Italy is a beautiful country, with a colourful history and a culture that’s left an indelible mark on the rest of Europe. The land of vineyards, olive groves, cannoli and Renaissance frescoes has so much to offer the prospective tourist – and the following represent just seven of the tourist attractions that you absolutely must see.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of Italy’s quintessential monuments, the age-scarred image of which is recognisable around the world. It has survived the toppling of empires and the rigours of natural disasters since its construction partway through the 1st century. It is the central feature of Italy’s capital Rome, both figuratively and literally – and a major draw for tourists.
Grand Canal in Venice
Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in Southern Europe. It is built across over 100 islands on Italy’s north-eastern coast and unique in its canal-based infrastructure. Venice’s Grand Canal is the crown jewel of its waterways. It snakes its way through the city’s major districts from the Santa Lucia train station to the famed St. Mark’s Square.
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Taking an escorted tour of Italy can introduce you to major tourist destinations up and down the country. Chief amongst those destinations would be Pompeii. This is the ancient Roman city that was preserved by the very same volcanic eruption that destroyed it. The ruins of Pompeii and the now-dormant Mount Vesuvius are an enriching visit. It is a great place to become immersed in Italy’s storied history.
Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, otherwise known as the Florence Cathedral, is a Gothic medieval cathedral in Firenze. It was built across the 12th, 13th and 14th century on the bones of a 7th century church. It is world-renowned for its dome. This feat of engineering is the canvas for Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgement frescoes.
Trevi Fountain in Rome
Rome is a tourist destination through and through, with scores of activities and recognisable locations to take in in person. The Trevi Fountain is another historical delight in the city. It was built in the 18th century but made famous by cult films of the mid-1900s, from Roman Holiday to La Dolce Vita. It is also the perfect place to put your leftover currency change before your return trip. Throwing of coins into the Trevi is a long-held tradition.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa needs no introduction. It is perhaps the single most recognisable monument in all of Italy. It adorns language phrasebooks and pizza boxes the world over. This happy accident is well worth a visit, if only to see the vast swathes of visitors “propping it up” for a photo – or to get a photo for yourself.
Mount Etna
Not all of Italy’s wonders are there to be found on the mainland. There is much to discover just off the tip of the peninsula, in Sicily. Here lies Mount Etna, an active volcano and one of the defining natural features of the country. Its snow-tipped peak is the tallest in Italy, barring the Alps to the far north. It is also twice the size of Vesuvius!
Of course, Italy cannot be condensed to seven tourist attractions. It is a country that contains multitudes, and any trip there is sure to be a rewarding one. But include at least some of these landmark attractions to ensure you get the most from your Mediterranean holiday.
