La Guida
The guide is divided into four parts.
The first part, found in the colored vertical band on the right side of the first page on each village, gives the general or "access" information on each village (population, elevation, tourist information, Internet sites, patron saint, distances from major towns, and how to get there).
The second part, called the "Spirit of the Village," sketches a portrait of the village, taken from its most deeply rooted and characteristic features: a description of its name and an illustration of its coat of arms, better than scores of words in recounting its origins; the most significant dates in its history, which is almost always millenary; the "genius loci," or pervading spirit of the place, the air one breathes there and the atmosphere that has been created over the centuries that make it unique and instantly recognizable; the story told by those who loved it - travellers, local personages, artists passing through - and that has been impressed on the "memory of mankind"; the person who more than any other has left his or her mark on the village, where he or she was born, accomplished special deeds, or experienced particular events; the "curiosity" worthy of being mentioned; the "good practices," meaning the efforts by the municipal government to protect its rich cultural and environmental heritage for the benefit of the townspeople and visitors alike.
The third part, called "Sights," gives a brief description of the most important architectural structures in the village and surrounding area: churches, fortresses, public buildings, residences, streets, squares, views, etc.
Finally, the fourth part, "Pleasures and Flavors," attempts to list all that is "good and beautiful" in the village, besides the ancient stones. Thus we have the product that can be found only (or almost only) there, the typical dishes, and all the "things to be appreciated" besides those already mentioned. Plus: the main events taking place in the village, the museums and all else that should be seen or experienced before going shopping or dining - which come in good time, with the listing of local craft workshops, shops where one can purchase wine, olive oil and other products (also outside the limits of the historic center), restaurants, agritourism establishments, hotels and other possibilities for accommodation, including campgrounds and places for parking campers.Based on the information provided by the municipal government, the Club has also listed in the guide the artisans, shops, hotels, and restaurants that by combining quality with local characteristics are able to offer products and services worthy of satisfying the most demanding travellers.The Club's mark is thus a sign of quality, and it identifies those producers of goods and services selected to offer the best welcome to visitors to the villages selected and to constitute the line of food and wine products from the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, which will be introduced in 2004.