Best attractions in Italy: Top 30
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There is probably no other country in the world with such a huge number of cathedrals, palaces, art museums and ancient monuments as in Italy. And if you add to this excellent national cuisine, mild climate and colorful temperament of the locals, your trip will be a bright holiday, which will remain forever in your memory. Do not know what to see in Italy? Especially for you we have compiled a rating of popular places in this country, which included the most interesting sights of Italy.
What to see in Italy first of all
Each of the listed attractions has its own history, and to learn it you will need guides in Italy, who will accompany you through the most interesting places. Take into account also the dates of the trip, because, for example, during religious or national holidays, much more tourists flock to the country.
1. Vatican City (Rome)
Looking through the guidebook and choosing what to see in Italy, you can’t miss the world’s most famous enclave, which is the Vatican City. Every building of this mini-state is a landmark known far beyond the country’s borders. Here you can walk through the alleys of the famous Vatican Gardens and see the Pope with your own eyes, climb the dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral, visit the Sistine Chapel with its immortal frescoes created by Michelangelo, Botticelli and other great painters.
To enter the Vatican grounds, you must pass a strict dress code. Guides in Rome will tell you what rules of conduct to follow to avoid trouble and misunderstandings.
The first attraction that visitors are invited to visit is St. Peter’s Cathedral. The size of the building is astonishing - the height is 136 meters, and the length of the main nave is 211 meters. But the main value here are the numerous sculptural and pictorial masterpieces created by the great masters of Italy.
In the Vatican Pontifical Palace you can admire the beautiful frescoes of the great Raphael. They decorate the ceilings and walls of four rooms (stanzas).
Official website: http://www.vaticanstate.va/
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2. Pantheon (Rome)
When choosing the sights of Italy to be sure to visit on your first visit, you can’t miss such a monumental structure as the Pantheon of Rome. Originally built in 25 B.C., it has been destroyed several times by natural disasters, rebuilt and even “changed religion”. But to this day hundreds of people every day strive to get under its vaults to stand under the dome, admire the beautiful frescoes and statues, feel the breath of eternity and the inexorable destructive power of time at the same time.
The grandeur and beauty of the Pantheon’s interior are astounding. It is hard to believe that all this was created by human hands and not by the mighty pagan gods in whose honor it was erected.
Passing under the vault of the portico, supported by 16 marble columns, you get into the main temple building, which is crowned with a dome with a diameter of 43 meters. In its center there is a large round hole, called the Heavenly Eye of All-Seeing. According to legend, evil spirits broke through it, wanting to escape from the holy place at the start of Mass.
The peculiarity of the light passing through the oculus is that at noon its rays do not scatter, but descend clearly vertically, forming a kind of pillar of light and moving throughout the day from one statue to another, paying homage to them.
The walls and altar are painted with magnificent frescoes, partly created by Renaissance masters. Numerous niches contain statues, and the walls and floor are lined with mosaic tiles. In the center of the temple there are pews for those who wish to offer prayers or simply rest.
3. Castel del Monte (Puglia region)
Looking at the sights of Italy, it is impossible not to highlight among them the Castel del Monte with its unusual architecture and mysterious history. Despite the fact that it was built in the middle of XIII century, when there were permanent wars, its construction is fundamentally different from the structures of that era:
- The cladding consists of marble, which was hardly used in defense construction.
- There is no defensive moat or rampart around the castle, and the outbuildings and cellars are not suitable for storing ammunition, ammunition and weapons.
- Those who know the military will immediately notice the lack of loopholes and the windows, which are too large in terms of security.
But most interesting is the shape of the building, which is a regular octagon framed by eight towers. The courtyard and the fountain located in its territory also have eight corners.
The number “8” was a constant companion of castle owner Friedrich II, who was personally involved in the development of the architectural design. According to historical data, the sum of the numbers in his date of birth was “8”, his right hand was decorated with an emerald ring, framed by eight gold petals, and his head was adorned with an eight-pointed crown.
Even during the lifetime of Frederick II there were rumors about his passion for alchemy. They were fuelled by the fact that he lived in the castle of Michele Scotto, who was considered a famous alchemical theorist. He conducted experiments on turning copper into silver and other metals into gold. To this day, the atmosphere of the castle is filled with magic and mystery, igniting the imagination and causing inexplicable mental anxiety.
Official site: http://www.casteldelmonte.beniculturali.it/
4. Colosseum
It is impossible to imagine the sights of Italy without the Colosseum. It is a huge amphitheater, built back in A.D. 72 and became the main symbol of the Roman Empire. In its time this building hosted 55 thousand people, and its fame spread far beyond the country.
The Colosseum owes its creation to Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian, who decided to destroy Nero’s palace, thus eradicating the memory of him and glorifying himself as a wise ruler.
Even with the development of modern technology and the availability of heavy construction equipment, it is difficult to carry out the construction of such a grandiose structure. Therefore, when choosing what to see in Italy, you can not miss a visit to the Colosseum.
Its shape is an ellipse, whose length is 188 m, and width - 156 m. The strength of the construction is maintained due to the fact that as the main architectural element is an arch, capable of withstanding enormous loads.
During performances, a tent was stretched over the Colosseum to protect spectators from the scorching sun and rain. Ships standing on the Tiber River with special ropes attached to them were used for that purpose, which, after stretching the tent, were attached to huge poles located on the outer side of the structure.
Numerous wars, earthquakes and other factors destroyed much of the Colosseum. The construction of freeways, heavy traffic and air pollution created a critical situation. But fortunately, thanks to the efforts of modern architects and builders, the structure of the building was preserved and in 2007 it was named one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
5. Sistine Chapel (Rome, Vatican City)
On November 1, 1509, thousands of Romans, led by Pope Julius II, froze in admiration and bowed their heads to the great genius of Michelangelo Buonarotti when they saw the vault of the Sistine Chapel. It is said that even the master’s envious and detractors recognized his talent and the perfection of his paintings.
More than five hundred years have passed, and the images of the Sibyls, the first men, prophets and other biblical characters continue to draw people from all over the world, make hearts sink and serve as a hymn to talent and diligence. Many who have experienced it say that visiting the Sistine Chapel in Italy once is a must and then returning to relive it all over again.
Considering himself a sculptor, Buonarotti was simply forced by certain circumstances to take on the task of painting the vault of the chapel. Due to failure to observe some nuances of the technique of creating frescoes, the first paintings were lost. Then the master had to rip them off and create anew, previously bringing out his recipe for plaster and paint.
The building is 20 meters high. Michelangelo himself designed the scaffolding, which was installed on the floor, not fixed by ropes on the ceiling. For several years the master climbed them daily, taking an uncomfortable posture and created his masterpieces. This body position resulted in a disability that became the price of immortality in the eyes of posterity.
Official site: http://www.museivaticani.va/
See the beautiful places of Italy in this wonderful video!
6. Milan Cathedral (Milan)
If you ask Milanese what to visit in Italy, they will without hesitation name the cathedral, built in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a symbol of the city. The monumental building can hold up to 40,000 people at a time, making it one of the largest Gothic churches in the world.
The laying of its foundations began as early as 1386 on the site of the demolished old church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The great artist and designer Leonardo da Vinci was involved in the design. But construction was completed only 427 years later by order of Napoleon Bonaparte. Although small changes in the appearance of the facade and interior decoration continued to be made until the mid-twentieth century.
The cathedral is made of white marble and sustained in the style of the flaming Gothic. The 135 marble spires reaching up to the heavens are the first sight to be seen. After admiring the spectacle, visitors go inside, where there are 3,400 sculptures, among which the golden statue of the Madonna (Milan’s patron saint) is considered the main treasure. The walls are decorated with paintings by great Italian painters and above the altar you can see the nail that was used in the crucifixion of the Savior.
A visit to this place of interest in Italy is not complete without climbing up to the observation deck, which offers a magnificent panorama of the city.
7. Villa Adriana in Tivoli (at the foot of the Tiburtine Mountains)
When deciding what to visit in Italy, opt for Villa Adriana, located on 120 hectares in the small town of Tivoli.
Upon learning the biography of its owner - the Emperor Hadrian, it becomes clear that this place was not chosen by him by chance. This ruler went down in history as a wise philosopher, connoisseur of painting and architecture. He himself took part in the development of many projects of the time, and in his later years he decided to build a villa where he could meditate and contemplate beauty.
During his long journeys around the world, he made sketches of many beautiful buildings, which helped him to create his own house, a combination of Oriental, Egyptian and Greek culture. On the territory of the villa picturesque alleys were laid out, flowerbeds were created, garden trees were planted, ponds and pools were dug, numerous statues were installed. Besides the emperor’s apartments, there were erected buildings for the servants and guards, thermae, theater, maritime museum, temple and even an academy.
An interesting peculiarity of the porticoes in the villa is their small height. This is explained by the fact that Hadrian was small in stature and, passing through the low vault, could feel higher and more majestic.
Under the villa there is a whole network of underground tunnels used by the servants and the food carts. This allowed for the peace and quiet that the emperor valued so highly.
Although most of the structures are now ruined and the statues have been smashed or removed, the grounds of this Italian landmark are constantly full of visitors.
Official site: https://www.coopculture.it
8. Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
For art lovers all over the world, there is a place that is a kind of Mecca that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. So the question of what to see in Italy, there is an unequivocal answer - the Uffizi Gallery.
The famous museum keeps original paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo and many other great artists. Many of the masterpieces were created between the twelfth and seventeenth centuries, but most of the paintings belong to the Renaissance.
Find the building of this museum in Florence by the huge live line that lines up since early in the morning. Therefore, having decided to visit the gallery, you should not plan any other excursions for that day. In addition, the abundance of impressions from the masterpieces seen and the information received requires a lot of inner strength.
The architectural ensemble of the Uffizi Palace is represented by two three-story buildings in the form of a horseshoe, standing parallel to each other. The main part of the exposition is on the second floor, where the 126 steps of the famous Vasari staircase made of grey stone lead. The vaults of the gallery are decorated with frescoes.
In the corridors and halls, besides famous masterpieces of painting, there are also valuable sculptures or their exact copies, collections of precious stones, ancient coins, vases and other antiques.
Official website: http://www.uffizi.it
9. Grand Canal (Venice)
Italy’s sights are not limited to architectural monuments, sculptures and paintings. Sometimes sights are created by nature itself. A prime example is the Grand Canal in Venice, which runs through the entire city. It starts from St. Mark’s Basin and stretches a big S for almost 4 km to Santa Lucia Station. The depth of 5 meters lets sailboats and other light watercraft move freely on it. Traveling along the waters of the Grand Canal you can take your time to explore the beauty of this unique city.
Historians say the canal was the starting point of the development and construction of the city. Merchant ships arriving here brought all sorts of goods that were quickly dispersed throughout Europe. This led to prosperity, and merchants began to build their homes right on its shores. A little later they were joined by rich and noble citizens, which is reflected in the architectural style of buildings. Along the canal splendid Gothic palaces, houses with painted arches, capacious loggias and elegant columns appeared. In the 16th century they were replaced by fancifully shaped windows, and bright colors were replaced by pastel colors. This variety of styles is still preserved to this day, delighting visitors and natives of Venice.
To get from one side of the Grand Canal to the other is possible by one of four bridges, which also serve as a decoration of the city.
10. The Tower of Pisa
The list of Italy’s most famous landmarks necessarily includes the “falling” Tower of Pisa, which is the bell tower of Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral. In addition to its slope, resulting from an incorrect calculation of the architect, it has a number of unique characteristics that attract millions of tourists to it:
- The thickness of the walls at the base of the tower, equal to 4.9 m, but gradually thinner and at the upper gallery is already 2.48 m.
- It is the only bell tower that is separated from the cathedral by some distance.
- Muslim motifs can be seen in the decoration of the facade.
But even without that halo of mystery the Leaning Tower of Pisa is an architectural masterpiece. Its first floor consists of a cascade of arches, and at the entrance visitors are met with magnificent bas-reliefs. All the floors below are surrounded by galleries, the outer parts of which are formed by graceful columns. From afar they appear to have been twisted into an endless spiral that spirals up into the sky. The tower is crowned by a huge bell tower, inside which there is a three-ton bell.
The fall of the Tower of Pisa, which had lasted for several centuries because of the peculiarities of the soil and miscalculations when laying the foundations, was stopped only at the beginning of the century by the joint efforts of many scientists of the world. And although the structure is open to visitors, tourists should know that the time of one tour is limited to 30 minutes. It is strictly forbidden to move around the building by yourself. Before going upstairs all personal belongings are left below, which reduces the load on the supporting structures. Children under the age of eight are not allowed inside the premises.
And another important factor is the presence of 297 steps. Visitors must traverse them in less than half an hour. Therefore, when planning what to see in Italy, you should really assess your health beforehand.
Official site: http://www.opapisa.it/en/
Italian sights: what else to visit while in Italy
It is difficult to tell about all the monuments that can be seen in this wonderful country. But we have collected information about a couple of other places where travelers are sure to enjoy. If you plan to travel to different cities, it makes sense to book sightseeing excursions in Italy, allowing you to explore the main attractions.
11. St. Mark’s Cathedral (Venice)
Italy’s architectural landmarks include many fine buildings, but St. Mark’s Cathedral deserves special attention.
Its construction began in 829 for the purpose of burying the relics of Saint Mark, brought back from Alexandria. Subsequently, this apostle became the patron saint of Venice.
The cathedral was built in just 3 years, but in 976 it was badly damaged by fire. The building was restored several times, but after 1094 only its interior was changed.
Those who have seen this cathedral with their own eyes claim that you can admire it all day long without even going inside. There are several styles in the architecture of the building, which form a perfect ensemble. Eastern marble, Greek bas-reliefs, Gothic capitals, and numerous sculptures by Italian and Byzantine masters were used in decoration.
The cathedral is crowned with five domes on which the gilded crosses are established. The facade of the building is faced with marble; it is decorated with arches, portals and huge niches. Above the entrance there is a mosaic panel and an exact copy of the famous four horses, cast in the IV century BC by Greek masters.
The interior decoration of the cathedral is amazing with its luxury, the abundance of gold, precious stones, paintings and statues. In the central part of the temple there is a huge golden altar, created more than 400 years ago. The walls are decorated with images of saints and scenes from Holy stories. The most famous image is Salome, holding the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
Official website: http://www.basilicasanmarco.it
12. Positano (province of Salerno)
To see the sights of Italy and at the same time perfectly relax on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, you can visit the cozy town of Positano.
It has everything that allows you to call this place “a corner of paradise. The amazing riot of colors created by nature is combined with man-made buildings. In the streets you can see a lot of artists who for a small fee will paint a portrait or your favorite landscape. The variety of architectural styles is due to the historical events that have taken place in the area over the centuries.
With its mild climate, the city began attracting wealthy merchants and noble patricians who began to build their stone villas here in the first century AD. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city became a commercial center, attracting many overseas merchants and Saracen pirates.
Each epoch brought its own peculiarities to the architecture of the town, but the most luxurious buildings, made in baroque style, appeared in the XIII century and survived to this day. After World War I, Positano was recognized as one of the best resorts in Italy, and celebrities began to come here.
The most prestigious hotel in the city is the Palace of King Murat of Naples, which has a magnificent botanical garden, open to all comers.
Official website: http://www.positano.com/
13. The Spanish Steps (Rome)
Anyone who has ever seen the movie “Roman Holiday” will remember the famous Spanish Steps connecting the Spanish Square and the Trinita dei Monti church. They are now considered one of the most romantic spots in the capital, where lovers make dates with each other and where newlyweds come to be photographed.
The history of this Italian landmark dates back to the end of the XVII century, when the French diplomat Etienne Geffier decided to allocate 20,000 scudos for the construction of the stairs. However, disagreements between Cardinal Mazarini and the Pope prevented the realization of this ambitious project.
It was remembered only in 1717 and the design was entrusted to the architect Francesco de Sanctis, who managed to diplomatically combine the heraldic symbols of the Bourbon dynasty with the eagle and crown, representing the authority of the Pope. The construction of the steps was finished in 1725.
The square, which is located at the foot of the Spanish Steps, is also of interest to tourists. In its center is the Barcaccia fountain, made in the form of a small boat. You can take pictures of the staircase without people sitting or walking on it only in the early morning.
14. Pompeii (Province of Naples)
Pompeii is a unique dead city, freed by scientists from a multimeter layer of ash and is now a huge open-air museum.
The city was completely destroyed during the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 A.D. And only seventeen centuries later excavations began. Because of the negligence of archaeologists many artifacts were destroyed because they were of no artistic value. But since 1960, restoration works began to be carried out, which allowed to recreate almost completely the once dead city of Pompeii.
Now visitors are free to walk through the streets and view the houses of the citizens who lived here almost 2,000 years ago. Most of them are two-storey buildings, decorated with frescoes or mosaics. Houses of wealthy people were distinguished by the presence of marble sculptures on the facades.
During the tour, tourists are invited to visit the oldest temple built in honor of the Greek god Apollo. Of the 28 majestic columns it was possible to restore only 2, but the beautiful frescoes depicting the Trojan War, found in the inner niches of the temple, remained virtually intact.
Also of interest are such sights as the Temple of Jupiter, gladiator barracks, thermae, the arenas of the Bolshoi and Maly Theater, and much more.
Official site: http://www.pompeionline.net/
15. The Roman Forum (Rome)
Attractions in Italy include the Roman Forum, founded back in the 6th century BC.
It was originally created as a place of trade between the Romans and Sabineans, as a sign of reconciliation between the two peoples. But soon it became a square where state affairs were decided, justice was done, and religious ceremonies were held.
This was reflected in the appearance of the forum. Its stalls were torn down and replaced by temples, basilicas and other buildings that played a role in the political life of the empire. Wood was initially used for their construction but after several fires it was decided to replace it with stones. Thanks to this, some buildings have survived to this day.
Here tourists are offered to examine the remains of the temples of Vesta, Saturn and Faustina. Although there are only a few columns left, you can tell by their size that they were once great.
In the tour you can admire the Black Stone, under which Romulus, who was one of the founders of Rome, is said to have been buried.
Also worth seeing is the Curtius Gap, which is located in the central part of the forum. The guide will tell you an interesting legend about its origin and the death of a brave warrior. The legend says that Rome’s most valuable treasure is its people.
16. Academy of Fine Arts (Florence)
Since ancient times, the culture of Italy has influenced the culture of the entire world. That is why it is hard to find a more suitable and more prestigious place to receive a creative education than the Florentine Academy of Fine Arts. It was the first art school in Europe and most visitors go to this institution, if not to study, at least to see with their own eyes the valuable collection of works of art housed in the Academy’s gallery. For four centuries this institution has been nurturing young talented artists, and it is for them that the Gallery of the Academy preserves the works of art of its brilliant predecessors as a model.
17. Trevi Fountain (Rome)
As for Rome, the most common ancient landmarks in Italy here are the Pantheon, a grandiose ancient Roman structure that carries the status of a temple of all gods, and the Trevi Fountain, whose present form was created in the 18th century. In fact, the history of the fountain begins even before the Pantheon, back in the first century BC. In that period, the then reigning Emperor Augustus ordered the redevelopment of the growing city, and the question of water supply arose. An aqueduct was then built that was fed by the water from the spring that was situated there, and was called the Acqua Virgo. And only in the 18th century was it decided to erect a new, more majestic structure in place of the source, which is the Trevi Fountain. It is a monumental work of art, worth seeing for everyone.
18. Piazza del Campo (Siena)
The central square in Siena is known for a number of characteristic features. It is deepened to the center, creating a difference in height of up to 5 meters. In addition, from here 11 main streets of the city diverge in rays. Special attention should be paid to the red stone, which paved the square in the form of peculiar sectors. This place is also known for the fact that here are regularly held horse races. Finally, it is an unusual medieval square, the original appearance of which has become world famous. According to chronicles, originally there was a valley of three hills, which became a famous place of trade. It was in those years that the “field square”, which had the shape of a funnel surrounded by three hills, appeared.
19. Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence)
Italy is authentic and rich in its unique monuments. The sights of Rome, though plentiful, are just a small part of cultural, historical and natural monuments of the sunny country. The temple of Florence Santa Maria del Fiore is an important symbol of Italian and world architecture. The most recognizable structure of Florence was originally erected in the 13th century as a cathedral, but for 7 centuries it was rebuilt and refined, and took its final form only by 1887. Today visitors are impressed by its monumental neo-Gothic facade, richly decorated with marble panels and decorative elements, and the grand expanse of luxurious interior halls.
Official website: https://www.museum
20. Sforza Castle (Milan)
One of the symbols of Milan is the Castello Sforzesco, or Sforza Castle, built by order of Duke Francesco Sforza of Milan. The remains of the previous structure, the Castle of Porta Giovia, were taken as the basis. The 16th and 17th centuries were the heyday of the castle, when it was one of the largest citadels in all of Europe. Remarkably, the facade of the castle once formed the basis of the design of the Moscow Kremlin - especially noticeable by the shape of the towers and battlements. In front of the central entrance you can see a fountain, its shape resembling a cake. The inner courtyard of the castle is decorated strictly and laconically, and within the walls of the castle you can visit a number of museums and libraries, preserving both the history of the castle and Milan in general.
Official website: https://www.milanocastello
21. Giulietta’s House (Verona)
The plot of the romantic tale of Romeo and Juliet is now known, perhaps, even to children. Therefore, a visit to a unique 13th-century medieval building that once belonged to the Dal Capello family is probably worth including in Italy’s attractions for children. The resemblance of this family name to “Capuletti” once convinced people that this was where the drama of the young lover Juliet unfolded. The house gained national fame, and in the early 20th century the building was reconstructed as a museum dedicated to Shakespeare’s heroine. The facade of the house is decorated with elegant decorations and vaulted windows. There is a bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard, and it is believed that touching it will bring good luck in love.
22. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily
Those who want to spend a rich summer vacation in Italy will certainly find something to see in the summer - first of all we recommend to go to the island of Sicily, where you can escape from the heat in the shade of cypresses, laurels, eucalyptus trees that are flourishing here, or go to the open sea on a yacht. But do not forget that the island is also rich in historical sites, including the Valley of the Temples, an outstanding monument of ancient architecture, which dates back to about 5-6 centuries BC. It is a truly sacred place - once there was a series of temples dedicated to the ancient gods, and today they are only fragments of buildings, but even they do not cease to impress the monumentality of its architecture.
Official site: https://www.parcovalle
23. The cave town of Sassi di Matera
In one of the authentic areas of Italy, sunny Basilicata, there is a small town that grabs the attention of travelers with its history and unique architecture. This ancient settlement is hollowed out in the rock itself, and just a few decades ago it was inhabited. The whole town is an extraordinary combination of narrow alleys, boulders, churches, cave temples, museums, houses-grottoes, and all this against a background of beautiful natural landscapes. Each stone keeps a rich history, which began in the Neolithic era. Today you can visit the caves of Sassi and see what was the life of their inhabitants, and even live in a cave city for several days in a row.
24. The Blue Grotto (Capri)
On the Italian island of Capri, we recommend visiting the sea cave, which has become its main attraction. The length of the cave is rather small - only about 50 meters, but the main thing in it is not that, but the striking blue of its waters, resembling by their color the purest sapphire. The minerals there reflect sunlight and refract it in such a way that the water is colored not only blue, but also completely unearthly pink, purple, orange and other hues. The sun’s rays enter the inner space of the cave through two holes-the first is the narrow entrance to the cave, the second is a hole 10 times larger than the first, letting in the main portion of the light.
25. Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto region)
The highlight of a vacation in warm Italy will be a visit to a ski resort in the province of Veneto. Cortina is the largest ski region in the world, which has a large-scale system of snow slopes, where 450 elevators connect the 12 valleys of the Alps. Both seasoned skiers and beginners can find a course to their liking, and snowboarders can try their hand at the various difficulty levels of the snow parks. It offers excellent service, which can be compared in quality to such resorts as Courchevel, Chamonix and others. In addition to skis and snowboards, you can also go skating, sledding with dog sleds, motor sleds, and even order a ride in a helicopter.
26. Vesuvius volcano (Naples)
The lands of Italy conceal fascinating and at the same time dangerous places, among which the most interesting is Vesuvius, Europe’s only active volcano. It is located near the coast of the Gulf of Naples, and he became famous for its numerous eruptions, which have often resulted in large casualties and large-scale disasters. There are more than 80 such eruptions documented in historical sources. Today the volcano is in a state of “sleep,” so you can take the risk and climb to the top and study the view of the crater, which is still slightly soaring. And on a clear day, you can see a stunning panorama of the surrounding area from here.
27. San Gimignano (Tuscany region)
In the region of Tuscany, the hilltop town of San Gimignano is famous for its many towers, which once symbolized the wealth of the families who lived there. There were 72 medieval towers in total, but today only 14 of them survived. The history of the town goes back to the 3rd century B.C. when it was founded by the Etruscans and was named after Bishop Geminian who saved the town from invasion. Among the most noteworthy places to visit are the town’s main square, the cathedral and museum complex located there, and the second most important square, the Cisterna, where there are three torture museums with impressive exhibits.
Official site: http://www.sangimignano
28. Cinque Terre (Liguria region)
It would seem that there are no places in Italy that have not been explored by travelers. And yet, there are little-known attractions of Italy, which may surprise you with its beauty and originality. To the category of such places we can classify Cinque Terre - a national park, which united five settlements, through which the most picturesque hiking route is laid. The steep cliffs on which many colorful houses and vineyards are nestled frame the azure sea, whose foamy waves beat against the blocks of rock. These settlements were once fishing villages, but today they are World Heritage sites.
29. Lake Como (Lombardy Region)
One of the most beautiful natural places in Italy and in the world, is Lake Como and its surroundings, scattered in the north of the country, an hour’s drive from Milan. Its location in the middle of picturesque mountain ranges and cozy villages makes it a very attractive place. In addition, once you arrive at the lake, travelers have a lot of thematic walks to admire the greenery of the gardens, the luxury of the villas, visit Romanesque churches, as well as museums, archaeological sites, old castles and much more. You can also rent a cottage or rent a place in a hotel, to make a full vacation in these beautiful places.
30. Cultural landscape of the Val d’Orcia (Siena)
The list of the best places in Italy is completed by the beautiful Tuscan landscape of Val d’Orcia. The area was originally designed as a cultural development site, with the aim of creating an aesthetically-ideal model of the landscape. It is worth seeing: numerous hills, oak and olive groves interspersed with geometrically regular rows of vineyards, all seem to have come out of a beautiful picture. Ideally, the vast territory of the landscape is worth a drive to be able to stop at any time and quietly admire the opening beauty, to taste the wines of the valley in the wineries, visit farms, buy natural cheeses or olive oil. Next to Italy is a country with medieval cities, alpine villages and beaches of the Mediterranean - France. While in Italy, be sure to visit this extraordinarily beautiful country! Read about sights of France and be inspired for your next trip to Europe!
