Italy is blessed with some of the most awe-inspiring attractions in the world. The boot- shaped country is a treasure trove for artistic masterpieces, soaring churches and archaeological sites thousands of years old. It certainly makes for plenty of once in a life time experiences if you’re visiting. The best way to travel around Italy is to go slow and savour every sight. Check out our essential top ten Italian must-sees for inspiration!
10. Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)
flickr/Thomas Leplus
Milan has plenty of sights for the expectant visitor, the most famous being the Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral. With its breathtakingly ornate white Gothic exterior, once seen the church is not a sight that is easily forgotten. Located smack bang in the centre of the city, all streets lead to the cathedral, so it’s also easily found. Choose a clear day so you can take a trip up to the roof either by the stairs or elevator, you’ll be able to see right across to the Alps and Apennines.
9. Leaning Tower of Pisa
flickr/Rodrigo Soldon
One of the most famous examples of architecture gone wrong is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The bell tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli is a marvel for the fact that it has survived its 5 metre lean since the 12th century. Previously closed to visitors for stabilising work, you can now climb to the top of this Romanesque tower without fear. The tourist photo below of appearing to push it over with your finger is also obligatory.
8. Fontana di Trevi
flickr/prob1t
Tucked away in an unassuming piazza in the Quirinale district, you might almost miss the impressive Fontana di Trevi, if you weren’t searching for it. The fountain was created in the 18th century by sculptor Nicola Salvi. Salvi used the Aqua Virgo aqueduct constructed by the Romans in 19 BC to create this great gushing monument to Neptune, god of the sea. Don’t forget to toss your three coins backwards into the fountain to make sure you return to Rome!
7. Sistine Chapel
flickr/Charissa Fay
Considered one of world’s greatest masterpieces, Michelangelo Buonarroti’s Sistine Chapel is one of Rome’s beloved treasures. As you stride the corridors of the Apostolic Palace, you’ll hardly notice the gleaming treasures either side in anticipation of what’s ahead. Then finally, it’s there – the Last Judgement all gloriously, painstakingly painted by Michelangelo whilst on his back. And you get to revel in it – not too loudly though!
6. Pantheon
flickr/Storm Crypt
Only when you see buildings like the Pantheon can you start to fully appreciate the greatness of the Roman Empire. As architecture goes, the Pantheon has stood the test of time being more than 1800 years old but it’s construction also serves as a reminder of how much the Romans revered their gods – its name means ‘temple for all the gods’. Poignant reminders of the Pantheon’s commission by Marcus Agrippa are etched into the front of its portico. Highlights also include the immense bronze front door and the 43 metre high oculus at the top of the dome.
5. Statue of David
flickr/mulaohu
Florence has its share of Renaissance masterpieces but Michelangelo’s ‘David’ is one of the most famous. Housed in the Galleria d’Accademia, you may have to wait your turn to get to the front of the queue to get a glimpse of the 5 metre tall David about to slay Goliath. It’s no surprise that he can still manage to inspire awe and admiration into viewers just as he did when first unveiled in 1504.
4. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
flickr/Rutger Blom
Dominating the skyline of Florence is the much photographed Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or just ‘The Duomo’. This magnificent green, pink and white marble church is famous for its large brick dome by Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi. At 114.5 metres, the dome is the largest ever constructed and complex enough that it took 140 years to complete! Make the climb up to its dizzying heights and enjoy 360 panoramic views of Florence.
3. Grand Canal in Venice
flickr/John Fowler
Taking a ride on a water taxi down Venice’s Grand Canal is a must for a mesmerising look at how the other half lived. Anyone who was anyone in Venice during the 13th to the 17th centuries had a big flash house on the Grand Canal. This sweeping S-shaped waterway is 3,800 metres long and Venice’s major traffic route. It has four bridges crossing at various points, the most famous being the Rialto Bridge, the least being the Calatrava Bridge; a controversial modern addition.
2. Colosseum
flickr/icomei
Pipping the Pantheon at the post, the Colosseum has to take credit for its sheer size and grandeur. Although largely in ruins, the Colosseum still manages to impress visitors with its 80 entrances and 48 metre high stands. Built in 72 AD, it could house an audience of 55,000 people and was a stadium for public games involving fights to the death between animals and gladiators.
1. Pompeii
flickr/Juan José López
The tragedy of Pompeii is today an archaeological wonder for visitors. Located near Naples, the town was stopped in its tracks when Mt Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. The ash preserved the buildings, frescoes, mosaics and pottery to a remarkable extent. The site is still undergoing excavation but a largish area has been uncovered. You’ll need to spend two days if you want to explore the site fully without rushing.
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