Italy, a boot-shaped country, is in Southern Europe has some of the best places to visit for a vacation or holiday. Italy is also one of the world’s most famous travel destinations for its charming towns, art and craft, top-class cuisine, and passionate people. Some of the world’s most iconic sites are located here, such as the leaning Tower of Pisa, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and many others.
You can also shop the world’s top fashion brands here and enjoy its renowned Renaissance as well. So, when you plan on visiting Italy- a charming Mediterranean travel destination, do look at our list of the 5 best places to visit in Italy.
Rome
Rome’s history dates to about 3000 years and thus the historical roots of Italy. This city is an amalgam
ofan ancient and new era. It combines simple village life with the art-laden European craft. Early Christian places and classical ruins are often next to beneath the Baroque fountain and Renaissance palazzos.
Rome has some fascinating, quirky shops, neighborhood trattorias, and beautiful scenes. Here are some of the ideal places to see and visit in Rome.
- The Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine
Silhouette of the Flavian Amphitheatre holds the same power as the Eiffel Tower of Paris. Romans gave this silhouette to us and serves as the best model for sports arenas. Italy’s current football stadium depicts the design of this Roman art piece. The construction of the building started in 72 AD by Vespasian.
The colosseum was large enough to hold theatrical performances, circuses, game shows, and festivals and was secure enough so that others could watch the festivities without any worry. High officials and the imperial court could watch the performances from the ground floor while the Roman families could watch from the 2nd floor while the populace from the 3rd and the 4th floor.
Also, the colosseum holds the Arch of Constantine, which honors the emperor as “Liberator of the city and Bringer of peace.” The Senate erected this arch to keep the emperor for his victorious battle of Milvian Bridge in 312.
- The Vatican City
The Vatican is the smallest independent state of the world, having an area of less than half a square kilometer. Vatican walls, which enclose the Vatican gardens and palace, St. Peter’s Square (the area ruled by the Pope), St. Peter’s Basilica, and supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church, cover most of its site.
The Vatican offers its visitors to witness many things, among which its basilica and museum are the most famous ones. St. Peter’s Basilica houses Michelangelo’s masterpiece-Pieta and altars and statuary by Bernini and others. Many people enjoy witnessing the mesmerizing beauty of the Vatican museum’s Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling is Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
Milan
Milan is Italy’s design and fashion hub and has an international cosmopolitan outlook. It has delicious foods and drink
s to offer and has countless worthy and affordable hotels. For those, who are familiar with Florence and Rome, and are expecting something similar from Lombardy’s metropolitan hub, this city may come as a surprise for them as it has more of northern European vibes to it. Here are some of the best places to visit in Milan.
- Duomo – Gothic cathedral of Milan
Duomo – Gothic is the world’s 3rd largest cathedral. It took500 years to complete this masterpiece. You have to take about 919 steps off the spiral staircase to reach the top of the Duomo. Now you can use an elevator as well rather than climbing the cathedral to visit the rooftop.
- The Last Supper & Church of Santa
This Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece was painted by Leonardo himself when he was for the family of Ludovico il Moro in Milan in 1494 and 1498. Tiresome efforts have been made to protect its historical worth and for that purpose, visitors’ number is also restricted to 25 people every 15 minutes.
Florence
Florence has such beauty that tourists of all origins prefer coming here no matter what. Everyone wants to visit Duomo and to witness the aura of David, Uffizi galleries and Ponte Vecchio because these places are worth visiting despite the crowd. From underground museums to vast and cool shopping destinations, local markets, oldest gelato shops, Florence has a lot to offer to its visitors. Here are some of the ideal places to see and visit in Florence.
- The Duomo, Florence Cathedral
Florence Cathedral is another hotspot of Florence and is one of the most attractive landmarks. Its construction was initiated in 1296 and it took about 172 years to complete. The Cathedral is in the pedestrianized piazza. Arnolfo di Cambio (who was the mastermind behind 13th and 14th century Florence) was hired by the Commune of Florence to construct it.
It is locally known as The Duomo and is also known as St. Mary of the Flowers or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. As Florence (or Firenze) means lily flower, the city’s cathedral took on the symbol of Florence.
- Museo Galileo
In Renaissance Florence, science was an art and for Humanists and Medici, both were considered somehow similar. You can agree with them when you visit the museum and witness the glory of early scientific instruments. You can find meridians, globes, sundials, telescopes, and navigation instruments.
Medici’s collection of compasses, astrolabes, armillary spheres, and other instruments fills about eleven rooms. It also houses Renaissance’s finest woodcarvers and metalsmiths. Galileo’s original instruments are the actual highlight of the museum.
Venice
Venice is a city of immense beauty and historical significance. The city of Venice is unique and is not like any other city in the world. This floating marvel lies on 117 small islands. canals separate these small islands, and a network of bridges connects them.
During the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance, Venice was a powerhouse of great cultural and artistic development. It became one of the most visited tourist hotspots in the world. Here are some of the very best places to see and visit in Venice.
- St Mark’s Square
St Mark’s Square is named after Saint Mark’s Basilica and is the famous piazza of Venice. It is located on the Grand Canal and sits opposite the San Giorgio Maggiore Island. This square holds historical importance and is a place worth visiting. Piazza is surrounded by several ornate buildings and is lined with beautiful arched walkways. It has multiple cafes, countless pigeons, and gorgeous shops to visit as well.
- Venice Carnival
The Venice Carnival is the world’s famous carnival celebration spot. Every year, about 3 million people visit the Carnival to witness its iconic scenery, extravagant masks, and costumes. Those who come here, can do nothing but admire this iconic city. No other city in the whole world can celebrate carnivals as Venice does. So, everyone must witness the Venice Carnival at least once in their life.
Naples
Naples’ history dates to the Bronze Age and the city is one of the oldest places in the world. It has the largest Old Town districts of Europe and has more historic churches than any other city in the world. Naples has wonderful cultural tourist spots that tourists often forget to visit due to the city’s noise, dirt, and chaos. Naples is Italy’s 3rd largest city and is worth visiting. Here are some of the ideal places to see and visit in Naples.
- Art & The Royal Palace
Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte was originally originated for King Charles III for hunting purposes, which later grew to become a royal residence. Soon after that, the king started housing his inherited Farnese collections here which includes portraits of members of ruling families (by Titan).
His contributions led to the formation of Galleria Nazionale (National Gallery) which is one of the finest and coolest art collections. You can also enjoy the palace’s tapestries, furniture, and porcelain in the royal apartments used during the Savory and Bourbon periods.
- Pompeii
Pompeii, a once-thriving Roman city, was utterly devastated by a cataclysmic eruption of its volatile neighbor, Mt. Vesuvius, which demolished the city. This huge archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage site is now a must-see destination for anybody traveling between the Amalfi Coast and Naples. It’s a simple place to visit.
Conclusion
Italy has a rich array of natural sceneries, and you will never get bored of Italy ever. Italy has so much to offer its visitors that a whole lifetime is never enough to witness its beauty and charm. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip now and fly to see the best tourist places in Italy.
