Italy attractions

Offering a lush respite from the busy resort towns that like the Adriatic Coast between Pesaro and Rimini, the Parco Naturale Monte San Bartolo is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Over a dozen trails crisscross the steep coastal clifftops, passing heritage woods, fields and vineyards, tiny hamlets, and hidden beaches.

Originally built in the 18th century as a combined hospital for lepers, warehouse, and defensive outpost, the Mole Vanvitelliana (Lazzaretto of Ancona) is today one of the city’s main cultural hubs. Designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, this massive pentagonal complex sits on an artificial island in the Ancona harbor, connected to land via three small bridges. The building is home to the Omero Tactile State Museum and hosts a roster of temporary exhibitions and performances.

Via dell’Abbondanza is the main thoroughfare through the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. Stretching from the Forum to the amphitheater, this bustling street was once the heart of daily activity in Pompeii, lined with shops, taverns, and grand homes. Today, it’s a fascinating archaeological site where visitors can walk in the footsteps of the fated city’s former residents.

The elegant 16th-century Palazzo Albergati, believed to have been designed by Baldassarre Peruzzi, dominates Bologna’s Via Saragozza. The inner courtyard and the richly frescoed, stuccoed interiors are perfect backdrops for the cultural events hosted there.

The Arsenale di Amalfi, a historic shipyard turned museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime prowess of the former Amalfi Republic. Once central to the construction of powerful naval fleets, this well-preserved medieval structure now showcases artifacts, exhibitions, and stories of Amalfi’s seafaring legacy. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and all curious travelers.

Don’t judge the Arezzo Cathedral for its somewhat understated Gothic exterior—its real treasures lie within. Pop in for free to see masterpieces such as Piero della Francesca’s renowned 15th-century fresco of Mary Magdalene. At the altar, an ornate marble shrine contains the remains of Arezzo’s patron saint Donatus, while colorful stained glass windows filter in the sunlight.

Ponte delle Tette is one of Venice’s most famous bridges, with a translation that will make you blush—the name means “bridge of the tits” in Italian. The name comes from a colorful piece of history: Renaissance-era sex workers used to lure customers here by flashing their breasts. It’s one of over 400 bridges that cross the emerald-colored lagoon, which connect islands in the Venetian archipelago.

Via dei Portici, also called Laubengasse, stretches through the heart of Bolzano’s old town and is among the town’s most famous streets. Named after the arcades (portici in Italian) that house the shops lining the historic streets, Via dei Portici has been Bolzano’s commercial hub since the Middle Ages—today, it blends traditional architecture with modern shops and is the number one shopping destination in town.

One of Rome’s largest shopping malls, Euroma2 features more than 200 stores spread across three floors, offering a diverse range of products, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, home furnishings, electronics, and more. If you love to shop ‘til you drop or just need some retail therapy, it’s an excellent spot to browse hundreds of Italian and international brands in one place, on the outskirts of the Eternal City.

A former royal palace and civic building in the heart of Cefalù, Osterio Magno features a combination of architectural styles, ranging from its earliest Roman era features to Greek, Norman, and Byzantine styles: ultimately though it remains uniformly Sicilian. Its blend of influences reflects the succession of cultures and civilizations that have held dominion over Sicily throughout the centuries.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pieve is considered a symbol of Arezzo for its striking Tuscan Romanesque architecture. Strolling through the city’s picturesque historical center, you can’t miss the church’s imposing bell tower and four-tiered facade with increasingly narrow arches. Inside the high-ceilinged church, which dates back to the 1100s, visitors will find the remains of an ancient well and a vivid gold altarpiece featuring the Madonna and Child.

An open-air science and technology museum, the Tecnoparco Archimede Museum (Tecnoparco Museo di Archimede) is dedicated to the of the Greek mathematician Archimedes. Explore the third-century inventor’s technological innovations, and learn how they are used today.

Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers once fought bloody battles over Sass de Stria, a craggy mountain located east of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the heart of the Dolomites region. A memorial museum pays tribute to the fighting, and restored military tunnels, trenches, and fortifications create open-air attractions—but the mountain’s biggest draw is first-class sport: climbing.

One of a handful of 16th-century watchtowers that once protected the city of Alghero from attacks by land and sea, Torre di San Giovanni is one of the city's most striking examples of medieval defensive architecture. The tower’s Catalan-Aragonese style harks back to Alghero’s time under Spanish dominion, and its original vaulted ceiling and sandstone walls are remarkably intact, making Torre di San Giovanni a must-see for architecture buffs.

Located in a hip, industrial part of Bologna (a stone’s throw from MAMbo, the Museum of Modern Art of Bologna), this small public park provides a green refuge in the dense, crowded city, and plays host to a number of open-air events in the summertime. It was built over the historic Cavaticcio Canal, and parts of the city’s medieval-era industrial past are still visible here.

Dating back to 1891, Antico Lavatoio was once a public washhouse, where people not only did their laundry but also socialized. When washing machines appeared in homes, the profession of washerwomen disappeared and so did the public washhouse. Today, visit for a window into this former way of life.

Situated between Alghero and Fertilia, Ponte Romano is an ancient bridge that was built by Romans as a vital crossing point. Even though it’s partially ruined, it still has many of its original arches, which attracts visitors wanting to photograph this historic landmark and admire remnants of the Roman Empire. It’s a great off-the-beaten-path destination for history buffs.

Named after Saint Francis of Assisi to commemorate the saint’s 1215 visit to the city, the somber Chiesa di San Francesco is one of the Ascoli Piceno’s most important historic churches. Sitting along one side of the elegant (and bustling) Piazza del Popolo, this church wows with its imposing exterior architecture and the treasure trove of art inside.

The massive Torri di Slivia Cave is one of the most spectacular natural sights on Trieste’s karst plateau, which sits on the Italian-Slovenian border. Head more than 300 feet (100 meters) below ground to explore caverns filled with otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites formed over millennia.

Lined with historic townhouses and palaces, Piazza Civica has long been Alghero’s most important square. By day, visitors can admire the 16th-century facade of Palazzo Albis (Palazzo de Ferrara)—where Charles V stayed in 1541 before heading off to war in Africa—as well as historic gems like Palazzo Serra and Palazzo Lavagna. By night, this square becomes the dining and imbibing hub of the city.

A must for rail enthusiasts, the Ritten Railway has served the stretch between Bolzano and Ritten in northern Italy since 1907. The historic car climbs more than 3,240 feet (almost 1,000 meters in just 3.4 miles (5.5 km, offering spectacular mountain views over the area’s unique natural rock formations.

Born in Lucca, Giacomo Puccini was one of Italy’s foremost composers. Now his native city celebrates him with near-daily performances, as part of the permanent Puccini e la sua Lucca International Festival. Enjoy evening concerts featuring Puccini’s arias performed by international musicians in historic churches across the city.

In the heart of Catania’s Piazza Carlo Alberto di Savoia lies one of Sicily’s oldest outdoor public markets, which pulses with activity daily—rain or shine (or the punishing Sicilian heat)—into the early afternoon. A feast for the senses, Fera ‘O Luni is where Catanians hunt for fresh produce, fish, and cheap clothing and housewares—and where tourists seek out local color.

On the banks of the Tiber River, the Saint Angelo Bridge Methodist Church (Chiesa Metodista di Ponte Sant’Angelo) overlooks the picturesque, pedestrian-only St. Angelo Bridge. The church, across from Saint Angelo Castle (Castel Sant’Angelo) and near the Vatican, hosts frequent classical music and opera performances. Also known as Rome’s Methodist Church, it regularly offers religious services in English, drawing expats and travelers on Sunday mornings.

Once a bustling hub for shoe merchants of the 15th century, Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe—also referred to as Shoe Market Square—is one of Bergamo’s oldest squares. Located in the Città Alta, this historic piazza attracts a lot of pedestrians due to its location—it’s the arrival point of the city’s funicular, and people come here to eat, stroll, or admire city views.

Part of an ancient Roman road, the historic Strada Maggiore links Bologna’s eastern city gate to its medieval Two Towers. The street is lined on both sides with the city’s signature porticoes—covered walkways that shield people from the elements while guiding them to antique shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Don’t miss Casa Isolani and its oak portico from the 1200s, among Europe’s oldest.

One of the largest cathedrals in Piedmont, the Asti Cathedral (or Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) was mostly built during the 14th century, with a bell tower that dates back to the 13th century. The interior is notable for its artwork and other decorative elements, from frescoes and paintings to an intricate mosaic floor. While the church is open to the public daily, it is an active parish and does not welcome visitors during the hours of services and special events.

Tucked in the Alpine Val Masino just south of the Swiss border, the pristine Val di Mello is considered one the most picturesque corners of northern Lombardy. A protected nature reserve, this river valley offers scenic trails through thick forests and past crystalline lakes, rushing streams, and postcard-perfect waterfalls. It’s a popular day trip from Milan and the towns lining Lake Como, especially for anyone who enjoys hiking and cycling.

Take a walk on the wild side at this 59-acre (24 hectare conservation area of oak forest and grassland that is home to 1,500 animals from 250 species. With a 3-mile (4.8 kilometer self-drive safari to admire animals roaming free, as well as a zoo dedicated to breeding endangered species, a visit here is unforgettable for animal lovers of all ages.

The name of Italy’s oldest national park doesn’t oversell, as the century-old reserve—which once served as Savoy royal hunting grounds—spans a vast stretch of protected Alpine peaks and valleys. Named for the 13,000-foot (4,000-meter) Gran Paradiso mountain, the park is thick with rare wildlife (including the endangered ibex), pristine forests and meadows, and scenic trails and mountain roads to take it all in.