Passion Italy

-I'm Alessandra Poli.

I'm Italian, and I've been traveling to every corner of Italy discovering the hidden gems of this beautiful country.

"Passion Italy" is my way to share them with you.

The real Italy -- it's a love for stunning landscapes, the creativity to transform a tree into art, the soul to capture the Dolomites in a glass, the magic of giving life to wood, and tasting some mouthwatering lamb dishes.

What can you do in Trentino-Alto Adige?

Hiking, biking, horse riding, but we're just getting started.

Exciting museums and buildings steeped in history will offer the perfect vacation for every taste.

Trentino-Alto Adige is a region located in Italy's northeast.

We will begin our adventure deep into the mountains in the Funes Valley.

Bressanone will be our privileged pit stop on the way to the stunning Val Gardena, the charming town of Castelrotto being our next destination, Bolzano our last.

Home to the spectacular saw-toothed Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the semi-autonomous South Tyrol region is packed with dramatic landscapes and cultural diversity.

The allure of South Tyrol lies in its variety and the harmony of opposites -- Mediterranean landscapes and craggy Alpine peaks, deeply rooted traditions and cosmopolitan attitude, German staidness combined with the Italian lore.

In the street, you will hear the characteristic sounds of the mingling of Italian and German.

The stunning shapes of the Dolomites, deep lush valleys, earth pyramids, vast vineyards, enchanting castles are just some of the pictures that will frame your memories of Alto Adige.

You'll be sure to return home relaxed and rejuvenated.

The Val di Funes is a small but captivating valley wedged between the majestic peak of the Odle mountain range.

Funes is defined as the "pearl of the Alps," as it is one of the few unspoiled valleys rich in breathtaking landscapes.

Slow travel and sustainability are the general trend here.

It is the perfect place for a relaxing vacation while respecting the environment.

And it's right here that Chef Oskar Messner has gained notoriety due to an admirable project of recovery and revitalizations of local traditions and culture.

Thanks to Oskar Messner, the sheep with glasses has been preserved from extinction and is back to populating Dolomite's pastures.

He was also able to popularize their meat, once little appreciated.

-[ Speaking Italian ] [ Indistinct conversation ] -If you feel like a day trip, the fascinating Bressanone is the place to go.

The town, at over 1,000 years old, is the most ancient in Tyrol and was the privileged stopover for emperors during their journey to the south.

It later became renowned for its imposing cathedral looming over the main square.

Strolling around the pretty medieval city center with its arcades and narrow streets is really pleasant, even on a rainy day.

The Hofburg is unlike other castles since the bishops of Bressanone's Diocese used to reside here until 1803.

In fact, they had also the temporal power by being the administrators of the city.

Its construction started in the 13th century.

Around the 1600s, the palace was completely renovated, as is evident from the splendid Renaissance-style interior courtyard decorated with statues.

In 18th century it gained the Baroque look it still has today.

The antechamber and the council chamber still retain their original appearance with the wooden paneling, painted coat of arms, and tiled stoves.

The dining room adorned with the portraits of the imperial family is outstanding.

The bishops resided here until 1973 when the Hofburg was converted into a museum.

After this dive into the past, I continue my visit in the adjoining Diocesan Museum which, with its 70 rooms, displays a cross section of the sacred art of the South Tyrol.

It is one of most comprehensive ecclesiastical collections anywhere.

In the Diocesan Museum, precious examples of sculptures and paintings from different epochs are preserved.

The most emblematic works, however, are the medieval religious art objects such as processional cross, reliquaries, and liturgical vestments.

Ortisei rises right in the center of Val Gardena, another valley bursting with tradition, culture, character, and amazing natural landscapes.

You'll certainly fall under the spell of its stunning peaks.

In the 17th century, this area became famous for the art of woodcarving religious objects, which, to this very day, are coveted all over the world.

Judith Sotriffer is a remarkable artisan who is able to give life to the traditional wooden dolls which are not only a family tradition but a real passion.

-[ Speaking Italian ] -Judith accompanies me in the discovery of a spectacular medieval castle named after the family of Oswald von Wolkenstein.

The castle perches like an eagle's nest on a precipice of the Stevia Mountain at more than 1,600 meters high.

The castle was built at the beginning of the 13th century.

Its most renowned owner was the Count Wolkenstein, one of the most important minstrel, lyricists, and composers of the Middle Ages.

He had an adventurous life, leaving his parent's home at 10 years old to travel in many countries as a knight's squire.

In the 15th century, the castle was stormed by the Venetians, and it was rebuilt only one century after.

We pass through wood-paneled room, typical of the local architectural style.

The little frescoed chapel is a real treasure trove.

This place, so rich in charm,, is a valuable witness to the local history.

[ Birds chirping ] Selva di Val Gardena is one of three beautiful villages of Val Gardena and offers plenty of opportunities to recharge your batteries with its nearby natural parks, idyllic meadows, and Dolomite's peaks.

Wood is one of the primary ingredients of Aron Demetz's art, but what makes his works unique and full of meanings are the processes he uses to transform it and the combination with other materials.

-[ Speaking Italian ] [ Buzzing ] -The original foundation of Castelrotto dates back to Roman times.

The lively village hosts the third-highest church tower in South Tyrol.

Florian Rabanser is a master distiller who creates rum and gin of the Dolomites.

Creativity, passion, and commitment are the ingredients present in every one of his spirits.

-[ Speaking Italian ] -The South Tyrolean capital is set almost in the region's heart.

The Bolzano Valley has been inhabited for millennia.

The medieval city center remained practically unchanged until the 19th century.

It is so charming and peaceful.

The arcades, with their rationalist architecture from the 1930s, full of shops and appealing bars, are the perfect place to stroll after a hiking day.

Look up and marvel at palaces in Baroque style and at Gothic facades.

[ Birds cooing ] The Romanesque-style Castel Roncolo reminds me that of fairy tales about witches and wizards.

I can't wait to go inside.

The castle was erected by the brothers Friedrich and Beral of Wangen in 1237.

In 1385, Franz and Niklaus Vintler, brothers from a wealthy merchant's family in Bolzano, bought and restored the castle, giving it a new Gothic look.

They also commissioned the decoration of the western palace and summer house with frescoes.

They are the largest cycle of frescoes from that era.

They represent the medieval society with scenes of the daily life of nobles, as well as old-time heroes and religious subjects.

The representation of King Arthur's Round Table as a wall painting is one of the oldest.

In the second part of the 15th century, the family Vintler lost possession of the castle which, in 1893, was given as a gift to the inhabitants of Bolzano by Emperor Franz Joseph.

[ Bird cooing ] I don't know what I'm going to miss the most -- the breathtaking landscapes, the relaxing atmosphere, or the delicious food.

But one thing is certain -- I'll be back.

"Passion Italy" is a deep dive into Italian culture and excellence.

And I'll show you the Italy you have never seen before.

Come with me on "Passion Italy" for the people, the places, and the passion.