The world’s unexpected architectural treasures

For travellers who have already explored the world’s most famous architectural delights, here is a list of lesser-known treasures.

Brasilia, Brazil

Built in just over three years, Brasilia is a peculiar but charismatic place, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was designed by chief architect, Oscar Niemeyer, in the International Style of architecture; a technique that combines vast sheets of glass, steel, spacious interiors, no fussy details and a more elusive, weightless quality. Touring its artistic buildings is like Disneyland for architecture enthusiasts. If you want to stay in a showcase of Brasilia’s forward-thinking architecture, the Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada hotel, with its futuristic exterior, will be just what you’re looking for.

Alberobello, Italy

The small Apulian town of Alberobello is an architectural oddity. Its inhabitants live in ‘trulli’ – dry stone huts with whitewashed walls and conical, limestone roofs – the oldest of which were built in the 14th century. The white tips of the roofs glisten in the sun and the huts are all draped in wisteria and potted plants, making the setting feel almost fictional. And best of all, you can actually stay in one of these historic huts. The family-run Trulli e Puglia Resort has restored a number of trulli to offer self-catered, air-conditioned accommodation for architecture enthusiast travellers.

Vicenza, Italy

Set amid the dark green, sun-soaked hills of northern Italy, the town of Vicenza is a masterpiece by 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio. Lesser-known than neighbouring Venice or nearby Bologna, Vicenza enjoys fewer tourists and untouched Italian architecture. Weathered villas and classicist town buildings characterise the region, decorated by magnolia trees and vines covering handsome porticoes and balustrades. The Hotel Victoria is a sophisticated accommodation with a swimming pool, just a short drive from the centre of Vicenza.

Noto, Italy

Noto is an 18th-century city made entirely of honey-hued limestone on the sun-drenched island of Sicily. While it’s not a household name, Noto is perfectly set up for tourists, especially architecture enthusiasts. The town’s urban centre was meticulously planned and there are numerous points from which you can enjoy panoramic city views, particularly pretty when the regal baroque architecture glows softly golden under the setting sun. The boutique hotel Seven Rooms Villadorata is a palatial place with brocaded curtains, chandeliers and antiques for a special stay.

Nancy, France

East of Paris near the border with Germany, you’ll find the not-so-well-known town of Nancy. While it may not attract as many tourists as the Champs-Élysées, this town has many, fine examples of elaborate French architecture. Baroque palaces are embellished with 18th-century details, gilded wrought iron gates and rococo fountains. While the main square is an immaculate, symmetrical and serene space. Stay at the Hotel Des Prélats, an Episcopal house dating from early 17th century, with rooms that feature four-poster beds and stained-glass windows.

Dunedin, New Zealand

A little-known city in New Zealand, Dunedin is an undiscovered architectural treasure and is often called the Edinburgh of the South, with its Scottish heritage evident in its Victorian and Edwardian architecture. The ornamented facade of the Edwardian railway station, made from dark basalt and contrasting limestone with granite pillars, a tower and a magnificent central hall is a must-see. A short drive from Dunedin CBD you’ll find a cream, wooden house with a beautiful wrought-iron verandah – known as Artica Art & Accommodation, one large and homely room is rented out to guests and comes particularly highly recommended by couples.

Morelia, Mexico

Though it’s not a common destination on most Mexican travel itineraries, Morelia is one of Mexico’s most exquisite historic cities. Dating back to the 16th century, its resplendent architecture displays a combination of Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. The churches are all built in local pink stone with glittering interiors – check out the impossibly grand Morelia Cathedral as an example. The Virrey De Mendoza, a hotel in the historic centre, has balconies that overlook this magnificent Cathedral, as well as regal decor and a haute cuisine hotel restaurant.

**The data analysts at Booking.com looked at endorsements for ‘architecture’ by Booking.com customers. They then identified the most obscure destinations that were most highly rated for this endorsement.