Why is Italy so attractive, and why do visitors to Italy come back time and again?
Millions of visitors travel to the boot shaped country, which is the home of the Romans and the Pioneers of the Renaissance. We all know why it is so popular: culture and heritage, fabulous architecture, stunning beach resorts, enchanting islands, stunning relics of the Roman and early Christian ages, superb food and drink, and the legendary friendliness and warmth of the Italian people.
So without further ado, check out our guide to the top tourist sights of Italy that you really should consider checking out wherever and whenever you are in Italy on vacation!
Remains Of The Roman Empire
Check out some of the remains and learn of the glittering history of the Roman Empire, and a visit to those monuments will bring you back to the days when the Romans ruled the world!
The Colosseum – One of the biggest icons of ancient Rome, this marvellous structure which was built for gladiator combat, was constructed in around 80 AD. This sheer size of the attraction is hugely impressive, going over 160 feet high. During the height of its powers, over 50,000 people would flock to the Colosseum for battles between gladiators and between wild animals. After the Empire fell, the marvellous building fell into decline and suffered plenty of structural damage until its recent restoration.
Capital Line Hill – Known in Italian as Piazza Campidoglio, this was the seat of power for the Ancient Romans. And today it is the political centre of Italy today.
Roman Forums – Check out the sites of the famous Roman Forums where the topics of the day were debated by the Roman Senate. Caesar’s Forum is one of the most popular places to see. Make sure to check out Palatine Hill and the other temples that are dedicated to the deities of the Roman peoples.
Wherever you go in Italy you will come across Roman ruins, probably the most impressive are located in the capital city, however some of the worldwide well known Roman relics are the town of Pompeii that was destroyed by the Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD, where the bodies and buildings were preserved in molten ash for eternity. Carsulae also features some impressive Roman ruins.
More Fantastic Attractions of Rome
Rome is not just about the relics of the Roman Empire. There are some other fantastic architectural delights that you should consider checking out.
The Pantheon – This is one of the most impressive places you could visit in Rome, as it is full to the brim with splendid architecture, wonderful sculptures, and impressive statues. The famous Renaissance painter Raphael’s final resting place is here.
The Spanish Steps – One of the busiest areas of Rome, the famous steps that reach from Piazza di Spagna to Trinita dei Monti, offers exclusive shopping, café bars, restaurants and public houses. Many people climb to the top of the Spanish Steps to get a panoramic view of Rome, but you can also get just as good a view if not better by climbing the steps at the entrance to Trinita dei Monti church. Prepare to be dazzled!
The Trevi Fountain – Designed by Nicola Salvi in the 18th century, the Trevi Fountain is noted for its stunning beauty and impressive size, and not only will you marvel at the water but the wonderful sculptures, such as the memorial to Neptune. If you throw a coin into it while you turn away, t is said that you will some day return to Rome. Located just a small distance form the Piazza Navona and in Trevi square.
Vatican City – The Vatican is an independent state located in Rome’s centre and this is another popular destination for visitors to Rome. Home to many renowned attractions itself, such as the St Peter’s Basilica and the sublime Sistine Chapel where you will see the works of Michelangelo and Botticelli. The Vatican Gardens and Museum are a must visit too.
Rome could be afforded a blog on its own for the wonderful attractions it has to offer!
Tourist attractions of Venice
Venice is well known for its beautiful canals and gondola rides. The Grand Canal is a place that you must not miss if you are travelling through Italy. Not only is it a romantic way of tripping throughout the city but you will get to see all the wonderful attractions of Venice through this way! St. Mark’s Church and Santa Maria Della Salute church are other Venice landmarks that you should check out.
Tourist sights to see in Tuscany
Italy is home to the Tuscany region, one of the most alluring and enchanting tourist destinations of the world. The region is home to Florence, Pisa, Siena and Lucca.
Florence, known as the artistic capital of Italy, is home to the Uffizi Gallery which houses paintings by legendary Italian artists such as Giotto, Lippi, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Titian, Tintoretto, Leonardo, plus other esteemed European artists such as Rubens and Rembrandt.
Pisa is home to the legendary Leaning Tower Of Pisa, which is the bell tower for Pisa Cathedral. The construction begun here in 1173. Not long after the building work commenced, the tower started to lean on its right hand side due to the soft ground that it was built upon. In the late 1980s due to the large number of visitors it was decided on safety grounds to repair the structure and the Tower reopened to the public in 2001.
Siena is another beautiful Italian city that is universally popular for its Roman-Gothic cathedral, well-preserved medieval streets and the famous Piazza del Campo.
Football, Football, Football
Italians love their football, and the passion on and off the pitch is vividly displayed, and you will see the keen rivalry if you attend any one of the city derbies. The stadiums themselves are impressive themselves, for instance go to the Stadio Olimpico to see the heated Rome derby between Lazio and Roma, or visit the majestic San Siro for the Milan derby between current Champions League holders Internazionale and AC Milan!
The Romance of Italy
It is well known that Italy is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Whether you are interested in the gorgeous scenery of the Amalfi Coast, taking a romantic canal ride in Venice, Alpine skiing, works of Art in Tuscany or exploring the mesmerising architecture of Rome, a holiday in Italy will give you so many romantic options that you are spoilt for choice!
