Italy, as we know, is often associated with its cuisine, language, Roman ruins or some would even say Hollywood’s notoriously famous underworld! But there’s certainly more to this charming European country than that.
Lying on the borders of the Mediterranean Sea, the Republic of Italy is the birthplace of some of history’s greatest scholars, artists and emperors.
Over the centuries, Italy has influenced many cultures with its unique additions. From Pompeii’s perspective of civilization to Florence’s architectural marvels, here we look at the best places to visit in Italy. Enjoy!
Canal Grando – also known as Grand Canal in Venice, is Italy’s most breathtaking water channel and a major water-traffic corridor.
1. Trevi Fountain
A Baroque creation of the 17th Century, Designed by famous Italian architects Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini, Trevi Fountain is a world-famous tourist destination.Travelers from around the world visit the beautiful city of Rome to take a glimpse of this masterpiece and toss a coin. This is a fascinating folk tradition that tourists often add to their bucket lists.
Looking at its engineering, the water that flows into the Trevi fountain is considered to be the oldest water source in Rome. This waterway once sourced water to public baths in Rome back in the bygone ages.
2. St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican city is a renaissance papal church. The church is the largest and one of Christendom’s holiest churches. Construction of the Basilica in Rome began in the early 1500s and is the iconic symbolization of classical Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The interior is other-worldly, and it is home to Michelangelo’s Pietà. If you’re intrigued by classical Italian architecture, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the best places to visit in Italy.3. Palazzo Vecchio
If you are looking for historically pleasing places to visit in Italy, Palazzo Della Signoria is a must-visit site in Florence. It is also the town hall of Florence city which was founded in the 13th century. Standing 94 meters in height, Palazzo Vecchio’s breathtaking Romanesque architecture is undoubtedly the highlight of Florence. It holds a fascinating blend of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance architecture. Palazzo Vecchio is also home to Salone dei Cinquecento – known as the Hall of the five hundred. Some of these countless frescoes and sculptures are worth seeing at least once in your lifetime.4. Galileo Museum
Located by the Arno River, Galileo Museum is yet another awe-inspiring location to visit in Florence while you’re in Tuscany. It, however, may not be your slice of Pizza if scientific discovery doesn’t intrigue you. Known as the father of Modern Science, Galileo Galilei was at the forefront of astronomy and mathematical findings that are beneficial even today.If you are visiting the Italian city of Florence, do add Galileo Museum to your bucket list.
5. Grand Canal
This Italian city was informally known as the Capital of Europe a few hundred years ago, so one would find the Grand Canal being mentioned many times in various literature across Europe – including Shakespeare’s plays.
However, the only surprise would be the summer stink that comes from all the sewage directly being dumped into the canal. Apart from that downside, it’s one of the best places to visit in Italy.6. Sforzesco Castle
Castello Sforzesco – also known as Sforzesco castle, is a famous citadel in Milan – in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. A 15th-century masterpiece, Sforzesco is not a palace of a royal member but the house of a Duke named Sforza in Milan, who had aspirations of a prince and dreamt of creating a palace of his own.Back in the 14th Century, Castello Sforzesco used to be one of the biggest citadels in Europe, encompassing over 25 hectares of space.
It’s one of the best-known historic landmarks in Milan and an amazing place to visit in Italy.