Italy is one of the most visited destinations in Europe and is filled with vibrant cities, historic landmarks, artistic sites, magnificent coastlines, picturesque mountain ranges, and more! Attracting nearly 100 million tourists each year, Italy is a country that offers something for all travelers, from the canals of Venice to the Renaissance art and culture of Florence. Here are 5 of the top cities to visit when exploring Italy!
1. Rome
The Roman Empire was one of the most important economic, political, and cultural forces in the history of western civilization. Rome is known as the “Eternal City” for its timeless character transcending all historical periods dating back to the city’s founding, possibly as far back as 753 BC. Larger-than-life landmarks from pre-Christian times stand side-by-side with more recent edifices that are “only” a few centuries old and modern 20th -century buildings alike.
Rome features many ancient landmarks and ruins such as the world-famous Colosseum, where you can walk among the remains of this amphitheater which was originally completed in 80 AD as a site for fights between gladiators and other public events. Other notable attractions include Palatine Hill, the most famous of Rome’s “Seven Hills” and site of the earliest Roman settlements, the Roman Forum, a plaza that was the center of Roman public life for centuries, and the “Via Sacra” or “Sacred Way” which was the main street of ancient Rome and led to the Forum. It ends at the temple which houses the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated. In short, Rome is one of the most compelling destinations anywhere in the world for the traveler looking for an unparalleled historical and culturally enriching experience.
2. Florence
Florence, also known as the “capital of the arts,” was founded on the banks of the Arno River as a Roman city in 80 BC and was one of the world’s most important cities politically, economically, and culturally from the 14th to the 16th centuries. It was a prosperous trading and financial center and the origin of the great explosion of creativity and innovation in art and architecture of the Italian Renaissance. Today Florence receives approximately 1.65 million visitors annually, many of them visiting the city’s historic cultural institutions, such as the Uffizi and Accademia Art Galleries.
Notable attractions within this beautiful city include the 15th -century Cathedral (Duomo) with its massive “Cupola del Brunelleschi,” possibly the largest dome ever built, and its bell-tower. In Florence you can also visit the Ponte Vecchio arched stone bridge which has spanned the Arno River since the 14th-century. The bridge is lined with jewelry shops and art dealers. Drive along Viale dei Colli road to the Piazzele Michelangelo for a wonderful panoramic view of the city. Ultimately, Florence is the perfect city for the traveler looking for an immersive experience in Renaissance art and history.
3. Venice
Venice is legendary for its many canals and is considered one of the world’s most romantic cities. It is set on 117 islands in the marshy saltwater Venetian Lagoon which is separated from the open sea by two long strips of land. Venice’s traditional architecture, mostly a local version of the Gothic style, and watery setting complete with gondolas steered by oarsmen dressed in traditional garb make for a picture-postcard setting that charms visitors and Venetians alike.
While visiting Venice, enjoy a boat ride in a traditional gondola along the Grand Canal, Venice’s main “street” ! Admire the city from a different point of view. Palaces, churches, and picturesque and charming houses, shops, and other structures make for a fairy tale landscape taking you back to another time. Continue your ride through some of the smaller canals to discover the soul and intimate feel of this wonderful place.
You can also explore the iconic Piazza San Marco square watched over by St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Enjoy walking through beautiful narrow streets and alleys and magical bridges, experiencing why Venice is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of Venice’s largest squares bordered by small shops and residential areas, the Church of San Giovanni de Paolo in the Cannaregio district, and the house of famous 13th century explorer Marco Polo.
4. Milan
Milan is a major business and financial center and is also known as one of the world’s fashion capitals. It is Italy’s second-largest city with about 1.3 million people and has major attractions such as the Teatro alla Scala, Il Duomo Cathedral, the Castello Sforzesco and the Piazza del Duomo, Milan’s most important square.
Other notable sites in Milan include La Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses, the breathtaking Duomo, the city’s large and impressive Gothic cathedral and the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery with shops, restaurants, and cafés. The city also houses “The Last Supper”, the renowned painting by Leonardo da Vinci, located in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Milan is a destination that appeals to travelers with an interest in fashion, design, and art history.
5. Sorrento
A coastal town in overlooking the Bay of Naples in southern Italy on the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento is known for its abundance of lemons, shellfish, and limoncello liquor. Founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC, the seaside town has a population of approximately 17,000 and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1997.
Sorrento’s top attractions include the Bagni di Regina Giovanna, a picturesque swimming spot nestled along the Sorrento Peninsula. Known for its natural beauty, this site dates to the first century BC and offers scenic views of what was once a Roman villa. Explore the Piazza Tasso, Sorrento’s main square named after the poet, Torquato Tasso. Located within the square you will find small, winding streets complemented by local shops and cafes. You can also visit the Museo Correale di Terranova, an art museum located inside an 18th-century villa, the Via Marina Grande, Sorrento’s historic fishing village, and the Cathedral of Saints Phillip and James, featuring frescos and baroque architecture.
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