Italy retains most of the Unesco Heritage sites in the world . From natural wonders to incredible historic buildings, passing through archaeological sites and museums known internationally. From North to South the riches follow one after the other and in this article we want to talk about those that have kidnapped the hearts of Italians and foreign tourists. In the list you will not find the famous Vatican Museums, excluded as they are technically located in Vatican City, which is a state in itself, but certainly in a trip to Rome they are to be included in your itinerary!
Here are the 20 most famous and most visited monuments in Italy for you !
20 – Sassi di Matera, Matera
They weredeclared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. They represent the oldest part of Matera, one of the oldest in the world, and develop in what are now the districts of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisiano.
Their particularity
The buildings are carved into the rock and have been inhabited since the Paleolithic. Over the centuries they have adapted to different eras and situations, for example during the Middle Ages incredible churches were built, including the cathedral of Matera. To enjoy the Sassi in all their beauty, we recommend that you walk through the streets and reach the Belvedere di Murgia Timone viewpoint.
SEE ALSO : Matera: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening
19 – Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
Sicily is a wonderful island, a mix of history, culture and nature, between historical and archaeological sites of great importance and wonderful beaches and nature reserves. One of the most visited attractions is certainly the Valley of the Temples, an archaeological park in which several Doric temples are preserved in excellent condition . These temples date back to the Hellenic period and were dedicated to the various Greek gods. They are located in what was once the ancient Akragas, which is the original nucleus from which the city later developed.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, inside there is also the Pietro Griffo Regional Archaeological Museum, where you can admire almost 6,000 artifacts and discover the history of this incredible territory, starting from Prehistory up to the Greco-Roman era.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Valley of the Temples: How to get there, prices and advice
18 – Reggia di Venaria, Turin
About 10 kilometers from Turin is one of the most visited attractions in the beautiful country. This is a real architectural masterpiece: it is one of the most beautiful Savoy residences present on Piedmontese soil.
The complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997and open to visitors and to the public since 2007, it includes not only the Royal Palace (which is spread over 80,000 square meters), but also a wonderful garden of about 60 hectares. It is well integrated between the historic center of Venaria and the La Mandria Park. Among the things to see absolutely there are the Sala di Diana, the Galleria Grande, the Chapel of Sant’Umberto and the Juvarriane Stables.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale: How to get there, prices and advice
17 – Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Turin
It is one of the most visited museums in Turin. It is located in the historic center of the city, in via Accademia della Scienza, between the famous Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo.
This museum is the oldest museum entirely dedicated to Egyptian civilization in the world! It is therefore an obligatory stop on a trip to Turin (we advise you to visit it early in the morning, as soon as it opens, to avoid the crowds and school groups).
The museum is divided into different levels and rooms: it is spread over 5 different floors (from the basement to the third floor), and inside you can see truly unique finds of the Nilotic culture ! Among the most important exhibits of the museum you will find the Book of the Dead of Luefankh, the Canvas of Gebelein, the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Gallery of the Kings and the Tomb of Kha and Merit. You can also admire the Predynastic Mummy, one of the oldest (dating back to 3,500 BC) and one of the flagships of the exhibitions.
SEE ALSO: What to see at the Egyptian Museum: advice, prices and how to get there
16 – Royal Palace of Caserta, Caserta
Caserta is a place made world famous thanks to the wonderful Royal Palace. It is the largest Royal Residence in the world by volume ! Built starting in 1752 at the behest of Carlo Borbone, whose family of the Bourbons is the historical owner of the Royal Palace.
Inside you can visit the immense royal apartments, the TerraeMotus collection, the Court Theater and the Staircase of Honor.
And after visiting the Palace, you cannot fail to stroll in the Royal Park, an immense park of 120 hectares. It develops in length (about 3.3 km), according to an innovation introduced by the architect who follows the project, Luigi Vanvitelli, and takes the name of “Effetto Cannocchiale”, as as soon as you leave the Palace you will see the park extend to a loss. eye! These gardens are inspired by the gardens of the great villas and palaces of the 1700s, including Versailles, in France.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Royal Palace of Caserta: How to get there, prices and advice
15 – Pantheon, Rome
It is a temple built to pay homage to all the gods. It is located in Piazza della Rotonda, in the heart of Rome, where Ancient Rome stood centuries ago. Originally, it was built in 27 BC during the empire of Emperor Agrippa, while what you can admire and visit today is the reconstruction commissioned by Hadrian, between 120 and 124 AD.
What is striking about the Pantheon and its marvelous architecture , which develops on a circular plan, whose central structure, called Rotonda, has a height of 30 meters. What catches the eye is the incredible dome, with an internal diameter of 43 meters which made it the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world . A stop absolutely to be included in an itinerary in Rome!
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Pantheon: How to get there,
14 – Galleria dell’Accademia, Florence
This is one of the most visited museums in Italy, it is located in Florence and inside it preserves the largest number of Michelangelo’s works in the world ! There are, in fact, seven.
Among all, the one that stands out is the famous David by Michelangelo, considered a true masterpiece of sculpture ! 520 cm tall (including the base), it represents the biblical hero David before his battle against the giant Goliath. It was created between 1501 and 1504, Michelangelo started it when he was only 26 years old. Besides the David, in the Accademia Gallery you can see other wonderful works, such as Michelangelo’s Slaves, Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabines and Jacopo di Cione’s Coronation of the Virgin.
: What to see at the Accademia Gallery: tips, prices and how to get there
13 – Uffizi Gallery, Florence
In Florence there is another incredible museum that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. We are talking about the famous Uffizi Gallery, one of the most beautiful museum complexes in the world ! For the visit it is absolutely recommended to purchase tickets online with priority access, to avoid wasting time in the long lines that inevitably form! Surely, this gallery represents one of those museums to visit at least once in a lifetime.
This complex is divided into three different museums: the famous Uffizi, the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. The first is located on the banks of the Arno, near the Ponte Vecchio and on the same side of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, while Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens on the opposite side. Inside, works such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus (one of the most famous paintings in the world), Botticelli’s Spring, Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni, Titian’s Venus Urbino and the Annunciation by Leonardo da Win.
SEE ALSO : What to see at the Uffizi Galleries: tips, prices and how to get there
12 – Cenacolo Vinciano, Milan
In beautiful Milan, among the many things to see, there is this museum, born around itsmain attraction: Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper . The famous painting is located inside the Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, on the wall of what was once the refectory. But not only that, here you can also visit the convent and the Ambrosiana Picture Gallery, which inside houses paintings by Botticelli, Leonardo, Caravaggio, Titian and others.
For this visit it is important to prepare and book your entrance well in advance : in fact, the Last Supper can only be visited in small groups (35 people with entrances every 35 minutes). This decision was taken to try to avoid further deterioration and damage to the work, which has already been restored several times.
SEE ALSO: What to see at the Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano: advice, prices and how to get there
11 – Arena di Verona, Verona
It is located in Piazza Bra, Verona. It is an ancient Roman amphitheater, one of the best preserved . There is no precise date of construction of the arena and its dating is still very much fought between different historians, it is assumed that it was built during the 1st century AD
Once the center of Roman life, clashes between gladiators and shows with wild or exotic animals. Even today it represents the center of the life of the city and is the location of numerous concerts and events, from those held inside to those held in Piazza Bra. Theater, opera, opera, but also modern music concerts, attending an event inside the Arena is a truly unique experience, one of those things to try at least once in a lifetime.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Verona Arena: How to get there, prices and advice
10 – Trevi Fountain, Rome
It is probably one of the most famous and well-known fountains in the world. It is the largest and most beautiful fountain in the capital , located on the facade of Palazzo Poli and designed by Nicola Salvi.
Every year it is visited by millions of tourists and is crowded at any time of day. For this reason we advise you to visit it early in the morning, while the city is waking up, or in the evening, when it is all lit up. When you visit it there is one thing to do absolutely: turn your back to the fountain and throw in a coin , it is said that it will bring good luck and that you will return to Rome.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Trevi Fountain: How to get there, prices and advice
9 – Ponte Vecchio, Florence
It is the symbol of Florence and one of the oldest bridges in the world! It was built for the first time between 972 and 974, following deterioration it was rebuilt in 1177 and 1345 and was restored in 1944. Today on the bridge you can admire wonderful workshops of artisans and goldsmiths, but once there were shops of butchers, who were then moved because they were deemed inappropriate for the area and the beauty of the bridge.
This is certainly one of the most visited and most photographed points : a photo in front of the Ponte Vecchio is a must! This means that it is always crowded with tourists and that in some hours of the day it is also difficult to pass. Our advice is to admire it in all its beauty early in the morning or in the evening lights.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Ponte Vecchio: How to get there, prices and advice
8 – Imperial Forums, Rome
They are located in the heart of Rome and include five monumental squares that date back to a period ranging from 46 BC to 113 AD.
You can therefore admire: the Forum of Caesar, the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Nerva, the Forum of Trajan and the Temple of Peace. The Roman Forum, on the other hand, was the ancient Republican Square. A forum, in Ancient Rome, represented the nucleus of the administrative, political and commercial life of an inhabited center.
This wonderful area develops along the homonymous street, the Via dei Fori Imperiali, which starts from the Colosseum, thus crossing the heart of the city, and reaches Piazza Venezia, where the famous Altare della Patria is located. Definitely a suggestive walk, which will take you back in time!
SEE ALSO : Roman Forum, Rome: curiosities, historical notes and practical info
7 – Pompeii excavations, Pompeii (Naples)
Italy holds another historical site of world importance: we are talking about the archaeological site of Pompeii, located in the homonymous locality , in the province of Naples. From the excavations you can admire the ancient city of Pompeii , brought to light by the long excavations begun in 1748 at the behest of Charles Bourbon and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Today it is one of the best preserved cities of the Roman era .
The city was completely submerged by the lava and ash of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD and this is the reason why the remains have been preserved so well over the centuries. As this is one of the most visited archaeological and historical sites in Italy, we absolutely recommend that you book your visit with priority entrance in advance, so as not to waste time in line.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the archaeological excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum: How to get there, prices and advice
6 – Piazza San Marco, Venice
Every itinerary in Venice can only start from Piazza San Marco, one of the most important monumental squares in Italy! This has always been the center of life in Venice, so much so that it is the only one that has been awarded the name “piazza”. In fact, walking through the streets, you will find that all the other areas are called “fields”. It is divided into three parts: the square itself, the Piazzetta di San Marco and the Piazzetta dei Leoncini.
Here are some of the most important attractions of Venice , starting with the Basilica of San Marco and its bell tower. The famous Palazzo Ducale, seat of the Doge and of the state magistrates, faces onto Piazzetta San Marco. Within walking distance you will also find the Bridge of Sighs and the Royal Gardens of Venice.
SEE ALSO : What to see absolutely in Venice
5 – Leaning Tower, Pisa
It is one of the most known and loved Italian monuments in the world, a monument that has now become a real symbol of the Bel Paese , also known as the Tower of Pisa. It is located in the wonderful complex of Piazza dei Miracoli and is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Here you can also visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Monumental Cemetery.
In front of the tower you will find many people intent on taking the classic remote photo in which they pretend to hold the tower, and by now it has become a must!
Construction work began in 1173 and continued until 1350, it consists of eight floors with a total height of 56 meters. Its slope was caused by a subsidence of the land. Given the large influx of tourists every year, the purchase of the priority ticket is absolutely recommended , in order to avoid long queues.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Tower of Pisa: How to get there, prices and advice
4 – Milan Cathedral, Milan
In Milan, a self-respecting itinerary can only start from Piazza Duomo, where its cathedral stands majestically, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and symbol of the city. Not everyone knows that its full name is Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente. Its construction lasted for centuries, and one of the churches that took longer to be built: the works began in 1386 and continued for 500 years, until the end of the nineteenth century.
After admiring its imposing facade, go inside to admire its five naves and incredible large windows, which will immediately catch your attention. A visit to the Terraces is mandatory , to walk among the marvelous spiers and admire them up close. Furthermore, from here you will have a beautiful view over the whole city! Finally, the Scurolo di San Carlo and the Duomo Museum are also worth seeing.
SEE ALSO: Visit to the Duomo of Milan: timetables, prices and advice
3 – Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
The cathedral is absolutely worth a visit if you go to Florence. It is a symbol of the city and of Italy , this cathedral contains treasures of inestimable value. Its construction began in 1296 at the behest and expense of the Florentine municipality, which entrusted the project to Arnolfo di Cambio. The works lasted 72 years and Giotto also participates in it.
But what to see in the wonderful complex of the cathedral of Florence
Surely the Brunelleschi’s Dome, whose internal decorations were created by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, who reproduced the Last Judgment. Walk the 463 steps of the Dome and admire this masterpiece! And don’t forget to also visit Giotto’s Bell Tower, where Giotto, Pisano and Arnoldi worked!
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Duomo of Florence: How to get there, prices and advice
2 – Grand Canal, Venice
It is one of the wonders of Italy, the main canal that crosses the entire historic center of Venice ! In the shape of an “S”, with its 4 kilometers of length it divides it into two parts, joined together by several bridges.
You can visit and admire the beauty of the canal in several ways: by vaporetto, by gondola or on foot. If you want to travel it by vaporetto, the best line is line 1, and from the boat you can admire some of the most important buildings in the city such as Palazzo Ca ‘d’Oro, the Accademia Gallery, the Church of Santa Maria della Salute and the Bridge of Rialto. On foot you will enjoy it, however, from another perspective and you will have to cross the Rialto Bridge, the Accademia Bridge, the Scalzi Bridge and the Constitution Bridge. Finally you can enjoy a wonderful gondola ride, slower and more pleasant than the vaporetto, but certainly much more expensive!
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Grand Canal: How to get there, prices and advice
1 – Colosseum, Rome
And here we are at the end of the most famous Italian monument, what is theits true symbol in the world : the Colosseum of Rome.
Originally known as Amphitheatrum Flavium, it is the largest amphitheater in the world ! It is located in the heart of the city and once was. The construction began in 69 AD during the Vespasian Empire was completed in 10 years and was inaugurated in 80 AD This was the place of entertainment for all the Roman people, a stage of bloody fights between gladiators. Inside it probably held between 40,000 and 87,000 people.
Today the interior has largely collapsed, just as you cannot see the base of the arena, which at the time was probably made of wood. But a visit is absolutely a must, and one of those monuments to see at least once in a lifetime! Also in this case, as for several aforementioned attractions, the influx of tourists is very high, so we recommend the purchase of skip-the-line tickets.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Colosseum: How to get there, prices and advice
