Italy is one of the most popular countries to visit. With all of its amazing scenery, architecture, art, food and culture, it is no wonder why many people have this beautiful country on their travel lists. Italy has a seemingly endless amount of things to see and do and learn. No matter what you decide to do here, you will be in awe of the beauty and history the country holds. Here are just 10 of the many must see destinations in Italy.
The Colosseum
Located in the center of Rome, the Colosseum is most famous for being the largest and most recognizable colosseum in the world. It was the site of events such as gladiatorial games and could hold more than 50,000 people. Today, the Colosseum has millions of visitors that come to see the massive and impressive structure.
Pantheon
The Pantheon, located on the Piazza della Rotonda, is the best preserved monument of ancient Rome. A beautiful and incredible architectural wonder, it was constructed to be a temple for the Gods. The exterior, portico, interior and dome, which is the largest ever built, are sure to leave you in awe. Multiple famous artists were buried here, including Raphael and Annibale Carracci. Today, it is still used as a Catholic church.
The Grand Canal
Venice is one of the most common ports on many Italy cruises, as it is a city built on 118 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. The islands are separated by canals and connected by bridges. When exploring Venice, one way to see the sights of the city is to take a gondola ride through the many canals that act as streets, including the Grand Canal, where along the way you can see different architectural styles, palaces and the Rialto Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in the city.
St. Mark’s Basilica
Another must see in Venice is St. Mark’s Basilica. St. Mark’s Basilica is one of Italy’s most incredible cathedrals, as it is has a combination of artistic and architectural styles as well as many gold Byzantine mosaics.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, located in Pisa, Italy, is another popular sight to see. It is a unique structure because of that fact that it leans at nearly 4.0 degrees. This is due to it being built on an unstable foundation.
Vatican City
Vatican City is an independent city-state within Rome, Italy. It is home to the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and to the Pope. In Vatican City you will also find many beautiful and historical things to see including the Basilica of St. Peter, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.
The Uffizi Gallery
If you like art, a visit to the Uffizi Gallery is another must do on a trip to Italy. Located in the city of Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous museums in the world and is known for being home to many amazing ancient paintings and sculptures. The museum has works of art by many famous Italian artists including Michelangelo, Botticelli, Giotto, Cimabue, Raffaello and Leonardo da Vinci.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque locations in Italy, known for its colorful coastal villages, spectacular views, cliffs and beaches. It is the perfect place to enjoy Italy’s scenery, history, culture, art and cuisine.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain, located in the city of Rome, is one of the most famous fountains in the world. It is a baroque fountain on the Piazza di Trevi square that was built in the 18th century. It is tradition to close your eyes and throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. The legend says that the person that throws a coin into the fountain will return to Rome. The fountain collects about 1.5 million every year and donates a lot of it to charity.
Italy is a beautiful country with lots to offer. Whether it be enjoying fine Italian cuisine, walking through amazing cities, exploring the Italian lakes, learning fascinating history, or seeing ancient structures, Italy is sure to be an unforgettable destination.