Explore Italy’s finest historical places. From UNESCO-listed Field of Miracles to Florence Cathedral, discover breathtaking examples of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture and art.
Pompeii and Herculaneum offer visitors an impressive archeological treasure trove that provides a window into ancient Roman life, while Agrigento boasts breathtaking Greek archaeological marvels that mesmerize visitors.
1. Colosseum
The Colosseum, one of Rome and Italy’s most beloved landmarks, stands as an architectural wonder and offers a glimpse into an earlier time. Additionally, its history illustrates how manipulations of architecture, entertainment and public sentiment allowed successive emperors to either discredit the legacies of predecessors or indulge their megalomania.
The impressive arena was constructed to demonstrate imperial power and splendor, filled with exotic animals and staged spectacles which ran for many days.
Once interest in games waned, the arena was converted for use for other purposes; such as quarrying. Later it was even used by stone robbers who stole stolen stone spolia. Today the Colosseum remains one of Rome’s premier tourist attractions and every Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit procession through it in memory of early Christian martyrs that died there.
2. Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio (or Old Palace), constructed during the 13th century on one side of Florence’s Piazza della Signoria square was constructed as a symbol of order that had come about following years of civil strife between Guelphs and Ghibellines.
Arnolfo di Cambio designed this building, using foundations from earlier Palazzo dei Fanti and Palazzo dell’Esecutore di Giustizia palaces as its basis. It housed priori, who served on guild councils to manage local governance; nine prioris were selected at random from signoria to live there for two months at a time before returning back into society.
Today, this building serves as home to both the mayor and city council offices as well as an impressive collection of Renaissance artwork, including Donatello’s sculpture of Judith and Holofernes by Donatello as well as a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
3. Basilica of Saint Mark
The Basilica of Saint Mark is one of Venice’s iconic structures and has become famous around the world due to its exquisite architecture. Believed to contain St Mark’s remains as one of four evangelists, it first opened for services in 828 AD; merchants from Venice smuggled them over from Alexandria Egypt in order to protect against Muslim guards who might detect holy smell.
Today, the church features exquisite marble inlays and an 8000 sq.m gilded mosaic floor containing scenes from the Bible as well as virtues, angels and saints depicted through imagery on this stunning artwork. Additionally, St Mark’s Crypt and The Treasury contain spoils from Venice’s destruction of Constantinople in 1453.
4. Herculaneum
Herculaneum, a Roman town destroyed by Vesuvius’ eruption in 79AD, often remains hidden behind Pompeii but deserves equal consideration when visiting these two ancient cities. Herculaneum stands on its own as an attraction worth seeing – don’t overlook Herculaneum for Pompeii alone; visit both for their unique charm.
Herculaneum was covered by molten lava instead of volcanic ash when it was destroyed, meaning many valuable finds from Herculaneum remain. Of particular note is its villa of Neptune and Amphitrite which boasts intricate mosaics created using pieces of colored glass.
Other attractions at Herculaneum include the House of Papyri and thermal baths; both serve as reminders that Herculaneum was one of Rome’s more luxurious seaside resorts for wealthy Romans who owned homes there for coastal holidays. Skeletal remains found there have also provided new insights into their inhabitants’ daily lives.
5. Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast consists of several villages situated along cliffs overlooking the sea. Each of these quaint hamlets boasts its own distinctive square where visitors can relax over a good cup of coffee or wine while admiring both sea and mountains that encase this magical destination.
Amalfi was once one of the great maritime republics of the 10th and 11th centuries, rivaling Genoa, Pisa, and Venice in maritime trade. Unfortunately, after being devastated by Pisans sackings and plague it has since shrunk down into its current modest size of town.
Although in decline, Amalfi Coast remains a popular tourist spot among celebrities and intellectuals such as composer Richard Wagner or playwright Henrik Ibsen (who wrote “A Doll’s House”) while visiting.
