The Roman Empire is known to be the cradle of world civilization. Travelers tend to Italy to get acquainted with the sights of the country – monuments, palaces, cathedrals and excellent national cuisine. Even now, the most ancient European state never ceases to amaze with Renaissance temples, other attractive organic objects, many of them belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A large number of excursion programs helps tourists to make the choice of what to visit in tours of Italy in the first place.
➤ Leaning Tower of Pisa
Without visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa is impossible to imagine any excursion in Italy. This amazing building was built for about 177 years. Historical manuscripts say that architects in 1173 noticed the slow tilt of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The builders explained the reason – it falls from an incorrectly laid foundation, and postponed the construction of an architectural miracle for 100 years.
When the new age specialists resumed construction, to reduce the slope, they increased one side of the floor. In the XIV century, the construction of a historical object was completed, numerous restorations stopped the slope. At present, everyone can climb, counting 296 steps, and also wonder how the top, which has tilted 5 meters from the vertical line, can hold up.
- Operating mode:in the afternoon from November to the end of April (low season) – from 8:30 to 18:30. From June to September (high season) tourists are accepted – from 9:00 to 17:00. Night tours available from 18:30 to 23:00;
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI.
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➤ Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum is the largest amphitheater of antiquity, which, according to world fame, cannot be compared with any building on the planet. The construction of the amphitheater began in 72 AD. Emperor Vespasian. After 8 years, the ruler's son Titus completed the construction of an unusual and amazing structure for 50,000 seats. The guests of the bloody spectacles were protected from the sun and rain by a velarium, a kind of awning stretched along the edge of the walls.
For 300 years, the arena soaked up the blood of Christians torn to pieces by predatory animals, gladiators, whom the mercy of the audience could have left alive. The fall of the Roman Empire destroyed the former glory of the Colosseum, but could not destroy the grandeur of the monument of architecture.
- Opening hours: The Colosseum is open for tours from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm;
- Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM.
➤ Pantheon
The unique architecture of the Pantheon temple was built by the Romans to worship their gods. More than once the great building was subjected to natural disasters, but withstood all the tests. For 2,000 years, it has been delighting visitors with the beauty of its monumental columns; it also impresses with a unique dome with a round hole – this is the celestial all-seeing eye. Sunlight penetrates through it, while there is no beam scattering.
The light is formed into a column, and over time it touches the statues in turn, as if emphasizing its special preference. Tourists tend to get into the temple & nbsp; to view the beautiful statues, frescoes, paintings, the greatness of the breath of eternity. The interior decoration of the Pantheon is so unusual that it is difficult to believe in the creation of human hands, and not the gods for whom the temple was built.
- Opening hours: from 9:00 to 19:00;
- Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM.
➤ Roman Forum
Italians rightly believe that Forum Romanum is the heart of the Eternal City. Although, when Rome was founded, instead of a forum there were swamps. The builders carried out drainage, construction of temples, houses. They created a marketplace where the Romans and the Sabines, implacable enemies, traded. Then the forum turned into a place:
- to decide the affairs of state;
- administer justice;
- hold religious rites.
To make it more convenient for collective gatherings, the square was cleared of shopping malls, built up with temples and basilicas. Time did not spare historical objects, the temples turned into ruins. Columns remind of the greatness of buildings, basilicas are destroyed. What was the temple of Vesta or Saturn can only imagine.
Under the Black Stone is the ashes of Romulus, the founder of Rome. Ancient temples, arches and basilicas are being restored. The historical place attracts tourists with its mystery, the secrets of antiquity. Near the Arc de Triomphe, you can often see passing wedding processions. Newlyweds believe that ancient ancestors will strengthen family ties.
- Opening hours: open for tourist excursions from May to September during the daytime from 8:30 to 19:15;
- Address: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma.
➤ Trevi Fountain
Ancient architects, together with the builders of Rome, built the Baroque Trevi Fountain next to the Palazzo Poli. According to legend, this building is older than the temple of the gods of the Pantheon. In the 1st century BC. Emperor Augustus ordered the redevelopment of Rome and the creation of a water supply. The builders built a kind of conduit – the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. In 1447, they developed a project for the Trevi Fountain and only in 1762 completed construction, and the fountain is still filled from an ancient source.
Tourists come from all over the world to admire the beauty of the architectural structure. See how majestic Neptune in the center of the fountain watches the struggle of underwater fantastic creatures. The bottom of the reservoir is strewn with coins, which serves as an excellent support for the municipal services of Rome, they catch over a million euros a year from the bottom of the fountain.
- Opening hours: for guests, the attraction is open around the clock, but it is especially beautiful here in the evening when the lights are turned on;
- Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM.
➤ Mount Vesuvius
A fascinating attraction and a dangerous place in Italy, and specifically Naples, is the volcano Vesuvius, which is responsible for the death of the mysterious city of Pompeii. It is the only active European volcano. It is located next to the bay, and gained its world fame due to numerous eruptions, the consequences of which were human casualties and large-scale disasters.
While the volcano is “sleeping”, brave travelers climb to the top, admire the view of the soaring crater and the panorama of the amazing area. Hiking and trekking to the top of the volcano with a visit to the ruins of Pompeii are organized by licensed guides.
- Opening hours: Vesuvius National Park is open during the high season from 9:00 to 18:00;
- Address:tourists come to Naples, then the train takes them to Ercolano Scavi, and the sightseeing bus to I-80040 San Sebastiano al Vesuvio.
➤ Pompeii
About the death of the ancient city of Pompeii known from history, the painting by Karl Bryullov perfectly shows the last day of the townspeople and ancient buildings. Vesuvius covered the city with lava back in 79 AD, and archaeologists unearthed it in the 18th century. Many buildings remained, not destroyed by a natural disaster. Expedition members can enjoy the grandeur of the temple of Apollo, the theater with the stadium has been preserved.
Dwelling houses with ancient baths and pottery workshops have been excavated. The frozen bodies of people evoke horror, peculiar monuments immortalized by the volcano. The guide will take you through the cleared sights, tell you about the history, the authentic aura of the city, buried under the ashes in ancient times.
- Opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:00;
- Address:the local train Circumvesuviano takes tourists to Pompei Scavi (Villa Misteri), the vehicle stops just at the entrance to the museum created by nature itself.
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➤ Blue Grotto
The Grotta Azzurra cave is located on the island of Capri. In the Blue Grotto, nature itself created lighting, when the sun's rays touch the water, it begins to glow with silver, the surface of the reservoir shimmers with deep shades of sapphire, pink, purple, orange. These minerals create an enchanting glow. Rocks, remains of meteorites and geological processes cover the bottom of the reservoir.
Light enters through 2 inlets from the sea. Only a small boat floats freely through one passage. The second one is slightly larger, but also able to pass a rowboat with 4 passengers. The grotto stretches only 50 meters, the tour lasts about 10 minutes, but this does not prevent crowds of tourists from queuing for hours to wait and see a wonderful natural phenomenon.
- Opening hours: The cave is closed from visitors only in bad weather, when the sea is stormy or a strong wind rises. Weather permitting, the Blue Grotto is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00;
- Address: Capri Island.
➤ St. Brand
St. Mark's Basilica is located in Venice. The landmark of Italy was built by architects in the Byzantine style. The cathedral was intended for the burial of the relics of the Apostle Mark. When the Muslims invaded Alexandria, the merchants, in order to protect the ashes of the saint from desecration, took away the relics in a wagon with pig carcasses. Adherents of Islam could not touch such luggage during inspection. The cathedral is majestic with 500 columns, stunning domes and countless gilded Byzantine mosaics.
The entrances to the temple are guarded by ancient bronze horses. The Basilica has the Marciano Museum, this treasury keeps a collection of gifts, a lot of jewelry with sculptures and tapestries. Crusaders brought a lot of good things here, which decorated the Venetian temple, inside they created a golden altar. Various wonders can also be seen in Piazza San Marco if you book a guided tour.
- Opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:00. In summer and winter, tour participants climb the bell tower;
- Address: The Basilica is located at Piazza San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE.
➤ Doge's Palace
In Italy, it is difficult to find a non-historical place. Near the Basilica of San Marco there is an equally significant architectural landmark Palazzo Ducale. The rulers of Venice lived here. The heads of state or doges erected a residence for themselves, construction continued from 1309 to 1424. The architect Filippo Calendario is the author of the Gothic style project.
The doge's palace is decorated with lancet arches, pointed spiers, openwork battlements wrapping around the roof. Visitors are impressed by the interior gilded decoration of the residence, the decoration of the halls and the golden staircase. Guides are ready to share with travelers the most piquant secrets of the Venetian rulers when they get acquainted with the majestic halls of the palazzo.
- Opening hours: 8:30 am to 7:00 pm;
- Address:welcome guests at the Doge's Palace at Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE.
➤ Royal Palace of Caserta
The legendary royal palace is located in the Italian city of Caserta. Tourists from all over the world flock to Versailles in Italy to wander along the shady alleys of the park, the botanical garden with rare plants, and admire the cascades of exotic fountains. The palace and park area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The architectural creation attracts directors to make films, and travelers to museums on the territory of the palace.
- Opening hours: closed for visitors and tours on Tuesday. On weekdays, travelers can enjoy sightseeing from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm during the high season. In winter, the palace and park area are open from 8:30 to 17:00;
- Address: tourists come from Naples by train from Napoli Centrale to Caserta. There is a regular bus to Caserta from the airport.
➤ Juliet's House
Romantic natures should definitely come to Verona to see the balcony where Juliet received a declaration of love from Romeo. Shakespeare took the Cappello family as a prototype for the Capulets. After the release of the movie Romeo and Juliet, the house where the scenes were filmed became popular with tourists. Most of all, young couples come here to touch the magical statue of a girl. Previously, lovers left love messages on the arch of desires, now they are forbidden to spoil the finish, letters are placed in a special box.
- Opening hours: 24/7;
- Address: Via Cappello, 23, 37121 Verona VR. A taxi will take you only to the next street, the house is located in a pedestrian zone. The bus goes to the nearest stop St.ne S.Fermo 2.
➤ Uffizi Gallery
The oldest European museum, the Uffizi Gallery, is located in Florence. This rich antique architectural collection, stocked in one place, allows the organizers to conduct guided tours along thematic and historical routes. The museum, huge in area, is filled with magnificent sculptures, paintings, and the luxury of museum halls and lobbies is impressive. There are so many works of art by Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and other collections that a day is not enough to see them all.
- Opening hours: museum halls open from 8:15 to 18:50, closed on Monday;
- Address:< /strong> the famous gallery of 50 rooms is located at: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 2.Florence, Tuscany, Italy.
➤ Grand Canal
The symbol of Italian Venice is the open-air museum – the Grand Canal. The main water transport artery stretches all over Venice, curving like the letter S. The canal has no embankments, their place is occupied by:
- beautiful buildings;
- palaces with unique arches;< /li>
- capacious loggias;
- graceful columns.
Tourists travel around the reservoir on river trams and gondolas. The shores are connected by 4 bridges, they are also a city decoration, attracting crowds of tourists. At the gondola pier, travelers negotiate with the gondolier and go to a fairy tale, which consists of many sights that cannot be compared with anything in beauty, sophistication and originality.
- Opening hours: 24/7;
- Address: Venice, Italy.
➤ Milan Cathedral
Residents of Milan believe that the main attraction of Italy is their Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. This large Gothic temple was built according to the project of Leonardo da Vinci, it can accommodate 40,000 visitors at once. The marble spiers directed to the sky, the interior decoration with paintings by great Italian artists, the sculpture of the Madonna made of gold, the nail that was used to crucifix the Lord are striking.
Guided tours include visits to the halls of the cathedral, the archaeological area, the roof. Tourists will be shown the ruins of the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Church of St. Thekla. These ruins are honored by the Milanese, the historical site also attracts visitors to the country.
- Opening hours: the historical basilica welcomes guests from 8:00 to 19:00 seven days a week;
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
➤ Vatican City
A separate small state-the city of Vatican City was created 100 years ago. The Catholic Church agreed with the Italian rulers on the creation of the residence of the Pope. The name was borrowed from the Vatican Hill. Tourists come to the territory to see the exhibits, majestic in their wealth and quantity.
Near the medieval walls there are fountains of amazing design, where cannons shoot water, try to put out the conflagrations of wars, gardens turn green. A professional guide will help you fully get acquainted with the shrines of the Vatican, ancient sculptures, frescoes by Raphael, priceless paintings by great Italian artists.
- Opening hours: 24/7;
- Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome
➤ Castell del Monte
The most mysterious castle in Italy attracts tourists with its original Gothic architecture and historical legends. The structure looks like a regular octagon, which is framed by 8 towers. The project was developed and built by the castle (according to legend, the alchemist) Frederick II, who was not indifferent to the number 8.
combined antique, European, Arabic styles. Castel del Monte is on the UNESCO list, protected by law. In winter, excursions to the castle, erected at an altitude of 540 m, on the hill of Puglia, are not organized.
- Opening hours: in the summer from 10:15 to 19:45;
- Address: auto Strada Statale, 170 Dir, Apulia. There is a regular bus from Andria to this place.
➤ Sistine Chapel
The papal church is famous and famous all over the world. The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican is an artistic masterpiece by Michelangelo, Perugino and Botticelli took part in the wall and ceiling paintings, and the temple was intended for the Pope so that he could retire and pray. Pope elections are currently held within these walls.
When the chapel is free, it turns into a museum and helps to make good money on tourists; excursions are organized here to get acquainted with Italian painting. A professional guide will take you through the Sistine Chapel, show you the beauties of the Renaissance, introduce you to the history of the Catholic faith, talk about the papacy and its features.
- Opening hours: all museums in the Vatican are open from 9:00 to 18:00;
- Address: Vatican City
➤ Ponte Vecchio
Travelers from all over the world are attracted by the uniqueness of the Ponte Vecchio, the symbol of Florence. It was erected in 1345, and since then the structure above the Arno has not changed its appearance. The attraction has survived floods and battles. The Second World War left without destruction, when the Germans undermined the bridges, but they did not touch it.
Since ancient times, trading shops have huddled here, when sellers could not pay for the rent of the place, their counters were destroyed by guards. Currently, boutiques and jewelry stores are located on the site. Tourists and souvenir shoppers flock to the bridge. There are always a lot of people here, a historically significant place is not closed from single travelers and organized excursions. Excellent photos are obtained at night due to the generous illumination.
- Opening hours: 24/7;
- Address: Ponte Vecchio, Lungarno degli Archibusieri, 8/r , 50122, Firenze. Take a taxi or Vola in Bus to Piazza della Signoria.
➤ Academy of Fine Arts
The first European educational institution for artists was the Academy of Fine Arts. Now the Academy Gallery houses the most valuable works of art, the Michelangelo Museum is open. A separate tribune was built for his David, the sculpture seems alive because of the illumination.
The halls of the Academy were filled with paintings by Sandro Botticelli, Lippi, Pietro Perugino. A gallery with priceless celebrity creations brings visitors to culture shock from the works of masters who are familiar to many from reproductions. Tourists are advised to book a ticket in advance, as there is always a huge queue in front of the box office.
- Working hours: the academy accepts excursions from 8:15 to 18:15, Monday closed;
- Address:you can get to the art museum at Via Ricasoli, 58/60 by public transport, bus number 1, 19, 31. If the tourist is in Piazza Duomo, it will be nice to walk.
➤ Piazza del Campo
In the city of Siena, in Piazza del Campo, regardless of the season, there are always a lot of tourists. In one place there are many city attractions. The area itself has a unique shape in the form of a shell. In the 14th century, Palazzo Publico and Sansedoni were built here. You can admire the medieval palaces near the beautiful Fountain of Joy. It is recommended to book a guided tour so as not to miss anything historically important. The guide will tell and show the architecture of the city, a walk from what he saw will bring real pleasure.
- Opening hours: 24/7;
- Address: Finding the central part of the city on your own is not difficult at Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena SI.
➤ Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
There are many historical symbols in Italy. In Florence, Tuscany, this is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Many majestic buildings in Italy were built to last for centuries, they were also built over the centuries. The octagonal dome, designed by Brunelleschi, had to be raised to a height, at that time there were no machines for lifting, it was raised in parts, fixed at the top.
The walls of the temple are lined with multi-colored marble. The stained glass windows are painted according to the lives of the saints. Italian painters decorated the dome with scary paintings of hell, which show what awaits sinners for mortal sins. The clock, installed in 1437, still works accurately today with the hands moving in the opposite direction. Brunelleschi's workshop is now a museum.
- Operating mode:tourists can visit the temple from 10:00 to 17:00. On Sunday it is closed from visitors at 16:45. Tour groups rise to the dome during the opening hours of the observation deck from 8:30 to 19:00;
- Address: Piazza del Duomo.
➤ Sforza Castle
An Italian architectural landmark, the Sforza Castle serves as a historical symbol of Milan. The palace is surrounded by the beautiful Sforzesco Park, where city guests love to stroll. Previously, the Dukes of Milan occupied the residence, over time the castle fell into decay more than once, it was restored by different owners, a certain contribution to the improvement was made by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Everything here breathes the antiquity of the Middle Ages: the main entrance, fortress walls, bas-reliefs, fountains. On the territory of the Sforza Castle there are many museums, where masterpieces of painting and sculpture are collected. The furniture of the nobles, dishes, clothes have been preserved. A tour of the halls of the castle will reveal a lot of interesting things from the life of the nobility, this part of Europe.
- Opening hours: Entrance to the castle is paid, opening hours are from 7:00 to 19:00. Closed on New Year's Eve, Christmas, Easter and May 1;
- Address:Piazza Castello, 27029. Walking distance from the city centre. Trams number 4, 14 go to the palace. You can take the metro to the Cadorna Triennale station.
➤ Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
There are a large number of basilicas and churches in Italy, but not a single city can be compared with the Valley of the Temples. There is no one like Agrigento. All the ruins of bygone times are protected by UNESCO. The ruins of this area with burials, squares and preserved buildings confirm their turbulent history. But, in addition to the sad destruction, archaeologists have unearthed a dozen temples, several sanctuaries that declared their former greatness. Excavations show that earlier the place was equipped with fortification systems, trade was seething here, people gathered to solve city problems, heralds shouted out the orders of the rulers.
It is worth paying attention to the Temple of Hercules, built in 510 BC. The Doric temple of Zeus is impressive, it used to be guarded by sculptures of the Atlanteans, now they have been taken to museums, the condition of many is unknown. Archaeologists continue excavations to this day. The valley can be reached by train. A bus runs around the city, which brings tourists from Palermo, Catania and Agrigento. They buy tickets for an excursion to the Valley of the Temples remotely via the Internet and at the box office near the temple of Juno.
- Opening hours: from 9:00 to 13:30;
- Address: Via Panoramica Valle dei Templi, 92100 Agrigento, AG, Italy.
- Operating mode:masses are served in the church, they receive guests from 7:00 to 12:00. There is no entry fee, donations are accepted. The tourist information office provides various useful services and excursions depart from here;
- Address: you can get to San Gimignano by bus or taxi.
- Opening hours: 24/7;
- Address: the train goes from Genoa to Riomaggiore. From La Spezia, they also get to exotic places by train or electric trains.
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➤ The Cave City of Sassi di Matera
There are more than just majestic temples in Italy. Tourists come to the cave city of Sassi di Matera to express their surprise: how could people live with animals, chickens in dwellings carved into the rock for centuries before the 20th century. Many caves are still inhabited. Some grottoes have been converted into museums and hotels.
Churches, chapels, cave temples work. The Sassi has an amazing local life, the history is covered with legends, legends, intriguing secrets. They move around the city on foot. For a convenient journey through the fantastic city, you need to book a private tour. Without a guide, you can easily get lost in the enchanted labyrinths.
➤ San Gimignano
The city of San Gimignano is an Italian landmark in itself. You should definitely visit the museum, which contains architectural, historical, social exhibits that tell about ancient Tuscany. The central square is surrounded by thousand-year-old towers. The Collegiata di San Gimignano, a beautifully frescoed church located next to the cathedral, is worth a look.
The Palazzo Pabblico sheltered under its vaults an art gallery with beautiful works of art. Torre Grossa is the tallest tower in the city with a height of 61 m. In the church of Sant'Agostino with frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli, the monks tell tourists about its historical era.
➤ Cinque Terre National Park
The rocky coast on the Ligurian coast belongs to the resort region. There are clean beaches, picturesque cliffs, picturesque villages. 5 villages were isolated from the land by the sea, they turned this place into a national park and a scenic paradise. Multi-colored houses are built on steep slopes with vine terraces. Cars are not used in the Cinque Terre, only paths connect the villages. Single tourists and excursion participants are waiting for delicious dishes and tasting of local wines.
➤ Lake Como
The Italian pearl is considered by locals and guests of an amazing country – Lake Como. If you happen to get to Milan, you should definitely book a one-day excursion to the legendary reservoir. Because according to legend, Leonardo da Vinci lived here, the lake inspired ancient and modern poets and artists. Cities were built along the banks of the city, in which cathedrals, castles and flowering villas were erected and park areas were laid out.
Modern aristocracy is buying up villas in the prestigious districts of the city of Bellagio. Indigenous guides reveal legends, conduct excursions to picturesque places, arrange photo shoots. Electric trains depart from Milan in an hour, you can ride a boat on the lake, a funicular will take you to the highest point.
➤ Positano
Few travelers know that Italians consider Positano to be the birthplace of pizza and mozzarella. But tourists, in addition to Italian cuisine, are more attracted to famous resorts. The city was scattered between valleys and mountains. Multi-colored houses between orange and olive groves tend from the mountain ranges to the sea. The hotel buildings are tightly pressed against each other, and tourists come to enjoy the crystal clear sea waves, the calm atmosphere on the beautiful sandy beaches.
Travelers from Rome arrive in Sorrento on scheduled planes, transfer to buses, take a taxi to Positano. Cars do not enter the resort center, they are left in parking lots outside the city limits. Positano, in addition to the Romanesque church, galleries, medieval watchtowers, is famous for its dance and music festivals.
➤ Spanish Steps
There are many historical symbols in the Eternal City of Rome – the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish staircase, famous for its antiquity and uniqueness, is included in the endless list. The most beautiful structure in Europe, consisting of 138 steps, connects the Pincio hill with the church of Santa Trinita dei Monti. The stairs are always filled with tourists, it is believed that if you sit on the steps, it will bring good luck.
The attraction crosses many tourist routes, participants of excursions to the Colosseum, to Villa Borghese will definitely meet the Spanish Steps on the way. They get here by metro, if you walk around the center of Rome near the Champ de Mars, the stairs cannot be bypassed. A taxi will definitely take you to a historically significant place if you call by phone or order a car in the parking lot.
A review of the sights of Italy reveals only a small fraction of cities, temples, and basilicas that are interesting to tourists. In fact, there are much more of them. The fabulous places of an amazing country can only be appreciated on their own experience in author's tours.