Italy is an amazing country filled with art, stunning coastal views, unique culture and excellent food. The country is blessed with an incredible diversity from ancient ruins to impressive mountains and features 51 UNESCO world heritage sites, more than any country in the world. For a place that’s not even bigger than Arizona, the package of natural sightseeing is second to none, the country is filled with artistic beauty and delicious traditional recipes. It is difficult to choose which cities offer the best tourist attractions and lifestyles, but here are ten of the most interesting places to visit in Italy.
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Throughout history, Rome has always been praised for its monumental artistic world and superiority in architectural design. Even today, there are only a few cities that can match Rome’s historical heritage. Byzantine mosaics, Renaissance frescoes, and ancient sculptures proudly fill the city’s landscape. A walk in Rome is like a walk in a museum filled with rare artistic pieces from the old world, so put on your most comfortable pair of shoes and explore the city!
Venice, Veneto, Italy
Venice is a one-of-a-kind city built on a collection of about 115 tiny islands, it’s pretty much a city build on water. There is no car traffic here, the city features more than 400 pedestrian footbridges over approximately 150 water canals. Quite impressive, isn’t it? All the glories of Venetian architecture are well-represented by the Grand Canal. The city has over 450 palazzi and important buildings built in an array of different styles, from Gothic to Baroque and Byzantine. Venice is also home to more than a few garden islands and aquaculture that yields unique produce and makes for unique delicious seafood you will not find and taste anywhere else on Earth.
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
While Italy is generally a sit-down restaurant destination as far as food goes, Palermo, Sicily is the exception. The variety and quality of the street food here is second to none. In fact, the city has recently been elected as the European capital of street food by Forbes. Apart from its numerous public squares, oratories, cathedrals and sanctuaries, Palermo features an underground network of tunnels known as the Catacombs of the Capuchins and is the resting place of over 8,000 mummified residents. The place can give you the creeps, but is certainly interesting to visit.
San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
Known as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano is a real manifestation of history. You can touch it, feel it, and love it. Several centuries ago, families controlling the area built approximately 72 towers as symbols of their power and wealth. Some of these towers were as high as 50 meters. Only 14 towers still stand, rising up to the heavens as if the place were stuck in Medieval Times. In 1348, a plague, known today as the black death, struck the city and a large portion of the population succumbed to the disease. The population was destroyed and economic life was nearly non-existent. But like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the city now shows no sign of its saddening history. It is very much alive and incredibly inviting.
Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
Popularly known for its leaning tower, Pisa offers a lot more than just a failed architectural project. Pisa is also home to numerous Gothic churches, renaissance-themed public squares, and ancient buildings. The city has been economically-fueled by education since the 1400s, and it’s where many elite Italian universities are located. Lively street life is still dominated by locals, so it is an excellent place to practice your Italian skills.
Turin, Piedmont, Italy
Thanks to the 2006 Winter Olympics, Turin has changed from a previously industrial place into a blossoming city filled with contemporary architecture and arts. Unlike many places in Italy, Turin is not known for its ancient architecture. In fact, there are only a limited number of structures from the middle ages, the Renaissance or ancient Rome. However, Turin is an excellent place to visit museums of various topics, from Egyptian history to Cinema memorabilia or Automobile evolution.
Naples, Campania, Italy
Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The Historic Centre of Naples is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but is only one attraction among countless others. Palaces, churches, castles and archaeological treasures in Naples can sometimes make Rome look a bit overrated. Naples has incredible Italian food. Pizza was actually invented here, and the Neapolitans have raised it to a fine art since the 1800s. There are also numerous attractions close to the city, like the beautiful Capri island and Pompeii, an ancient Roman town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 A.D., burrying the town under a thick carpet of volcanic ash. Naples offers relentless beauty in its panoramic scene, old sculptures, and friendly neighborhoods.
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Beneath its metropolis look and busy financial life, Milan still manages to demonstrate its superiority in artistic affairs, not only in its undeniable fashion appeal, but also through performances on the stage at La Scala, the world’s most famous opera house. This Northern Italy city has many modern skyscrapers, but also has many old architectures and its immense gothic cathedral will certainly bring you back in time. The Duomo is one of the largest church in the world and supposedly has more statues than any other building. The best way to fully appreciate the impressive architecture of the cathedral is by climbing the stairs to the rooftop. While Milan doesn’t have the most unfamiliar, exotic feel, it is nonetheless vibrant and the never-ceasing rivalry of the city’s two soccer teams will spark the sporty side within all of us.
Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
The five villages of Cinque Terre are absolutely gorgeous. Numerous terraces are built right into the rugged and steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. Cinque Terre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Manarola, the second smallest village of Cinque Terre is one of the most photographed places in Northern Italy.
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
There will always be something new to bewilder you in Florence. The capital city of Tuscany is instantly recognizable as the Florence Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline and can be seen throughout the city. Florence feels alive, attractive, interesting, and beautiful, yet moody. Little has changed in the city’s urban life since the Renaissance, and it remains comprised of busy and romantic narrow streets haunted by countless tales of the past. Florence also features world-class wine and food. So? When are you leaving?
If you enjoyed our top ten list, please make sure to give us a thumbs up. If you have any suggestions or ideas about other Italian destinations, please make your suggestion in the comments section. If you are interested in learning Italian, or brushing up your Italian before you leave on one of these great destinations, checkout our YouTube channel or website at Ouino.com. Thanks a lot! Until next time!
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I found just what I was needed, and it was ennietaitrng!