Italy attractions

Enthusiasts of World War II history may recognized Avellino as the site of an important Allied attack to cut off retreating German troops in 1943, but today this modern city, set just outside the Monti Picentini Regional Park in the Apennine Mountains, is known primarily for its lovely alpine views and excellent food and wine.

One of the most unique sights in Sicily, this outdoor sculpture garden created by 20th-century Sicilian artist Filippo Bentivegna contains thousands of carved stone heads done in theart brut, or naïve, style. Take a break from the ancient temples of nearby Agrigento and Selinunte to discover this eccentric modern artist.

Set beneath the Greek ruins in Sicily’s Valley of the Temples, the ancient Kolymbetra Garden is a peaceful respite from the heat and crowds of the nearby archaeological site. Recharge among the olive and citrus trees, admire views of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, and visit a hypogea from the 5th century BC.

Set in Italy’s Veneto region, Soave is a historic walled village famous for its medieval castle and fine white wines. Located just off the A4 motorway outside Verona, it’s an ideal stopping point between Venice and Milan, where you can explore the castle fortifications and sample white wines from local vineyards.

The longest river in Italy, the Po River (Fiume Po) flows down from the Alps near the French border for more than 400 miles (644 kilometers), winding its way east through Turin, Piacenza, and Ferrara and connecting to Milan via a network of canals before emptying into the Adriatic Sea. The Po Valley is one of Italy’s most fertile and lush regions.

One of the most important archaeological sites in Sardinia, this group of 38 burial chambers carved into the sandstone date from as far back as 4200 BC and are known as domus de janas, or “fairy houses.” Tour the site to see Neolithic engravings of bull’s horns, false doors, and other enigmatic designs.

The Gothic Popes’ Palace (Palazzo dei Papi) was built for the popes who lived in Viterbo for a brief period in the mid-13th century. The palace’s elegant arched Loggia delle Benedizione is where newly elected pontiffs would greet the faithful after emerging from the Aula del Conclave, site of the first (and longest) papal conclave.

More cabinet of curiosities than a museum, this quirky collection of bits and bobs from archaeological artifacts and Renaissance portraits to thousands of seashells from across the globe was amassed by the baron Enrico Pirajno of Mandralisca in the 19th century, and is a hidden delight in Cefalfù’s historic center.

Colloquially known as “La Consla,” the Sanctuary of the Consolata (Santuario della Consolata) is an important site of Catholic worship, an architectural feat, and a key Turin landmark whose history dates back millennia. Rebuilt, remodeled, and expanded throughout the centuries, the Santuario della Consolata is unlike any other local basilica.

The ultimate destination for footie fans, Casa Milan is the striking new headquarters of the city’s leading football (aka soccer) club, A.C. Milan, and is located just 10 minutes from San Siro Stadium where games are held. Known for its futuristic façade embossed with the team’s colors, the building houses an A.C. Milan museum and shop.

Many of Bologna’s most important works of art are gathered at city’s the National Gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna). The lion’s share of the collection comprises works by painters from the early Renaissance and baroque periods from the surrounding region and rest of Italy, including Giotto, El Greco, Titian, Raphael, and Tintoretto.

The Naples Cruise Port (Terminal Crociere di Napoli) serves as a gateway to Campania, one of Italy's most interesting regions and home to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and Positano on the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Cruise liners dock in the heart of downtown Naples, making it easy to explore the city and beyond.

Taormina is known for its ancient theater, but set just below the town along the coastline is one of the area’s best beaches, Lido Mazzarò. Stretching between the tiny rocky outcrop of Isola Bella and the blue waters of Grotta Azzurra, this pebbly beach is the perfect respite from the sightseeing crowds in Taormina.

One of nine hills that form the UNESCO-listed sacred pilgrim routes in Piedmont and Lombardy, the Sacro Monte of Varese (Sacro Monte di Varese) is dotted with 14 chapels, three archways, and three fountains marking a medieval trail dedicated to the Mysteries of the Rosary, and set against a scenic backdrop of forested mountain peaks.

The Sanctuary of Monte Senario, one of Tuscany’s most important religious complexes, sits high on a hilltop overlooking the lush Mugello Valley and within the Monte Senario Nature Reserve. Experience the Vaglia woodland and the holy sanctuary, where monks have lived and worked since the 11th-century, on a serene day trip from Florence.

In the pantheon of Sardinian beaches, La Pelosa is a dreamy beauty: a dainty strip of fine-white sand lapped by knee-deep, turquoise waters and flanked by an Aragonese watchtower straight out of a Giorgio de Chirico painting. The beach, on the northwest tip of Capo Falcone facing Isola Piana, derives its name from an abundance of seaweed—hence, pelosa or “hairy.”

For one of the best views of Genoa and its Old Port, a trip on the Bigo panoramic elevator is a must. Climb aboard the out-of-this-world contraption, designed in the style of loading cranes by Renzo Piano in 1992 for the quincentennial of Columbus’ voyage to the New World, and learn about Genoa’s history as you take in panoramic views.

This cemetery in the Tuscan hills, spanning 70 acres (28 hectares), is the final resting place of more than 4,000 US soldiers who were killed during World War II. Its central area is covered with white crosses and small flags that mark the graves of the fallen, who mostly lost their lives in northern Italy and the Apennines after the 1944 liberation of Rome.

Experiencing Italy’s lively local theater scene can be delightful, and few places in Sorrento showcase it better than Tasso Theater. Housed in a recently renovated building in the town center, it hosts jazz concerts, musicals, film screenings, and other entertainment. Visit to catch Neapolitan song and dance shows, and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace during intermission.

The Sicilian coastal town of Taormina sits high above the sea and beaches. The Funivia, or cable car in Italian, connects the town to the beaches at Mazzaro below. The 5-minute cable car ride is a quick and scenic way to travel from the hotels or restaurants of Taormina down to the seafront.

Parmesan cheese, officially known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, has been handcrafted in a specific area between the northern provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia for centuries. Learn about the history and production of this famously sharp aged cheese, one of the pillars of Italian cuisine, at this small museum just outside of Parma.

Naples’ paleo-Christian Catacombs of San Gennaro (Catacombe di San Gennaro) are the most important in southern Italy. Used as a burial site from the rise of Christianity until the 10th century, they hold the tombs of many bishops—including Sant’Agrippino, the original patron saint of Naples—and well-preserved mosaics.

Bari Cruise Port, a major cruise ship destination and ferry hub for routes to Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania, is the gateway to one of the largest cities on Italy’s Adriatic coast. Before exploring the surrounding region of Puglia or heading farther afield by ferry, tour Bari’s charming historical center and seafront promenade.

Summer adventures and winter snow sports beckon from the Dolomites (Dolomiti), an imposing mountain range that sits way up north in Italy’s Trentino Alto Adige (Südtirol) region. Loved for its stunning scenery, with highlights such as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks, the chic ski town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, and the glass-like Lake Braies, the region also offers a diverse mix of culture, allowing visitors to experience the food, languages, and cultures of both Italy and nearby Austria.

The Brancacci Chapel (Cappella Brancacci) is an iconic chapel tucked inside Florence’s Santa Maria del Carmine Church. Among the city’s most treasured landmarks, the chapel is adorned with early Renaissance-era frescoes painted in 1424 by Masaccio. So impressive is his work that the sanctuary is referred to by locals as the “Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance.” Those interested in Italian art and history won’t want to miss it.

One of Rome’s seven hills, the Palatine Hill is the oldest part of the Eternal City. The area is home to Iron Age-era ruins, but is most famous as the site of lavish villas, such as the House of Livia, and a set of imperial palaces—Domus Tiberiana, Domus Transitoria, Domus Aurea, and Domus Flavia. Those ruins can be glimpsed today, while artifacts found during excavations on Palatine Hill are displayed in the Palatine Museum.

More cabinet of curiosities than traditional museum, the Stibbert is best known for its unusual collection of European, Islamic, and Japanese armor, which is displayed in full suits atop faux horses. Beyond the armor, visitors can explore the eclectic artifacts amassed by Frederick Stibbert, an Anglo-Italian businessman and man of letters, and enjoy a refreshing break from the high-minded atmosphere of the Uffizi and other major galleries.

Though less historical than Venice’s other notable landmarks, St. Mark’s Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco) is just as much a symbol of the city as the nearby St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Rising over 300 feet (99 meters) above St. Mark’s Square, this 20th-century tower is one of the tallest buildings in the city with spectacular panoramic views of the Venetian islands and lagoon.

Dozens of rides—plus attractions, shows, concerts, and even a planetarium—bring families to this sprawling amusement park in Valmontone, a city about 30 miles (50 kilometers) outside Rome. It’s not just for thrill-seekers, as the park’s varied offerings accommodate a wide range of ages and styles. Choose your own adventure with low-key play areas, roller coasters, and splash rides suited to older kids and thrill-seeking adults.

Set in the heart of Chianti’s wine country, the 13th-century Castle of Meleto is one of a string of defensive castles that once guarded Gaiole in Chianti. The fortress was originally the property of the powerful Florentine Ricasoli family, and today you can tour its frescoed halls and taste Chianti Classico produced in the estate’s vineyards.