These documentaries about Italy show a land of timeless beauty, rich history, and exquisite culture, which has long captivated the imagination of travellers and history enthusiasts alike.
From the iconic art of Florence to the culinary delights of Rome, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charming villages of the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s diverse and multifaceted allure is a subject that continues to inspire filmmakers and documentarians.
Whether you are a lover of art, history, cuisine, or simply the sheer beauty of the Italian landscape, numerous documentaries transport you to this enchanting Mediterranean nation.
Documentaries About Italy
In this collection of documentaries about Italy, you’ll see its vibrant cities, picturesque countryside, and deep cultural heritage.
Explore the stories, traditions, and treasures that make Italy a timeless and endlessly fascinating destination.
The Truffle Hunters (2020)
The Truffle Hunters is a documentary film that explores the world of truffle hunting in the forests of Northern Italy. The documentary focuses on a group of elderly men and their specially trained dogs who search for the elusive and highly valuable Alba truffle in the forests of Piedmont, Italy.
These truffles are highly prized in the culinary world and can fetch high prices. The hunters are portrayed as a secretive and close-knit community, passing down their knowledge from generation to generation.
One of the standout features of the documentary is its stunning cinematography. The filmmakers capture the beauty of the Italian landscapes and the intimate moments of the truffle hunters’ lives with a poetic and visually captivating style.
The documentary delves into the cultural significance of truffle hunting in the region and the culinary world’s fascination with these rare fungi. It provides a glimpse into the intricate and sometimes clandestine world of truffle dealing.
A significant aspect of the documentary is the bond between the truffle hunters and their dogs. The specially trained dogs play a crucial role in locating truffles, and the film highlights the deep connection between the hunters and their canine companions.
This is one of the best documentaries about Italy to watch and is a favourite of mine.
Watch the full documentary here at Amazon:
Trailer:
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021)
Hosted by chef and TV personality Stanley Tucci, this documentary series delves into the culinary traditions of various Italian regions, offering a mouthwatering exploration of Italian cuisine.
In each episode, Stanley Tucci travels to a different part of Italy to delve into the local cuisine, traditions, and ingredients. He meets with local chefs, farmers, and food artisans to learn about the unique dishes and flavours of the region.
The show also touches on the history and culture of Italy, as food is deeply intertwined with the country’s heritage. This is my current favourite of these documentaries about Italy. Be warned. it will make you hungry!
Barolo Boys: The Story of a Revolution (2014)
Explore the world of Italian winemaking in this documentary, which follows a group of winemakers who played a pivotal role in transforming the reputation of Barolo wine.
Barolo is a famous Italian red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape variety and is produced in the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy. Traditionally, Barolo was made using traditional methods, with long ageing in large oak barrels.
However, in the 1980s and 1990s, a new generation of winemakers, the “Barolo Boys,” challenged these traditions and introduced modern winemaking techniques.
They experimented with smaller oak barrels, shorter ageing periods, and other innovations, which led to a significant shift in the style and perception of Barolo wine.
Watch the full documentary on Amazon:
Trailer:
Italy Unpacked (2013 Onwards)
Italy Unpacked explores the diverse culinary and cultural landscapes of Italy. The series is hosted by two presenters: chef Giorgio Locatelli and art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon.
The show typically combines elements of travel, food, and art, offering viewers a multifaceted experience. Giorgio Locatelli, as a chef, shares his expertise in Italian cuisine, highlighting regional specialities, local ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.
Andrew Graham-Dixon, as an art critic, explores the art, history, and cultural significance of each region, providing insights into the artistic heritage of Italy.
Throughout the series, the hosts meet with local chefs, farmers, artisans, and other experts to showcase the authenticity and diversity of Italian food and culture.
Italy Unpacked has multiple seasons, and each season focuses on a specific region or set of regions within Italy.
You can watch all of these episodes for free on YouTube, although at low quality.
James May: Our Man in Italy (2020)
This is a travel documentary series hosted by British television presenter and journalist James May.
Throughout the series, James travels through Italy, from the northern regions down to the southern tip of the country. He delves into Italy’s rich and diverse culinary traditions, art, history, and lifestyle.
James May’s distinctive and often humorous approach to storytelling is a central part of the show’s appeal.
It combines travel, history, and food as it takes you on a tour of Italy’s cities, countryside, and coastal areas. May’s adventures include participating in local traditions, meeting with artisans and experts, and trying regional dishes.
This is one of the most entertaining ones of these documentaries about Italy.
Watch the documentary series here on Amazon:
Trailer:
The Mafia’s Secret Bunkers (2014)
This documentary reveals the hidden bunkers and underground tunnels used by the Mafia in Southern Italy, shedding light on the organization’s history and activities.
In this documentary, viewers are taken on a journey to uncover the clandestine world of the Mafia’s secret bunkers, which were used for a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, weapons storage, and as hideouts for Mafia members on the run.
These bunkers were often well-hidden, sophisticated, and equipped with all the necessities to sustain the criminal operations of the Mafia.
The documentary explores the history of the Italian Mafia, its organizational structure, and the role of these bunkers in its criminal activities.
Florence and the Uffizi Gallery 3D/4K (2015)
A visually stunning documentary that provides a 3D and 4K tour of Florence and its famous Uffizi Gallery.
It combines breathtaking aerial shots of Florence’s historic landmarks, such as the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Ponte Vecchio, and the city’s picturesque streets, with a tour of the Uffizi Gallery’s world-class art collection.
The Uffizi Gallery is famous for its extensive collection of Renaissance art, including works by Italian masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and many others.
The film takes you on a journey through the gallery’s halls and showcases some of its most iconic artworks, allowing for a close-up and immersive experience of these masterpieces.
Italy’s Invisible Cities (2017)
Italy’s Invisible Cities series is produced by BBC and National Geographic and is hosted by Alexander Armstrong.
It explores some of Italy’s most famous cities from a unique perspective, focusing on the hidden history, engineering marvels, and lesser-known aspects of these urban centres.
The series takes viewers on a journey through three iconic Italian cities: Florence, Venice, and Naples. Each episode delves into the history, culture, and architecture of these cities, with a particular emphasis on the hidden and lesser-explored aspects that make them fascinating.
You can learn about the construction and engineering feats that shaped these cities, discover the secrets of their underground tunnels and catacombs, and gain insight into the historical figures who played pivotal roles in their development.
Watch the series on Amazon:
Trailer:
Rick Steves Italy
Rick Steves has produced several television series and episodes dedicated to exploring Italy. These television programs provide you with a visual and educational tour of Italy’s cities, regions, and cultural attractions, along with practical travel advice.
Rick Steves’ Europe: This is Rick Steves’ long-running television series that covers travel throughout Europe, including Italy. Within this series, there are multiple episodes dedicated specifically to Italy. Rick Steves visits various Italian destinations, offering insights into their history, culture, art, and cuisine.
Rick Steves’ Italy: In this television special, Rick Steves explores Italy’s most iconic cities and regions. He takes viewers on a journey to places like Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. The special provides travel tips, historical context, and cultural experiences.
These television programs are designed to educate and inspire travellers, offering practical information and cultural insights to enhance the travel experience in Italy.
These travel documentaries about Italy are generally short, coming in at around 25 minutes each, and you can find many of them to watch for free on YouTube.
Wild Italy – From The Alps to Tuscany
This is a good full documentary to watch on YouTube that shows some of the wildlife of the northern part of the country.
If you want to watch something about some of Italy’s wildlife and natural areas then this is one of the best documentaries about Italy for you.
One extra for some in-depth history of Italy…
History of Italy (2023)
This is a good documentary showing the overall history of the country. It’s one of the newer documentaries about Italy on this list.
Many of the other documentaries listed here delve into specific parts of Italy but this one gives you a history of the whole country.
It is a “made for YouTube” video but don’t let that put you off, it’s a great introduction to the history of Italy.
Italy
These documentaries offer a diverse and captivating look at Italy’s history, culture, art, and society, making them a great way to explore the country from the comfort of your own home.
Keeping with the Italy theme, have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Rome.
Also, 10 of the best movies about Sicily.
And for more from the region take a look at the 10 best documentaries about Greece.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy you can find hotels in Rome here.
For a good overall guide to the country, this is one of the best to get: Rick Steves Italy.
For more on Italy take a look at the best things to do in Florence.
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