Italy is home to many of the most significant pieces of art and architecture in the world. Italy is the fifth most popular country in the world for tourists, with over 55 million tourists visiting it every year. Italian cuisine is famous all over the world, and many people come just to taste authentic pizzas and pasta. The country is also home to more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country. The beautiful beaches make it a prime summer holiday destination. So if you are planning a trip to Europe, Italy will be an awe-inspiring destination. Here are the ten best places for you to visit in Italy.

1. Rome

Rome was the seat of power for the magnificent Roman empire. The city is thus Filled with many colossal monuments from that era along with many museums that showcase artifacts from various periods of history. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Capitoline museums are all remnants of ancient Rome. The city also hosts the Vatican city inside of it. You can visit St Peter’s Basilica, the seat of power for all Roman Catholics around the world. The city also has a thriving street life that you could enjoy. The city is one of the most romantic and charismatic places in the world as a whole.

2. Venice

One of the most romantic destinations in the entire world. The whole city is built on tiny islands. The beautiful waterways filled with gondolas are iconic to this city. The banks of these waterways are all lined with buildings that represent the rich history of Venice. The city is home to many grand feasts and shops. You must spend more than a day in this city even to start taking in its magnanimity.

3. Milan

Milan is one of the top places in the world for fashion and design. The city has been under the rule Napoléon, the Austro-Hungarians, Mussolini, and many caesars; giving its a fascinating history. The city is also the home of Italian design; it all started in this city back in the 1930s. The city’s cuisine is something to look out for, some of the great dishes of Italian cuisine were born in this city. It also holds the most number of Michelin stars in the entire country. The town has many Italian fashion brands branched all over the city; thus, you will be able to get your style needs filled anywhere.

4. Florence

This city is the birthplace of the Renaissance; it is packed with iconic artworks in every corner. Florence is home to many architectural masterpieces like Duomo and Galleria Degli Uffizi. It also has many museums that are filled with paintings and sculptures by all the major Renaissance artists. It is even home to the iconic David by Michelangelo. The city is the cradle for Italy’s fashion industry, with designers like Salvatore Ferragamo and Guccio Gucci opening boutiques back in the 1920s. The place is also home to the fascinating Tuscan cuisine.

5. Naples

This city is found right next to an active volcano and the bay of Naples. Mount Vesuvius was the volcano that killed off the ancient Roman town of Pompeii. The city is filled with many iconic frescoes and extraordinary marbles sculptures. The city is considered to also have the best pizza and pasta in the country; it has incredible street markets filled with culinary delights.

6. Pisa

This city is now famous for its iconic architectural mishap. It was once a significant maritime power in the region and had many buildings that are remainder to that time. It is one of the educational hubs of the country, and many students come here from all over the country, giving it a cheerful vibe. Pisa is filled with many amazing bars, restaurants, and cafes. The city is also filled with many gothic churches, renaissance piazzas, and beautiful Romanesque buildings.

7. Amalfi

The coast of Amalfi is one of the most beautiful summer destinations in the world. The town is placed right below a sheer cliff,  making it a very dramatic town to be in. The town has many fantastic diving and swimming locations all around it, while also having many beautiful buildings adorning it. The place also has a beautiful marine reserve that has vibrant plants and animals. The town is also home to many UNESCO sites.

8. Turin

This industrial powerhouse was the one that made the first saleable hard chocolate in the world. It is also home to the most iconic car company in all of Italy, the Fiat. The Mole Antonelliana in the city is home to the interactive National Cinema Museum. The city has alps rising to its northwest and has many beautiful cafes and boulevards within its city. It even has an Egyptian museum filled with artifacts from the great civilization.

9. Genoa

This port city is the capital of Italy’s Liguria region. This is the largest seaport of Italy and was once home to the great republic of Genoa. This once powerful maritime state ruled over vast stretches of land in the Mediterranean. Many buildings in the city are standing reminders of the cities glory days. The city is also home to the UNESCO listed Palazzi dei Rolli, an area filled with iconic streets and palaces. The city now has many museums and many fabulous eateries.

10. Bologna

This city is a city that is an amalgam of many eras. One part of the city is filled with the biggest tech companies working hard while another part houses the oldest university in the world. The city has many old structures like the Basilica di San Petronio and the Fountain of Neptune. The structures in the city hail from both the Renaissance and medieval periods. The city has a vibrant food legacy along with its rich medieval history. This city is also the birthplace of the Bolognese sauce.

Next: Things to do in London

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