Such a huge number of cathedrals, palaces, art museums and ancient monuments, as in Italy, is probably not found in any country in the world. And if you add to this excellent national cuisine, mild climate and colorful temperament of local residents, then your trip will become a bright holiday that will forever remain in your memory. Not sure 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
Each of the listed attractions has its own history, and to know it you will need guides in Italy , who will accompany you to the most interesting places. Also consider the dates of the trip, because, for example, during religious or national holidays, a lot more tourists flock to the country.
1. Vatican City (Rome)
Looking through the guidebook and choosing what to see in Italy, you can not miss the most famous enclave in the world, which is the Vatican. Each building of this mini-state is a landmark, known far beyond the borders of the country. Here you can walk along the alleys of the famous Vatican Gardens and see the Pope with your own eyes, climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, visit the Sistine Chapel with its immortal frescoes created by Michelangelo , Botticelli and other great painters.
To enter the Vatican, you must go through a strict dress code. Guides in Rome will tell you what rules of conduct must be followed to avoid troubles and misunderstandings.
The first attraction that guests are invited to visit is St. Peter's Basilica. The size of the building is amazing - it is 136 meters high, and the length of the main nave is 211 meters. But the main value here is the numerous sculptural and pictorial masterpieces created by the great masters of Italy.
In the Papal Palace of the Vatican, you can admire the beautiful frescoes of the great Raphael. They adorn the ceilings and walls of four rooms (stanzas).
Official website : http://www.vaticanstate.va/
2. Pantheon (Rome)
Choosing the sights of Italy that you should definitely visit on your first visit, you can not miss such a monumental structure as the Roman Pantheon. Originally built in 25 BC, it was destroyed several times by natural disasters, rebuilt and even “changed religion”. But still hundreds of people daily strive to fall under its arches in order to stand under the dome, admire beautiful frescoes and statues, feel at the same time the breath of eternity and the inexorable destructive power of time.
The greatness and beauty of the interior 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 vault of the portico, supported by 16 marble columns, you find yourself in the main temple building, which is crowned by a dome with a diameter of 43 meters. In its center there is a large round hole called the Heavenly all-seeing eye. According to legend, evil spirits broke through him, wanting to break out of the sacred place at the beginning of the mass.
The peculiarity of light penetrating through the oculus is that at noon its rays do not scatter, but fall clearly vertically, forming a kind of light column and moving during the day from one statue to another, paying tribute to them.
The walls and the altar are painted with magnificent frescoes, partially created by Renaissance masters. Numerous niches have statues and mosaic tiles on the walls and floor. In the center of the temple there are benches for those who want to offer a prayer or just relax.
3. Castell del Monte Castle (Puglia region)
Looking at the sights of Italy, it is impossible not to distinguish among them the castle of Castell del Monte with its unusual architecture and mysterious history. Despite the fact that it was built in the middle of the XIII century, when constant wars were fought, its design is fundamentally different from the structures of that era:
- Facing consists of marble, which was practically not used in defense construction.
- Around the castle there is no defensive moat and earthen rampart, and utility rooms and cellars are not suitable for storing ammunition, ammunition and weapons.
- Those who understand military affairs will immediately notice the absence of loopholes and windows that are too large in terms of security.
But the most interesting 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 a constant companion of the owner of the castle of 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 by eight gold petals, and an eight-pointed crown was on his head.
Even during the life of Frederick II, there were rumors about his fascination with alchemy. They were “fueled” by the fact of living on the territory of the castle of Michele Scotto, who was considered the famous theoretician of alchemy. He conducted experiments to turn copper into silver, and other metals into gold. Until now, the atmosphere of the castle is filled with magic and mystery, kindling the imagination and causing inexplicable anxiety.
Official website : http://www.casteldelmonte.beniculturali.it/
4. Colosseum (Rome)
The sights of Italy can not be imagined without the Colosseum. This is a huge amphitheater, erected back in 72 A.D. and became the main symbol of the Roman Empire. This building at one time accommodated 55 thousand people, and its fame 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 his memory and glorifying himself as a wise ruler.
Even with the development of modern technologies and the availability of heavy construction equipment, it is difficult to carry out the construction of such a grandiose structure. Therefore, choosing what to see in Italy, you can’t miss a visit to the Coliseum.
Its shape is an ellipse, the length of which is 188 m, and the width is 156 m. The strength of the structure is maintained due to the fact that an arch capable of withstanding tremendous loads is chosen as the main architectural element.
During the performances, an awning was pulled over the Coliseum, which protected the audience from the scorching sun and rain. For this purpose, ships standing on the Tiber River with special cables attached to them were used, which, after stretching the awning, were fixed on huge posts located on the outside of the building.
Numerous wars, earthquakes, and other factors destroyed most of the Coliseum. And the laying of highways that began, heavy traffic and gas pollution led to a critical situation. But, fortunately, the efforts of modern architects and builders managed to preserve the construction of the building, which in 2007 was named one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
5. Sistine Chapel (Rome, Vatican)
In November 1509, on November 1, thousands of Romans, led by Pope Julius II, froze in admiration and bowed their heads to the great genius Michelangelo Buonarotti when they saw the vault of the Sistine Chapel. They say that even the envious and slanderous masters recognized his talent and the perfection of his 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 their hearts freeze and serve as a hymn to talent and hard work. Many who have experienced this feeling say that it is necessary to visit the Sistine Chapel in Italy once, and then come back and relive everything.
Considering himself to be a sculptor, Buonarotti simply was forced, due to certain circumstances, to take up the painting of the arch of the chapel. Due to non-compliance with some of the nuances of the technique of creating frescoes, the first paintings were gone. Then the master had to rip them off and recreate them, having previously drawn out his recipe for plaster and paints.
The height of the building is 20 meters. Michelangelo independently developed a project of scaffolding that was installed on the floor, and not fixed with ropes on the ceiling. For several years, the master daily climbed them, took an uncomfortable position and created his masterpieces. This position of the body led to disability, which became a payment for immortality in the eyes of posterity.
Official website : http://www.museivaticani.va/
Check out the beautiful places of Italy in this wonderful video!
6. Milan Cathedral (Milan)
If you ask the Milanese what to visit in Italy, they will without hesitation call a cathedral built in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and which is a symbol of the city. This monumental building can simultaneously accommodate up to 40,000 people, which allows it to be ranked as one of the largest Gothic temples 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 by order of Napoleon Bonaparte. Although small changes in the appearance of the facade and interior continued to be made even before the middle of the twentieth century.
The cathedral is made of white marble and designed in the style of flaming Gothic. First, the gaze of tourists appears 135 marble spiers, directed 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 canvases of the great Italian painters, and above the altar you can see the nail that was used to crucify the Savior.
A visit to this attraction of Italy does not go without going up to the observation deck, from where a magnificent panorama of the city opens.
7. Villa Adriana in Tivoli (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.
Having learned the biography of its owner - 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 participated in the development of many projects of that time, and in his declining years decided to build a villa where you can indulge in thoughts and contemplation of the beautiful.
Traveling around the world a lot, Adrian made sketches of buildings he liked, which later allowed him to create a sketch of his own house, in which East, Egyptian and Greek cultures intertwined. Picturesque alleys, flowerbeds, garden trees were planted on the territory of the villa, ponds and pools were dug, numerous statues were installed. In addition to the emperor’s chambers, 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 in the villa is their low height. This is due to the fact that Adrian was small in stature and, passing through a low arch, could feel taller and more magnificent.
Under the villa there is a whole network of underground passages along 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 out, there are always a lot of visitors on the territory of this landmark of Italy.
Official website : https://www.coopculture.it
8. Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
For connoisseurs of art around the world, there is a place that is a kind of Mecca, where you should get at least once in your life. Therefore, the question of what to see in Italy, there is a definite answer - the Uffizi Gallery.
The famous museum stores the originals of 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 belong to the Renaissance.
You can find the building of this museum in Florence by a huge live queue, which is being built since the early morning. Therefore, deciding to visit the gallery, you should not plan any other excursions for this day. In addition, the abundance of impressions from the seen masterpieces and the information received requires great internal strength.
The architectural ensemble of the Uffizi Palace is represented by two three-story horseshoe-shaped buildings standing parallel to each other. The main part of the exhibition is on the second floor, where 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, valuable sculptures or their exact copies, collections of precious stones, ancient coins, vases and other antiquities are also presented.
9. Grand Canal (Venice)
The sights of Italy are not limited to architectural monuments, sculptures and paintings. Sometimes attractions are created by nature itself . A striking example is the Grand Canal in Venice, passing through the entire city. It starts from the St. Mark's Basin and stretches with a capital S for almost 4 km to Santa Lucia Station. A depth of 5 meters allows you to move freely on it by sea trams and other light water transport. 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. The merchant ships arriving here brought all kinds of goods, which quickly dispersed throughout Europe. This led to prosperity, and traders began to build their homes 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 appeared along the canal, houses with painted arches, spacious loggias and graceful columns. In the XVI century, they were replaced by bizarre windows, and bright colors were replaced by pastel colors. All this variety of styles has survived to this day, delighting guests and indigenous people of Venice.
You can get from one bank of the Grand Canal to the other along one of the four bridges that also serve as a decoration for the city.
10. Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa)
The list of the most famous sights of Italy will certainly include the “leaning” Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. In addition to its slope, resulting from the wrong calculation of the architect, it also has a number of unique characteristics that attract millions of tourists to it:
- The wall thickness at the base of the tower is 4.9 m, but it is gradually thinning and is already 2.48 m in the upper gallery
- 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 ground floor consists of a cascade of arches, and majestic bas-reliefs meet visitors at the entrance. All subsequent floors are surrounded by galleries, the outer parts of which form elegant columns. From afar, it seems that they are twisted into an endless spiral rushing into the sky. The belfry is crowned by a huge belfry, inside of which there is a three-ton bell.
The fall of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, lasting 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 visitors, tourists should know that the time of one excursion is limited to 30 minutes. Independently moving around the building is strictly prohibited. Before going upstairs, all personal belongings remain below, which reduces the level of load on load-bearing structures. Children under eight years old are not allowed.
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 really assess your health condition in advance.
Official website : http://www.opapisa.it/en/
Sights of Italy: what else to visit while in Italy
It is difficult to tell about all the memos that can be seen in this wonderful country. But we collected information about a couple of 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)
Italy's architectural sights include many beautiful buildings, but St. Mark's Cathedral deserves special attention.
Its construction began in 829 with the goal 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 saw this cathedral with their own eyes claim that you can admire it all day without even going inside. In the architecture of the building there are several styles that form the perfect ensemble. The decoration used oriental marble, Greek bas-reliefs, Gothic capitals, numerous sculptures of Italian and Byzantine masters.
The cathedral is crowned with five domes on which gilded crosses are installed. The facade of the building itself is faced with marble, decorated with arches, portals and huge niches. Above the entrance is a mosaic panel and an exact replica of the famous four horses cast in the 4th century BC. 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 is a huge golden altar, created more than 400 years ago. The walls are decorated with images of saints and scenes from the Holy History. The most famous 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)
You can see the sights of Italy and at the same time have a wonderful rest on the Tyrrhenian Sea by visiting the cozy town of Positano.
It contains everything that allows you to call this place a "paradise." An amazing riot of colors created by nature, combined with man-made buildings. On the streets you can see numerous artists who, for a small fee, will paint a portrait or a landscape that they like. The variety of architectural styles is due to historical events that took place in the area over the 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 here. After the fall of the Roman Empire, this city turned into a center of commerce, which attracted numerous overseas merchants and Saracen pirates.
Each era brought its own features to the architecture of the city, but the most luxurious buildings, made in the 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 the Neapolitan king Murat, which houses a magnificent botanical garden, open to all comers.
Official website : http://www.positano.com/
13. Spanish Steps (Rome)
Everyone who has ever seen the movie "Roman Vacations", remembered the famous Spanish Steps that connect 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 make appointments to each other and where newlyweds come to take pictures.
The history of the creation of this landmark of Italy dates back to the end of the 17th century, when a French diplomat Etienne Geffier decided to allocate 20,000 scudos for the construction of stairs. However, disagreements between Cardinal Mazarin and the Pope prevented the implementation of this grandiose project.
He was remembered only in 1717 and entrusted to the architect Francesco de Sanctis, who was able to diplomatically combine the heraldic symbolism of the Bourbon dynasty with the eagle and crown representing the authority of the Pope. The construction of the steps was completed in 1725.
For tourists, the area at the foot of the Spanish Steps is of interest. In its center is the Barkaccia fountain, made in the form of a small boat. You can take a picture of a staircase without people sitting or walking along it only in the early morning.
14. Pompeii (province of Naples)
Pompeii is a unique dead city, liberated by scientists from the many-meter 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 after seventeen centuries did its excavation begin. Due to the negligence of archaeologists, many artifacts were destroyed, as they were not of artistic value. But since 1960, restoration work began, which made it possible to almost completely recreate the once-dead city of Pompeii.
Now visitors can freely walk along 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 invited 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 internal niches of the temple, have been preserved in almost original form.
Sights such as the Temple of Jupiter, the barracks of gladiators, thermae, the arenas of the Bolshoi and Maly Theater and much more are also of interest.
Official website : http://www.pompeionline.net/
15. Roman Forum (Rome)
Sights of Italy include the Roman Forum, founded in the VI century BC.
Initially, it was created as a place for trade between the Romans and the Sabinians, as a sign of reconciliation between the two peoples. But soon it turned into an area where public affairs were decided, justice was administered and religious rites were held.
This was reflected in the appearance of the forum. Shopping arcades were demolished, and in their place there 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, by their size it is possible to draw conclusions about the former greatness of these buildings.
The attraction of the forum is the Black Stone, under which, according to legend, Romulus is buried - one of the founders of Rome.
It is also worth paying attention to the cleft 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)
From ancient times, the culture of Italy influenced the culture of the whole world. Therefore, it is difficult to find a more suitable and more prestigious place to receive a 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 in order to see with their own eyes the most valuable collection of works of art housed in the gallery of the Academy. For the fourth century, this institution has nurtured young talented artists within its walls - it is for them that the Academy’s gallery stores artworks of brilliant predecessors as an example.
17. Trevi Fountain (Rome)
As for Rome, here the most common ancient sights of Italy - the Pantheon, a grandiose ancient Roman building, bearing the status of the temple of all gods, as well as the Trevi Fountain, the current form 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. At that time, the then reigning emperor Augustus ordered the redevelopment of the growing city, and the question arose about the water supply. Then an aqueduct was created, powered by the waters of the spring located here and called Aqua Virgo. It was only in the 18th century that a decision was made to erect a new, more magnificent structure, the Trevi Fountain, on the site of the source. This is a monumental work of art that everyone should see.
18. Piazza del Campo (Siena city)
The central square in Siena is known for a number of characteristic features. It is as if deepened to the center, creating a difference in height of up to 5 meters. In addition, it is from here that the rays of as many as 11 central streets of the city diverge. Of particular note is the red stone, which paved the area in the form of peculiar sectors. 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 annals, 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 (city of Florence)
Italy is authentic and rich in its unique monuments. The sights of Rome, despite its abundance, make up only a small part of the cultural, historical, natural monuments of a sunny country. The Florence 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 for the whole 7 centuries it was rebuilt and refined, and took on 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 grand expanses of luxurious interior rooms.
Official website: https://www.museum
20. Sforza Castle (Milan)
One of the symbols of Milan is Castello Sforzesco, or Sforza Castle, built by order of the Duke of Milan Francesco Sforza. The basis was taken from the remains of a past building - the castle of Port Jovia. 16-17 centuries - the heyday of the castle, when it was one of the largest strongholds in all of Europe. What is noteworthy, the facade of the castle once formed the basis for the design of the Moscow Kremlin - this is especially noticeable in the form of 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 simple and concise, and within the walls of the castle you can visit a number of museums and libraries that keep both the history of the castle and Milan in general.
Official website: https: //www.milanocastello
21. Juliet's House (Verona)
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 you should include 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 “Capulet” once convinced people that it was here that the drama of the young lover of Juliet 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 vaulted windows. In the courtyard is a bronze statue of Juliet, and there is a belief that touching it will certainly bring good luck in love.
22. Valley of the Temples in Agrigento (Sicily Region)
Those who want to spend a summer vacation will surely find something to see in Italy in the summer - we recommend that you first go to the island of Sicily, where you can escape from the heat in the shade of the cypresses, laurels, eucalyptus trees that are booming here or go out on the open sea on a yacht. But do not forget that the island is also rich in historical sights, including the Valley of 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 do not cease to delight with the monumentality of their architecture.
Official website: https: //www.parcovalle
23. The cave city of Sassi di Matera (Matera)
In one of the authentic areas of Italy, sunny Basilicata, there is a small town that attracts the attention of travelers with its history and unique architecture. This ancient settlement was hollowed out in the rock itself, and just a few decades ago it was inhabited. The whole city is an extraordinary interweaving of narrow alleys, stone blocks, churches, cave temples, museums, grottoes, and all this against the backdrop of beautiful natural landscapes. Each stone has a rich history that began in the Neolithic era. Today you can visit the Sassi caves and see how the inhabitants of their inhabitants lived, and even live in a cave city for several days in a row.
24. Blue Grotto (Capri Island)
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 blue of its waters, reminiscent of pure sapphire in color. The minerals located here, reflecting sunlight, refract it in such a way that the water is colored not only in blue, but also in completely unearthly pink, purple, orange and other shades. The rays of the sun enter the interior of the cave through two holes - the first is a narrow entrance to the cave, the second is a hole 10 times larger than the first, passing the main portion of light.
25. Cortina d'Ampezzo (Veneto region)
A highlight of relaxation 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 large-scale system of snow slopes, where 450 lifts combine 12 Alp valleys. Both an experienced skier and an amateur beginner will find the track here according to their capabilities, and snowboard fans can try their hand at snow parks with different levels of difficulty. It offers visitors 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, you can go ice skating, dog sledding, snowmobiling and even book a helicopter ride.
26. Volcano Vesuvius (Naples city)
The lands of Italy are fraught with fascinating and at the same time dangerous places , among which Vesuvius is the most interesting - the only active volcano in Europe. It is located not far from the coast of the Gulf of Naples, and it gained its fame thanks to numerous eruptions, which often led to major casualties and large-scale disasters. Historical sources record more than 80 such eruptions. Today, the volcano is in a state of "sleep", so you can take the risk and climb to the top, study the form of a crater that still hovers a little. And on a clear day from here you can enjoy the stunning panorama of the surrounding countryside.
27. San Gimignano (Tuscany region)
In the Tuscany region on a hill is the town of San Gimignano, famous for its many towers that once symbolized the wealth of the families living here. In total there were 72 medieval towers, but today only 14 of them are preserved. The history of the town began a long time ago, back in the 3rd century BC, when the Etruscans founded it and was named in honor of Bishop Geminian, who saved the city from the invasion. Of the most noteworthy places worth visiting, you can highlight the main square of the city, the cathedral and museum complex located on it, as well as the second most important square of Cistern, where there are three torture museums with impressive exhibits.
Official website: http: //www.sangimignano
28. Cinque Terre (Liguria region)
It would seem that in Italy there were no longer any places that were not worn out by travelers along and across. And yet, there are little-known sights of Italy, which can pleasantly surprise with their beauty and originality. The category of such places includes the Cinque Terre, a national park that brings together five settlements through which a picturesque walking route has been laid. The sheer cliffs, on which many colorful houses and vineyards are located, are framed by the azure sea, whose foamy waves beat against stone blocks. Once these settlements were fishing villages, but today they have become World Heritage Sites.
29. Lake Como (Lombardy region)
One of the most beautiful natural places not only in Italy but throughout the world is Lake Como and its environs, which are located in the north of the country, an hour's drive from Milan. Particularly attractive to this place is its location surrounded by picturesque mountains and cozy villages. In addition, upon arriving at the lake, a lot of thematic walking routes open up for travelers - 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 the hotel to arrange a good rest in these beautiful places.
30. The cultural landscape of Val d'Orcia (Siena)
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, with the aim of creating an aesthetically ideal landscape model. This land 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 down from a beautiful picture. Ideally, the vast territory of the landscape is worth driving by car to be able to stop at any time and slowly enjoy the beauty that has opened, to taste the wines of the valley in wineries, visit farms, buy natural cheeses or olive oil.
Near Italy, there is a country in whose territory there are medieval cities, alpine villages and beaches of the Mediterranean - France. Staying in Italy, be sure to look into this unusually beautiful country! Read about the sights of France and be inspired for your further journey through Europe!
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