Italy attractions

Turin’s most recognizable landmark—and home to the National Museum of Cinema—the Mole Antonelliana dates to 1889. This soaring tower, with its pyramidal dome and 551-foot (168-meter) spire rises above the Turin skyline, and its viewing platform offers top-notch city vistas.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Piazza Duomo is both a jewel of the Sicilian baroque and the vibrant heart of Catania. Home to some of the city’s most sumptuous architectural treasures, including Palazzo degli Elefanti, the Cathedral di Sant’Agata (Duomo), and the Fontana dell’Elefante, this square is a highlight of Catania city tours.

Rome’s only medieval Gothic church, the Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva was built near the Pantheon on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva. Instantly recognizable for the elephant obelisk out front, the headliners here are Michelangelo’s marble sculpture of Christ the Redeemer and the magnificently frescoed interiors, including those inside a 15th-century chapel painted by Filippino Lippi.

With two twin bell towers standing proud at the top of the Spanish Steps, the church and convent of Trinità dei Monti form part of one of the most famous views in all of Rome. Although Italian in style, it is one of Rome’s few French-speaking Catholic churches. It’s also the perfect vantage point over the city’s bustling streets and centuries-old domes.

Piazza del Ferrarese is, along with the adjoining Piazza Mercantile, the main square in Bari’s historic center (Bari Vecchia. Today the largest city in Puglia, Bari has a rich history and vibrant local culture; experience both with a visit to the bustling cafès and shops on this newly renovated 17th-century square.

The impressive 16th-century Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs (Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri) is set in the ruins of the Roman Baths of Diocletian, and its remarkable interior—designed by Michelangelo—is testament to the massive size of ancient Roman buildings. Located in the heart of Rome, the church features a meridian line, which was built in the early 1700s to predict the exact date of Easter each year.

The Vatican Gardens are spread across an impressive 57 acres (23 hectares)—more than half the entire area of the city-state—and feature statues, a labyrinth, and buildings dating as far back as the sixth century. These private gardens were long closed to the public, but they can now be visited as part of an official tour covering Bramante’s 16th-century Renaissance design.

Bordered to the north by the Grand Canal and to the south by the Giudecca Canal, this southern sestriere is a historic one, home to a cluster of art-filled churches, bridges, and palazzi—not to mention the island of Giudecca. Dorsoduro’s vibe is both young and touristic, in part due to the students who attend the Ca’Foscari University and visitors attracted by Dorsoduro’s cultural clout. The Gallerie d’Accademica and Peggy Guggenheim Museum are among its draws.

Montalcino is known as the heart of Tuscany’s Brunello di Montalcino wine production, but oenophiles shouldn’t overlook this hill town’s spectacular Fortezza di Montalcino, an imposing 14th-century fortress set above the town’s medieval center with sweeping views from its watchtowers and an atmospheric wine shop.

A highlight of Rome’s historic Jewish Ghetto, the 16th-century sculptural Turtle Fountain in Piazza Mattei is known for the whimsical bronze turtles around its upper basin, which were added a century later and are often attributed to Bernini. A stop to admire this delightful landmark created by Giacomo della Porta and Taddeo Landini is a must when visiting the Ghetto.

A symbol of Verona, the 14th-century Castelvecchio Bridge (Ponte Scaligero) spanning the Adige River had the largest supporting arch span in the world when it was completed in 1356. The original was destroyed during World War II, but a new bridge was rebuilt with the same red-brick crenellations as its predecessor.

Old and new come together elegantly at Verona’s Castelvecchio, a historic castle renovated in the 1960s by visionary architect Carlo Scarpa, who paired glass panels, concrete, and metal grills with the surviving medieval stonework to create a striking museum for artworks by Bellini, Tiepolo, and Veronese.

Set on the idyllic shores of Lake Bracciano, the beautifully preserved Odescalchi Castle (officially called Castello Orsini-Odescalchi but also known as the Bracciano Castle) was built during the late 15th century by Napoleone Orsini and is considered one of Europe’s most impressive Renaissance fortresses.

Palermo’s splendid La Martorana is an architectural time capsule, with elements of three successive historic styles—Norman, Romanesque, and baroque—on its facade, and untouched Byzantine glory within. One of a group of extraordinary UNESCO-listed churches in Palermo, La Martorana dazzles with its 12th-century mosaics.

Car lovers and admirers of iconic design will hit the brakes for the Lamborghini Museum (Museo Lamborghini), a tribute to the passion and life’s work of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini. It showcases one of Italy’s premier automotive companies in a journey through the past, present, and future of the coveted car brand. Admire vintage sports cars and famous models such as the Miura supercar, Countach, Sesto Elemento, and Reventón, along with the new Urus.

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the local culture of Palermo, the Ballarò Market (Mercato Ballarò) is the place to go. As the city’s oldest street market and one of the most vibrant markets in Europe, Ballarò also provides a glimpse into Palermo’s past as a major commercial center and port.

While Palermo has a number of bustling outdoor markets worth exploring for the lively atmosphere, the most famous is Vucciria Market, known locally as La Vucciria. Located in the historic center around Piazza San Domenico, the stalls predominantly sell fish, meat, and produce—but you can find a little of everything here.

With a reputation for elegance and a starring role in Federico Fellini’s 1960 film La Dolce Vita, Via Veneto was the mid-century stomping ground of international celebrities and paparazzi. Today, the stylish thoroughfare remains one of central Rome’s most glamorous addresses, lined with luxury hotels, chic bars, streetside cafés, and high-end boutiques. This small corner of Rome appeals primarily to those interested in the finer things or 20th-century architecture.

There’d be no Rome without the Tiber River (Fiume Tevere). The Eternal City was founded on its banks several millennia ago, and the river remains just as indispensable to the Italian capital today. People come here to jog, ride bikes, or walk between neighborhoods. Forget the straight and orderly rivers of Paris and London; unlike the Seine or the Thames, the Tiber is meandering and unruly. It’s the perfect symbol for Rome itself, and shouldn’t be missed on a trip to the city.

The Mall Firenze is Tuscany’s premier luxury outlet shopping hub, where dozens of high-end designer brands have stores selling clothing, shoes, and accessories at discounted prices. Head here for a day of bargain hunting for brand-name finds from Italian and international fashion houses: think Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Versace, Valentino, Balenciaga, and Gucci. You can stop for refreshments at the on-site restaurant, bistrot, or gourmet food truck.

Chic Milan is known for its contemporary elegance and relentless pace, so it may come as a surprise to learn that one of Italy’s loveliest city parks sits at its heart. Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) covers 116 acres (47 hectares) of central Milan, offering a welcome respite from the surrounding urban hustle and bustle.

Bearing the hazy outline of a crucified man, the Shroud of Turin (Sacra Sindone) has stirred up debate for centuries. While some say it covered the body of Jesus Christ, others believe it’s a symbolic cloth from the Middle Ages. Whatever you think, the general idea is intriguing, and if you’re in Turin, you can visit the chapel where it rests. Don’t get too excited, though: The shroud is rarely on public display.

Popes have been interred in St. Peter’s Basilica for centuries. While many papal tombs are inside the basilica, others are located underground in the Vatican Grottoes—most notably, that of St. Peter, the first pope. Take the stairs down from the transept to view the final resting places of dozens of popes, several royals, and ornately decorated chapels; art enthusiasts will appreciate a 14th-century fresco of the Madonna by Pietro Cavallini.

The Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace), located at the entrance to Parco Sempione in Milan, is a neoclassical arch begun by Napoleon during the early 19th century to honor his military victories. Made of marble from the Swiss Alps, the triumphal arch marks the beginning of the road that connects Milan and Paris.

Lecce’s imposing Porta Napoli is a 16th-century triumphal arch that once served as the main entrance into the historic city center. Modeled on triumphal arches from ancient Rome, its neoclassical design is a departure from Lecce’s ornate baroque style, and the soaring marble gate is considered one of the city’s architectural treasures.

One of the most important streets in Genoa’s historic center, Via Garibaldi was historically known as Strada Nuova, lined with palaces belonging to this former marina republic’s most powerful families. The street has changed names, but its UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli remain among the most spectacular attractions in Genoa.

Italy is home to some of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, including the Monumental Cemetery of Pisa (Camposanto Monumentale). Part of the UNESCO-listed cathedral complex, this Gothic cloister features intricate marble arches encircling a central courtyard, 14th-century frescoes, chapels, and rows of Roman sarcophagi.

The monumental bronze canopy of St. Peter’s Baldachin, set beneath Michelangelo’s dome, is a centerpiece of St. Peter’s Basilica. Bernini’s stunning masterpiece soars as high as a 9-story building above the basilica’s high altar, protecting the spot where St. Peter is said to be buried. A unique example of the baroque style, this 17th-century baldachin combines sculpture and architecture, marking an important evolution in church design.

Thanks to its proximity to Rome, Lake Bracciano (Lago di Bracciano) has long been a popular retreat for city dwellers while remaining largely off the tourist radar. The medieval lakeside villages of Bracciano, Anguillara, and Trevignano have waterfront promenades and the lake waters are ideal for swimming, sailing, and water sports.

One of the most striking palaces in Taormina, Palazzo Corvaja is testament to Sicily's long history of successive invasions with its mix of Arab, Norman, and Spanish styles. This palace is an architectural highlight of the old town and houses the Sicilian Museum of Popular Art and Traditions, for a deep dive into the island’s culture and history.