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Such a huge number of cathedrals, palaces, art museums and ancient monuments, as in Italy, is not, perhaps, in any other country in the world. And if you add to this the excellent national cuisine, the mild climate and the colorful temperament of the locals, then your trip will become a bright holiday that will forever remain in your memory. Don't 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 in the first place
Each of the listed sights has its own history, and in order to find out you will need guides in Italy who will accompany you to the most interesting places. Consider also the dates of the trip, because, for example, during the period of religious or national holidays, much more tourists flock to the country.
1. Vatican (Rome)
Roman Pantheon
When choosing the sights of Italy that you should definitely visit on your first visit, you cannot miss such a monumental building as the Roman Pantheon. Originally built in 25 BC, it was destroyed several times by natural disasters, rebuilt and even “changed religion”. But until now, hundreds of people daily strive to get under its arches in order 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 interior decoration of the Pantheon is amazing. It is hard to believe that all this was created by the hands of people, and not by the powerful pagan gods, in whose honor it was erected.
Passing under the arch of the portico supported by 16 marble columns, you find yourself in the main temple building, which 43 meters. In its center there is a large round hole, called the Heavenly All-Seeing Eye. According to legend, evil spirits pierced it, wanting to escape from the sacred place at the beginning of the mass.
A feature of the light penetrating the oculus is that at noon its rays do not scatter, but descend clearly vertically, forming a kind of light column and moving from one statue to another during the day, paying tribute to them.
Walls and the altar painted with magnificent frescoes, partly created by Renaissance masters. There are statues in numerous niches, and the walls and floor are lined with mosaic tiles. In the center of the temple there are benches for those who want to pray or just relax.
3. Castell del Monte (Apulia region)
Costel del Monte Castle
Considering the sights of Italy, it is impossible not to single out the Castel del Monte castle with its unusual architecture and mysterious history among them. Despite the fact that it was built in the middle of the 13th century, when there were constant wars, its design is fundamentally different from the buildings of that era:
- The cladding consists of marble, which was practically not used in defense construction. There is no defensive moat and earth rampart around the castle, and utility rooms and cellars are not suitable for storing ammunition, ammunition and weapons. Those who understand military affairs will immediately notice the lack of loopholes and the windows that are too large from a security point of view.
But the greatest interest is the shape of the building, which is a regular octagon, framed by 8 towers. The courtyard and the fountain located on its territory also have 8 corners.
The number “8” was the constant companion of the owner of the castle, Frederick II, who personally participated in the development of the architectural project. According to historical data, the sum of the digits of his date of birth was “8”, his right hand was decorated with an emerald ring framed with eight gold petals, and an eight-pointed crown flaunted on his head.
Even during the life of Frederick II, there were rumors about his passion for alchemy. They were “warmed up” by the fact that Michele Scotto, who was considered a famous theorist of alchemy, lived on the territory of the castle. He experimented with turning copper into silver and other metals into gold. Until now, the atmosphere of the castle is filled with magic and mystery, igniting the imagination and causing inexplicable mental anxiety.
Official website: http://www.casteldelmonte.beniculturali.it/
4. Colosseum (Rome)
Roman Colosseum
The sights of Italy cannot be imagined without the Colosseum. This is a huge amphitheater, built back in 72 AD. and became the main symbol of the Roman Empire. This building at one time accommodated 55 thousand people, and the fame of it spread far beyond the borders of the country.
The Colosseum owes its creation to Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian, who decided to destroy the palace of Nero, thereby 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 build such a grand structure . Therefore, when choosing what to see in Italy, you cannot miss a visit to the Colosseum.
Its shape is an ellipse with a length of 188 m and a width of 156 m. The strength of the structure is preserved due to the fact that the arch is chosen as the main architectural element, capable of withstanding enormous loads.
During performances over the Colosseum an awning was stretched, protecting the audience from the scorching sun and rain. For this, ships standing on the Tiber River were used with special cables attached to them, which, after stretching the awning, were fixed on huge poles located on the outside of the building.
Numerous wars, earthquakes and other factors destroyed much of the Colosseum. And the laying of highways that had begun, heavy traffic and air pollution led to the creation of a critical situation. But, fortunately, modern architects and builders managed to preserve the structure of the building, which in 2007 was named one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
5. Sistine Chapel (Rome, Vatican)
Top view of the Sistine Chapel from St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican Maus-Trauden
The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Aaron Logan
On November 1, 1509, thousands of Romans, led by Pope Julius II, froze in admiration and bowed their heads before the great genius Michelangelo Buonarotti, seeing the vault of the Sistine Chapel. They say that even envious and slanderous masters recognized his talent and perfection of paintings.
More than five hundred years have passed, and the images of the sibyls, the first people, prophets and other biblical characters continue to attract people from all over the world, make hearts skip a beat and serve as a hymn to talent and hard work. Many who have experienced this feeling say that visiting the Sistine Chapel in Italy once is a must, and then returning and reliving it all over again.
Considering himself a sculptor, Buonarotti was simply forced, due to certain circumstances, to take up painting vault of the chapel. Due to non-compliance with some of the nuances of the technique for creating frescoes, the first paintings disappeared. Then the master had to rip them off and recreate them, after deriving his own recipe for plaster and paints.
The height of the building is 20 meters. Michelangelo independently designed the scaffolding, which was installed on the floor, and not fixed with ropes on the ceiling. For several years, the master climbed them daily, took an uncomfortable position and created his masterpieces. This position of the body led to disability, which became the price for immortality in the eyes of descendants.
Official website: http://www.museivaticani.va/
See the beautiful places of Italy in this amazing video!
6. Milan Cathedral (Milan)
Milan Cathedral
If you ask the Milanese what to visit in Italy, they will not hesitate to name the cathedral, built in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and which is the symbol of the city. This monumental building can simultaneously accommodate up to 40,000 people, which makes it one of the largest Gothic churches in the world.
The laying of its foundation began in 1386 on the site of the demolished old church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The great artist and designer Leonardo da Vinci took part in the development of the project. But the construction was completed only after 427 years on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte. Although small changes in the appearance of the facade and interior decoration continued to be made until the middle of the twentieth century.
The cathedral is made of white marble and designed in the flamboyant Gothic style. First, the eyes of tourists appear 135 marble spiers, looking to heaven. Having admired this spectacle, visitors go inside the room, where 3400 sculptures are installed, among which the golden statue of the Madonna (the patroness of Milan) 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 sight of Italy is not complete without going up to the observation deck, from where a magnificent panorama of the city opens.
7. Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli (at the foot of the Tiburtine Mountains)
Marble sculptures along pond at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli
When deciding what to visit in Italy, opt for Hadrian's Villa, located on 120 hectares in the small town of Tivoli.
Having learned the biography of its owner, Emperor Hadrian, it becomes clear that he did not choose this place by chance. This ruler went down in history as a wise philosopher, connoisseur of painting and architecture. He himself participated in the development of many projects of that time, and in his declining years he decided to build a villa where you can indulge in reflection and contemplation of beauty.
Traveling a lot around the world, Adrian made sketches of buildings he liked, which allowed him to subsequently create a sketch of his own house, in which Eastern, Egyptian and Greek cultures were intertwined. On the territory of the villa, picturesque alleys, flower beds were laid out, garden trees were planted, ponds and pools were dug out, and numerous statues were installed. In addition to the chambers of the emperor, buildings for servants and guards, baths, a theater, a maritime museum, a temple and even an academy were erected here.
An interesting feature of the porticoes located on the territory of the villa is their low height. This is explained by the fact that Adrian was short and, passing through the low vault, could feel taller and more majestic.
Under the villa there is a whole network of underground passages through which servants and carts with provisions moved. This made it possible to maintain peace and silence, which the emperor valued very highly.
Despite the fact that most of the buildings are now destroyed, and the statues are broken or taken away, there are always a lot of visitors on the territory of this Italian landmark.
Official site: https://www.coopculture.it
8. Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
Uffizi Gallery in Florence
For art connoisseurs all over the world, there is a place that is a kind of Mecca, where you should visit at least once in your life. Therefore, to the question of what to see in Italy, there is a definite answer – the Uffizi Gallery.
The famous museum houses original paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo and many other great artists. Many of the masterpieces were created between the 12th and 17th centuries, but most of the paintings date back to the Renaissance.
You can find the building of this museum in Florence by a huge live line, which is lined up since early 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 great internal strength.
The architectural ensemble of the Uffizi Palace is represented by two three-story buildings in the shape of a horseshoe, standing parallel to each other. The main part of the exposition is located on the second floor, where the 126 steps of the famous Vasari staircase, made of gray stone, lead. The vaults of the gallery are decorated with frescoes.
In the corridors and halls, in addition to the 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)
Venice's main waterway, the Grand Canal
The sights of Italy are not limited to architectural monuments, sculptures and paintings. Sometimes sights are created by nature itself. A striking example is the Grand Canal in Venice, which runs through the entire city. It starts from St. Mark's Basin and stretches in a capital S for almost 4 km to Santa Lucia Station. The depth of 5 meters allows sea trams and other light water transport to move freely along it. Traveling along the water surface of the Grand Canal, you can slowly explore the beauty of this unique city.
Historians believe that it was the canal that became the starting point from which the development and construction of the city began. Merchant ships arriving here brought all sorts of goods, which quickly dispersed throughout Europe. This led to prosperity, and merchants began to build their houses right on its shore. A little later, rich and noble residents joined them, which was reflected in the architectural style of the buildings. Magnificent Gothic palaces, houses with painted arches, spacious loggias and graceful columns appeared along the canal. In the 16th century, they were replaced by bizarre windows, and bright colors were replaced by pastel colors. All this variety of styles has been preserved to this day, delighting guests and natives of Venice.
You can get from one side of the Grand Canal to the other via one of the four bridges that also serve as a decoration of the city.
10. Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa)
The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in the “Square of Miracles”
The list of the most famous sights of Italy certainly includes the “leaning” Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. In addition to its slope, which was formed as a result of 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 is 4.9 m, but gradually thins out and on the upper gallery it is already 2.48 m. This is the only bell tower that is some distance from the cathedral. In the design of the facade, Muslim motifs are visible.
But even without this halo of mystery, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a real architectural masterpiece. Its first floor consists of a cascade of arches, and majestic bas-reliefs greet visitors at the entrance. All subsequent floors are surrounded by galleries, the outer parts of which form graceful columns. From afar, it seems that they are twisted into an endless spiral, rushing into the sky. The belfry is crowned with a huge belfry, inside of which there is a three-ton bell.
The fall of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has been going on for several centuries due to the peculiarities of the soil and errors in the calculations when laying the foundation, was stopped only at the beginning of our century by the joint efforts of many scientists of the world. And although the building is open to the public, tourists should be aware that the time of one tour is limited to 30 minutes. It is strictly forbidden to move around the building on your own. Before lifting up, all personal belongings remain below, which reduces the level of load on the supporting structures. Children under eight years of age are not allowed inside the premises.
And another important factor is the presence of 297 steps. Their visitors must overcome in less than half an hour. Therefore, when planning what to see in Italy, you should realistically assess the state of your health in advance.
Official site: http://www.opapisa.it/en/
Sights of Italy: what else to visit while in Italy
It is difficult to tell about all the sights that can be seen in this wonderful country . But we have collected information about a couple more places where travelers will definitely like it. If you plan to travel to different cities, it makes sense to book sightseeing tours in Italy, allowing you to explore the main attractions.
11. St. Mark's Cathedral (Venice)
St. Mark's Basilica on Piazza San Marco
Italy's architectural landmarks include many fine buildings, but St. Mark's Basilica deserves special attention.
Its construction began in 829 with the aim of burying the relics of St. Mark, brought 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 decoration changed.
Those who have seen this cathedral with their own eyes say that you can admire it all day without even going inside. In the architecture of the building there are several styles that form a perfect ensemble. Oriental marble, Greek bas-reliefs, Gothic capitals, numerous sculptures by Italian and Byzantine masters were used in the decoration.
The cathedral is crowned with five domes, on which gilded crosses are installed. The facade of the building itself is lined with marble, decorated with arches, portals and huge niches. Above the entrance is a mosaic panel and an exact copy of the famous four horses, cast in the 4th century BC. by Greek craftsmen.
The decoration inside the cathedral is striking in its luxury, an abundance of gold, precious stones, paintings and statues. In its central part there is a huge golden altar, created more than 400 years ago. The walls are decorated with images of saints and scenes from the sacred history. The most famous image of them is Salome holding the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
Official website: http://www.basilicasanmarco.it
12. Positano (province of Salerno)
The town of Positano in the province of Salerno
You can see the sights of Italy and at the same time have a great rest on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea by visiting the cozy town of Positano.
Everything that allows you to call this place a “paradise” is collected here. An amazing riot of colors created by nature is combined with man-made buildings. On the streets you can see numerous artists who, for a small fee, will paint a portrait or landscape they like. The variety of architectural styles is due to historical events that took place in this area over many centuries.
Due to the mild climate, starting from the first century AD, the city began to attract wealthy merchants and noble patricians who began to build their stone villas. After the fall of the Roman Empire, this city turned into a center of trade, where numerous overseas merchants and Saracen pirates reached out.
Each era brought its own characteristics to the architecture of the city, but the most luxurious buildings, made in the Baroque style, appeared in the 13th century and have survived to this day. After the First World War, 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 the Neapolitan king Murat, which houses a magnificent botanical garden open to all comers.
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Official site: http://www.positano.com/
13. Spanish Steps (Rome)
Spanish Steps and 'Barcaccia' Fountain in Rome
Anyone who has ever seen the film “Roman Holiday” will remember the famous Spanish Steps connecting the Spanish Square and the Church of Trinita dei Monti. Now they are considered one of the most romantic places in the capital, where lovers date each other and where newlyweds come to be photographed.
for the construction of stairs 20,000 skudos. However, disagreements between Cardinal Mazarin and the Pope prevented the implementation of this grandiose 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 an eagle and a crown, representing the power of the Pope. The construction of the steps was completed in 1725.
For tourists, the square at the foot of the Spanish Steps is also of interest. In its center is the Barkachcha fountain, made in the form of a small boat. You can only take a picture of a staircase without people sitting or walking on it in the early morning.
14. Pompeii (Naples province)
The famous museum city of Pompeii
Pompeii is a unique dead city, freed by scientists from many meters of ash and is now a huge open-air museum.
The city was completely destroyed during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. And only seventeen centuries later, its excavations began. Due to the negligence of archaeologists, many artifacts were destroyed, as they were not of artistic value. But since 1960, restoration work began to be carried out, which made it possible to almost completely recreate the once-dead city of Pompeii.
Now visitors can freely walk the streets and look at the houses of the townspeople who lived here almost 2000 years ago. Most often they are two-story buildings, decorated with frescoes or mosaics. The houses of wealthy people were distinguished by the presence of marble sculptures on the facades.
During the tour, tourists are offered to visit the oldest temple, created in honor of the Greek god Apollo. Of the 28 majestic columns, only 2 were restored, but the beautiful frescoes depicting the Trojan War, found in the inner niches of the temple, have been preserved almost in their original form.
Of interest are also such sights as the temple of Jupiter, the barracks of gladiators, baths, arenas of the Bolshoi and Maly theater and much more.
Official website: http://www.pompeionline.net /
15. Roman Forum (Rome)
The ruins of the Roman Forum
The sights of Italy include the Roman Forum, founded in the VI century BC era.
Initially, it was created as a place for trade between the Romans and the Sabines, as a sign of reconciliation between these two peoples. But soon it turned into a square where state affairs were decided, justice was administered and religious ceremonies were held.
This was reflected in the appearance of the forum. The malls were demolished, and in their place were temples, basilicas and other buildings that played a role in the political life of the empire. At first, wood was 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 see the remains of the temples of Vesta, Saturn and Faustina. And although only a few columns remained from them, one can draw conclusions about the former grandeur of these buildings by their size.
The attraction of the forum is the Black Stone, under which, according to legend, Romulus, one of the founders of Rome, was buried.
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It is also worth paying attention to the crevice of Curtius, 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. Legend has it that the most valuable treasure of Rome is its people.
16. Academy of Fine Arts (Florence)
The original “David” by Michelangelo in the gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence Dimitris Kamaras
Since ancient times, the culture of Italy has influenced the culture of the entire world space. Therefore, it is difficult to find a more suitable and more prestigious place for creative education than the Florentine Academy of Fine Arts. This is the first art university in Europe, and most visitors go to this institution, if not for study, then at least to see with their own eyes the most valuable collection of works of art housed in the Academy Gallery. For the fourth century this institution has been cultivating young talented artists within its walls – it is for them that the Academy Gallery stores the works of art of brilliant predecessors as a model.
17. Trevi Fountain (Rome)
Baroque Trevi Fountain with Palazzo Poli in Rome in the background
As for Rome, the most common ancient sights of Italy are the Pantheon, a grandiose ancient Roman building that has the status of a temple of all gods, as well as the Trevi Fountain, the current look of which was created in the 18th century. In fact, the history of the fountain begins even before the appearance of the Pantheon, in the distant first century BC. During that period, the then reigning Emperor Augustus ordered the redevelopment of the growing city, and the question of water supply arose. Then an aqueduct was created, fed from the waters of the source located here and bearing the name Aqua Virgo. And only in the 18th century it was decided to build a new, more majestic structure on the site of the source, which is the Trevi Fountain. This is a monumental work of art that everyone should see.
18. Piazza del Campo (Siena)
Piazza del Campo is one of the majestic medieval squares of the Italian city of Siena
The central square in Siena is known for a number of characteristic features. It is, as it were, deepened towards the center, creating a difference in height of up to 5 meters. In addition, it is from here that as many as 11 central streets of the city diverge as rays. The red stone with which the square is paved in the form of peculiar sectors deserves special attention. This place is also known for the fact that horse races are regularly held here. Finally, this is an unusual medieval square, the original appearance of which has gained worldwide fame. According to the chronicle, originally there was a valley of three hills, which became a famous trading place. It was in those years that the “field square” appeared, which had the shape of a funnel surrounded by three hills.
19. Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence)
View of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Campanile and the Baptistery in Florence
Italy is authentic and rich in its unique monuments. The sights of Rome, despite their abundance, make up only a small part of the cultural, historical, natural monuments of the sunny country. The Florentine temple of Santa Maria del Fiore is the most important symbol of Italian and world architecture. The most recognizable building in Florence was originally built in the 13th century as a cathedral, but over the course of 7 centuries it was rebuilt and improved, 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, as well as the grandiose expanses of luxurious interior halls.
Official website: https://www.museum
20. Sforza Castle (Milan)
Walls and towers of the 15th century Sforza Castle in Milan
One of the symbols of Milan is Castello Sforzesco, or Sforza Castle, built by order of the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza. The remains of the previous building, the castle of Porta Jovia, were taken as the basis. 16th-17th centuries – 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 for the design of the Moscow Kremlin – this is especially noticeable in the shape of the towers and battlements. In front of the main entrance, you can see a fountain resembling a cake in its shape. The courtyard of the castle is decorated strictly and concisely, and within the walls of the castle you can visit a number of museums and libraries that store both the history of the castle and Milan as a whole.
Official website: https ://www.milanocastello
21. Juliet's House (Verona)
Facade of the house with the legendary Juliet balcony in Verona Lo Scaligero
The plot of the romantic story of Romeo and Juliet today is known, perhaps, even to children. Therefore, in the sights of Italy for children, perhaps, it is worth including a visit to the unique medieval building of the 13th century, which once belonged to the Dal Capello family. The similarity of this name with the “Capulets” once convinced people that it was here that the drama of the young Juliet in love unfolded. The house gained national fame, and at the beginning of the 20th century the building was reconstructed into a museum dedicated to Shakespeare's heroine. The facade of the house is decorated with elegant decorative elements and arched 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. Valley of the Temples in Agrigento (Sicily region)
Temple of the goddess Concord or Concordia, 5th century BC. e. in the Valley of the Temples in southern Sicily Evan Erickson
Those who want to spend a summer vacation will definitely find something to see in Italy in the summer – we recommend that you first of all go to the island of Sicily, where you can escape from the heat in the shade of cypresses, laurels, eucalyptus trees that are rapidly growing here or go out to the open sea on a yacht. But do not forget that the island is also rich in historical sights, including the Valley of the Temples, an outstanding monument of ancient architecture, which dates back to about 5-6 centuries BC. These are truly sacred places – once there was a series of temples dedicated to ancient gods, and today only fragments of buildings remain from them, but even they never cease to amaze with the monumentality of their architecture.
Official site: https://www.parcovalle
23. Cave city of Sassi di Matera (Matera)
Cave dwellings carved into the rock in the ancient city of Matera Bönisch
In one of the authentic regions of Italy, sunny Basilicata, there is a small town that attracts the attention of travelers with its history and unique architecture. This ancient settlement is carved into the rock itself, and just a few decades ago it was inhabited. The whole city is an extraordinary interweaving of narrow lanes, boulders, churches, cave temples, museums, grotto houses, and all this against the backdrop of beautiful natural landscapes. Each stone keeps a rich history that began in the Neolithic era. Today you can visit the Sassi caves and see what the life of the inhabitants of them was like, and even live in a cave city for several days in a row.
24. Blue Grotto (Capri Island)
Entrance to the Blue Grotto on the north coast of the island of Capri hu:User:Pilgab
Boats with tourists inside the Blue Grotto on the island of Capri Adrian Pingstone (Arpingstone)
On the Italian island of Capri, we recommend visiting the sea cave, which has become its main attraction. The length of the cave is quite small – only about 50 meters, but the main thing in it is not this, but the extraordinary blueness of its waters, resembling the purest sapphire in its color. The minerals located here, reflecting sunlight, refract it in such a way that the water turns not only blue, but also completely unearthly pink, purple, orange and other shades. The rays of the sun 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)
View of the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo with an alpine green landscape against the backdrop of the Dolomites
The highlight of a holiday in warm Italy will be a visit to a ski resort in the province of Veneto. Cortina is the world's largest ski region, which has a massive system of snow slopes, where 450 ski lifts combine 12 Alpine valleys. Both experienced skiers and novice skiers will find a track according to their abilities here, and snowboard fans can test their strength in snow parks with different levels of difficulty. At the service of visitors is an excellent service, which can be compared in quality with the services of such resorts as Courchevel, Chamonix, etc. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, here you can ride ice skates, dog sleds, snowmobiles and even book a helicopter ride.
26. Vesuvius Volcano (Naples)
The city of Naples at the foot of the active volcano Vesuvius on a summer day
The lands of Italy are fraught with fascinating and at the same time dangerous places, among which the most interesting is Vesuvius – the only active volcano in Europe. It is located near the coast of the Gulf of Naples, and it gained its fame thanks to numerous eruptions, which often led to large casualties and large-scale disasters. Historical sources recorded information about more than 80 such eruptions. Today, the volcano is in a “sleep” state, so you can take the risk and climb to the top, study the view of the crater, which is still floating a little. And on a clear day, you can see a stunning panorama of the surrounding area from here.
27. San Gimignano (Tuscany region)
The medieval appearance of the town of San Gimignano on a hilltop with a height of 334 meters
In the Tuscany region, on a hill, is the town of San Gimignano, famous for its many towers, which once symbolized the wealth of the families living here. In total, there were 72 medieval towers, but only 14 of them have survived today. The history of the town began a long time ago, back in the 3rd century BC, when the Etruscans founded it and named it after Bishop Geminian, who saved the city from invasion. Of the most remarkable places worth visiting, one can single out the main square of the city, the cathedral and museum complex located on it, as well as the second most important Cisterna Square, where three museums of torture function with impressive exhibits.
Official website: http://www.sangimignano
28. Cinque Terre (Liguria region)
It would seem that in Italy there are no such places left that would not have been traveled far and wide by travelers. And yet, there are little-known sights of Italy that can pleasantly surprise you with their beauty and originality. The Cinque Terre, a national park that unites five settlements, through which a picturesque hiking route is laid, can be attributed to the category of such places. Sheer cliffs, on which many colorful houses and vineyards are located, frame the azure sea, the foamy waves of which beat against stone blocks. Once these settlements were fishing villages, and today they have become World Heritage Sites.
29. Lake Como (Lombardy region)
Resort town on the picturesque shore of Lake Como in Lombardy region in Italy
One of the most beautiful natural places not only in Italy, but throughout the world is Lake Como and its environs, located in the north of the country, an hour's drive from Milan. Its location, surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and cozy villages, makes this place especially attractive. In addition, upon arrival at the lake, travelers are offered a lot of thematic walking routes – here you can admire the greenery of gardens, the luxury of villas, visit Romanesque churches, as well as museums, archaeological sites, old castles and much more. You can also rent a house or rent a place in a hotel to arrange a complete vacation in these beautiful places.
30. Cultural landscape of Val d'Orcia (Siena)
Beautiful landscape of Val d'Orcia with wheat field and vineyard in central Italy
The list of the best places in Italy completes the beautiful Tuscan landscape of Val d'Orcia. Initially, this territory was designed as an object of cultural development, in order to create an aesthetically ideal model of the landscape. This region is worth seeing with your own eyes: numerous hills, oak and olive groves, alternating with geometrically regular rows of vineyards – all this seems to have come out of a beautiful picture. Ideally, a vast area of the landscape should be driven by car in order to be able to stop at any moment and slowly admire the beauty that has opened up, taste the wines of the valley in wineries, visit farms, buy natural cheeses or olive oil. Next to Italy is a country on the territory of which there are medieval cities, alpine villages and beaches of the Mediterranean – France. Staying in Italy, be sure to look into this extraordinarily beautiful country! Read about the sights of France and get inspired for your next trip to Europe!