Alongside the most well-known places in Northern Italy, there are just as many strange and unusual ones. Between natural wonders and very particular works of architecture, it is not difficult to find places out of time, where the atmosphere is certainly unusual. If you are thinking of spending a few days away from home, then, here are some strange places to see in Northern Italy.
Tovel Lake
Lake Tovel is a pearl of the Val di Non, in Trentino-Alto Adige, known above all for a unique natural phenomenon that occurred until the 1960s: its waters were tinged with red. This event was caused by the presence of an algae which, under certain conditions, produced a red pigment. Today, the phenomenon no longer manifests itself with the same intensity, but, on the contrary, the water is a transparent, almost Caribbean colour.
Once you arrive at the lake, you can walk along the path that surrounds it: it’s a walk of an hour and a half suitable for everyone, even the little ones. Along the way you will also find small ones little beaches where the sand is transparent and the water crystal clear.
Vegetable Cathedral, Oltre Il Colle
Among the “strange” places in Lombardy we must also mention the Vegetal Cathedral, a unique structure of its kind. This work of art, designed by the artist Giuliano Mauri, is an example of natural architecture that blends perfectly with the surrounding environment. The peculiarity of this cathedral lies in its construction: columns intertwined with branches and tree trunks which, as they grow, will give life to the green naves.
The Vegetal Cathedral is located in Oltre il Colle, in Val Seriana, and represents a tribute to the beauty of nature as, over time, the new trees will grow and take the place of the wooden trellis, which are however made with materials recovered from nature.
Resia Lake
Lake Resia is famous for its submerged bell tower, which gives a surreal effect both in summer and winter, when the lake becomes a large skating rink. This artificial body of water it was created in the 1950s following the union of two pre-existing lakes, submerging the ancient town of Curon Venosta.
The ancient bell tower, dating back to the Romanesque era, still remains standing as it was not rebuilt in the new town. Thanks to the restoration work that took place in 2009, the bell tower has been made safe and will continue to be a symbol of this valley.
Masone labyrinth, Fontanellato
You will have to get to Fontanellato in the province of Parma to find another strange place to visit. Here is the largest labyrinth in the world created from bamboo. The idea came from the artist Franco Maria Ricci and involved the creation of an exhibition space for his art collection. Work began in 2005, but only ten years later the intricate route was opened to the public.
The shape of the labyrinth recalls the pattern of the ancient ones ideal cities of the Renaissancewhile in the center there is a temple with an Egyptian pyramid, probably an esoteric symbol that completes the octagonal scheme.
Leonardo’s vineyard, Milan
Sometimes the most particular places are there for all to see. Near the famous Cenacolo Vinciano, there is an ancient vineyard with a particular history. This was donated to Leonardo da Vinci by Duke Ludovico il Moro in 1498 and represents a piece of Milanese history that has been preserved to this day.
Despite this, this little oasis in the urban heart of Milan had a troubled history: seized by the French authorities it was returned to him only after some time. He continued to deal with it until the end, mentioning it explicitly in his will.
Grazzano Visconti, Vigolzone
Immersed in the green countryside of Emilia-Romagna, Grazzano Visconti is a real fairytale destination. This small town, located in the municipality of Vigolzone, a few kilometers from Piacenza, is famous for its neo-Gothic castle and for its atmospheres that take you back in time.
Grazzano Visconti was created at the beginning of the 20th century by Giuseppe Visconti di Modrone, who wanted to recreate a medieval setting taking inspiration from the ancient architecture of the place. Inside the village there is a church, a museum of agricultural tools, a wax museum and a torture museum. You will find it later small inhabited houses and craft shops.
