The history of Christmas markets goes back to the late Middle Ages in the German speaking part of Europe. These markets have been originated in Germany, Austria, South Tyrol and Alsace bountries. Maybe the Dresden market, first held in 1434, is the oldest one. Throughout the centuries many other Countries introduced this tradition, including Italy. The most famous are held in Trentino-Alto Adige region, Naples (“Presepe of Naples”), Livigno and Milan. they attract between 1.5 and 2 million visitors a year in four weeks of Advent. The markets sell food, drinks, and seasonal items from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing.

They generally take place in the town square and next to the pedestrian zones. We visited an unusual market which astonished us: Perugia underground Christmas market (Umbria). A unique scenario into the original medieval walls and streets of the ancient town restored in 1965, organized in three levels and connected also with modern escalators. Stalls are set on the main roads, in corridors and rooms, and even in small caves (perhaps used as prisons in the past). It is amazing how a combination of the proper lights and the smell of antique enhance the Christmas’s feeling. It’s worth to see it once in a lifetime. Don’t miss a stop at this beautiful medieval town.