Italy is steeped in history, which is evident throughout modern culture. Italy boasts 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase this heritage.
The Colosseum stands as an icon of Roman gladiatori battles while Pompeii provides insight into life in Italy during that era.
Rome
Many tourists immediately associate Rome with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet; however, Rome is home to an extensive 2000-year-old Roman amphitheater which provides visitors with a glimpse into ancient Roman life during its greatest periods of glory. Visiting this arena provides visitors with a window into how Roman life once was.
Domus Aurea (Nero’s Golden House) is another must-see Rome historical site. Spanning more than 100 acres, this opulent palace complex included banqueting rooms, gardens, woods, vineyards, thermal baths and even an artificial lake – making it one of the city’s premier palace complexes.
Curia Julia in Rome Forum is one of many Curia, or Senate houses, that existed throughout Roman history. As one of these ancient houses of power it would have seen some of Rome’s most significant events and people through time.
Florence
Italy is home to numerous incredible landmarks with significant histories that are well known worldwide, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Colosseum, and Boboli Gardens.
Are You an Art and Architecture Enthusiast? Florence (Firenze)’s Historic Center will delight the art lover! Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, here you can see remarkable traces of Renaissance and Gothic art – particularly within its cathedral with its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi!
Church Santa Croce, where many Medici family members are interred, is another highlight. A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, its floorplan was drawn up by Arnolfo di Cambio while Giotto built his bell tower before passing away; you can also find works by Michelangelo and Vasari here. Near the church stands Ponte Vecchio: an iconic bridge over Arno River lined with colorful houses (now jewelry shops). Interestingly enough, it escaped destruction during WWII!
Venice
Venice is world-renowned for its canals and gondola rides, but also offers several notable historical landmarks that are worthy of sightseeing. Here are a few:
The Basilica di San Marco is one of the world’s most breathtaking religious structures, from its ornate 9th-century campanile with theological carvings to the golden mosaics adorning its interior. It is truly remarkable!
Gallerie dell’Accademia stands tall on the Grand Canal within Dorsoduro sestiere and boasts an extensive collection of 15th to 18th century Venetian art, as well as Michelangelo’s masterpiece “The David”.
Tuscany
Tuscany is an eye-opener. Boasting an astonishing concentration of historical sites – possibly more than anywhere else in the country – its landscape will take your breath away.
First up are Florence’s city centre – home of the iconic Leaning Tower and Pisa Square of Miracles – and Siena with its medieval and Renaissance heart; as well as recently added 12 Medici villas home to works by Renaissance artists that make up its World Heritage list.
Sant’Antimo stands out for its peaceful atmosphere where monks still celebrate mass with Gregorian chants; Volterra is an Etruscan town where museums display spectacular examples of alabaster craftsmanship; finally there’s its iconic landscape with rolling hills with fortified settlements on top surrounded by cypress trees and vineyards – making for an unforgettable visit!
