former industrial zones.
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4. Gibellina Nuova (TP) – An Open-Air Museum of Contemporary Design
In the heart of western Sicily, Gibellina Nuova is one of the most radical examples of post-earthquake architecture. Rebuilt in the 1980s, it houses works by artists and architects such as Purini, Consagra, and Mendini. A visionary destination for those who want to explore experimental design and public art.
5. San Vito al Tagliamento (PN) – Architectural Innovation in Friuli
A small town in Friuli with a vibrant cultural scene, San Vito is home to the Polinote Lab cultural center, a wood-and-steel structure surrounded by greenery, built according to bio-architecture principles. The town also hosts festivals focused on the relationship between architecture and music, making it an original destination for creative travelers.
Rediscovering Italy Through Contemporary Architecture
June 2nd is the perfect time to slow down and immerse yourself in alternative routes, where architecture and design become tools to read and experience the territory. Far from the beaten paths, these places offer inspiration, culture, and sustainability—core values even for those involved in real estate enhancement and online auction investments.
A journey through the forms of the present that enriches our vision of the future.
