Italy has much more than just sunshine and pizza; it boasts an extensive history that is evident through its iconic landmarks. From Pisa’s Leaning Tower to Herculaneum ruins, Italy has much to offer in terms of sightseeing opportunities.
Browse our list of some of the finest historical locations in Italy to help plan your next journey.
Duomo di Milano
Duomo di Milano, one of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, stands out as an impressive cathedral that combines Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles into one spectacular structure.
Construction on this church began in 1386; however, excavations indicate that its history can be traced back as far as 300 CE!
The cathedral is decorated with numerous statues and carvings that resemble the Statue of Liberty while others are more contemporary in their design. One such piece is Madonnina, standing atop its main spire.
Basilica of Santa Croce
This massive Franciscan church, commonly referred to as the ‘Temple of Italian Glories,’ is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It houses tombs for numerous notable artists and scientists such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Niccolo Machiavelli.
Vasari created Michelangelo Buonarroti’s tomb with allegories representing Painting, Sculpture and Architecture; Weeping Italy rests upon a classical coffin.
The basilica’s neoclassical facade was completed during the 19th century and dedicated to poets, playwrights, writers, musicians and fighters of illustrious periods. Additionally, a space beneath its sacristy commemorates those who have died fighting for Italy.
Bargello National Museum
Italy boasts numerous historical landmarks and sites of interest. One such attraction is Florence’s Bargello National Museum which showcases medieval and Renaissance artwork.
The Museum is housed in the Bargello Palace, constructed in 1255. This structure served as headquarters of Captain of the People and later, the Podesta; additionally it served as a prison where public executions took place.
Visitors to the Renaissance courtyard will appreciate its serene ambience, which features arched walkways and beautiful sculptures from artists like Michelangelo’s bronze David as well as works by Luca della Robbia, Benvenuto Cellini and Verrocchio.
Mole Antonelliana
The Mole Antonelliana tower in Turin, Italy, is one of its most iconic landmarks. Built without reinforcing steel reinforcing it seems almost fantastical with a majestic spire which soars higher than any in Europe and topped by a winged genie statue – an unparalleled architectural feat indeed!
Mole is named for its architect Alessandro Antonelli and refers to “a building of monumental size”. Construction began in 1863 and completed 26 years after Antonelli died; originally intended to serve as a synagogue, construction took 26 years after Antonelli passed.
Basilica of San Vitale
The Basilica of San Vitale stands as one of Europe’s best-preserved examples of Byzantine art. Constructed between AD 525 and 547 during Ostrogoth king Theodoric the Great’s rule and Emperor Justinian I’s, its architectural style exhibits both eastern and Byzantine influences including large flat stones.
Interior of this church is well-known for its magnificent Byzantine wall mosaics depicting biblical scenes and saints; also, there is an exquisite Proconnesian marble ciborium and altar which showcase this stunning feature.
Basilica of St Francis of Assisi
The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is both an icon and pilgrimage site, beginning its construction shortly after St Francis died to protect his remains. Divided into an upper and lower church, its design features 28 stunning frescoes by Giotto as well as paintings by Cimabue, Lorenzetti and Martini – it truly makes for an impressive sight.
Saint Francis’ tomb can be found midway down the nave of the lower basilica and is accessible via staircases on both sides, leading to its crypt. Due to concerns of grave robbery, Saint Francis was not interred in a coffin or sarcophagus and instead placed within a stone pillar as his remains could become easily dispersed over time.
Alberobello
Alberobello, located in Puglia and designated a UNESCO heritage site, is famed for its distinctive trulli (singular: trullo). These unusual architectural structures comprise dry stones stacked without mortar for added charm and character.
Giangirolamo Acquaviva of Conversano instructed local people to build unstable constructions rather than stable dwellings to avoid paying tributes to the Kingdom of Naples. Through trial and error, residents discovered that one single conical roofed structure provided optimal results.
Visitors to Alberobello can see trulli in its Rione Monti hilltop district and also at Trullo Sovrano – two trulli joined together – which offers stunning panoramic views.
