There are so many things to see and do in Italy. Its ancient city of Pompeii is definitely worth a visit. And you can’t go to Italy without visiting the Cinque Terre, five coastal villages located near the town of Genoa. You’ll also want to take a day trip to the Cinque Terre, where you can hike and explore the scenery and culture of this beautiful region. But how do you choose where to go? In this article, we’ll share our top picks.
1. Venice
One of the most famous beaches in Venice is Lido di Venezia. Located south and southeast of Venice, this long sandy beach is surrounded by lagoon water and faces the Adriatic Sea. The island has been inhabited for more than a thousand years. Crusaders once set up camp there, and it soon became a popular resort for the rich and famous. Despite its small size, Venice is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities.
One of the most iconic sights in Venice is St Mark’s Cathedral, which is free to enter. Its treasury costs three Euros, and the altar in the Pala d’Oro is 2EUR. If you have the time, visit St Mark’s Bell Tower, the tallest building in the city, which has been in place since the 9th century. It has been damaged numerous times over the years, but it still remains a stunning landmark, which makes it a must-see attraction for Venice travelers.
The city is full of historical monuments and churches. The best-known church in the city is St. Mark’s Basilica, which was formerly the private chapel of the Doge. Inside, you’ll find Byzantine art treasures, part of the booty brought back by Venetian ships after the fall of Constantinople. If you’re a history buff, you can also visit the Ca’ D’Oro to view some of the world’s most beautiful sculptures.
2. Rome
Taking a day trip to Rome is the perfect way to experience the ancient wonders of this city. The ruins of ancient temples and cobblestone streets are a breathtaking sight to behold. You can visit the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the world, or stroll through the Via Appia Antica, an ancient road that features pioneering cobblestone techniques. For a more relaxed and mellow trip, take in a free walking tour. There are summer concerts held there, so you can enjoy them without worrying about spending money.
One of the most rewarding aspects of a trip to Rome is discovering its many diverse neighborhoods. Rome’s neighborhoods have distinct personalities and ambiances and exploring them is one of the best parts of the city. It feels like a collection of villages merged into one big city. Some of the most fascinating places to visit include Trastevere, a Medieval neighborhood just across the Tiber River, and Pigneto, a Bohemian area popular with students.
For those with a history of alchemy, the Piazza Vittorio has a mysterious past. Porta Alchemica, or “Alchemical Door”, was built by a nobleman who was connected to the world of alchemy. The mysterious inscriptions that decorate the door are legends relating to a secret formula for turning a plant into gold. Regardless of your beliefs, you’re sure to be amazed by this ancient treasure.
3. Pompeii
One of the most fascinating places to visit in Pompeii is its Forum, where people worshiped various gods and civilized members of the imperial family. The Forum was a major center of commerce and entertainment and could support upwards of 11,000 inhabitants. Other structures were located around the Forum, including the temple of Vespasian, the town’s main market, and the headquarters of wool production. The Forum also housed a theater, which was smaller and covered. The theater was also a popular place for social and civic gatherings.
The eruption is believed to have taken place on August 24-25, 79 AD. However, Pliny the Younger’s account is different from modern hypotheses, which place the eruption between October and November in 79 AD. Some scholars argue that this was more likely due to the heavy clothing of those who survived the eruption, and the use of braziers for cooking, which were not used during the summer. In addition, late August is hot in southern Italy.
The town of Pompeii dates back to about 600 BC. While it was primarily a Roman town at that time, it was also inhabited by Etruscans and Greeks before the Romans arrived. The city became part of the Roman confederation and allied with Rome during the Social War. The city was then besieged by the Etruscan general Lucius Cornelius Sulla in 89 BCE. In the resulting aftermath, Pompeii was granted Roman citizenship.
4. Cinque Terre
Located in Liguria, the Cinque Terre consists of five small coastal villages that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These picturesque villages have a long history of fishing and are a perfect example of Italian coastal culture. The Cinque Terre is also a popular tourist destination in the summer, when the weather is milder and crowds are thinner. If you’d like to see the Cinque Terre in a day, it’s a good idea to visit in spring, when the weather is cooler and the crowds lessen. Otherwise, the summer months are hot and crowded.
Monterosso is the largest of the Cinque Terre and is located on a rocky cliff with a port below it. It has narrow streets that lead to the sea and a charming, historic old town. A fun fact: you can rent an apartment in the countryside or stay in a seaside hotel. Regardless, of which one you choose, your accommodation will be a great base for exploring the Cinque Terre. The historic old town is reminiscent of a medieval fishing village, and the town’s renowned Sciacchetra wine has aromas of dried fruit and candied citrus.
If you are looking for a quiet place to stay, consider Riomaggiore, which is located on the eastern end of the Cinque Terre. This small village was first brought to public attention by the 19th-century Italian artist Telemaco Signorini. After his death in 1872, Riomaggiore became one of the first Cinque Terre villages to be discovered by tourists. The cliff-side town is set between steep headlands and is home to the 14th-century church of San Giovanni. The interior features a Renaissance triptych.
5. Florence
You’re going to love Florence, IN ITALY! It is a beautiful city, a treasure for art lovers, and the perfect place to spend your romantic getaway. The city has a laid-back vibe and little traffic, making for easy walking anywhere you want to go. It’s easy to flirt with an Italian man, but be aware that it’s not all about clinging to the past. The Italians love to try new things and stick to the present.
The city of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to several beautiful churches. The Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral is one of the city’s most impressive buildings. The Baptistery buildings and the Dome of the Cathedral are two other highlights. The Medici Chapel, founded in 1579 by the last Medici family member, is a beautiful spot to see art. The Uffizi Gallery, which houses works by the famous artist Lorenzo Ghiberti, is located nearby.
Florentine residents have a love-hate relationship with the Arno, a river that cuts through the old part of the city. The river alternates between nourishing the city with commerce and destroying it with floods. This is why a tour through Florence’s museums and gardens will be a memorable experience. In addition to visiting the museums and galleries, visitors will be able to enjoy the many parks and gardens in the area.
Pingback: Top 7 Most Visited Countries in Europe