Italy attractions

This historic church has beautiful cloisters with intricate vaulted ceilings, and houses well-preserved Gothic artworks. Behind the choir gallery, a grand Gothic altarpiece was carved by sculptor Hans Klocker in the early 16th century; in the cloister, bell tower, and chapel you’ll find 18th-century paintings and the pièce de résistance, Gothic frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis.

Footwear fanatics especially enjoy visiting the Rossimoda Shoe Museum (Museo della Calzatura), housed in the magnificent Villa Foscarini Rossi. Come to see the museum's 1,500-plus shoes on display, including examples of historic Venetian footwear and iconic styles from some of the biggest names in fashion.

Originally built in the fifth century as part of a Roman military complex, this site was later converted into a Benedictine convent. Now part of a UNESCO-listed collection of buildings connected to the early medieval Lombard kingdom, the monastery features rare Byzantinesque frescoes believed to date back to the eighth or ninth century.

Lining the scenic Bastione di Capo Marchiafava, the Chiesa dell’Itria (officially the Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Odigitria e San Giovanni Evangelista) is a modest church laden with history. Visit its unique interior, formed by joining two neighboring 16th-century churches via an internal arch in the mid-20th century, before continuing on to the panoramic overlook just beyond.

One of Ascoli Piceno’s most important architectural and sacred sites, the Tempietto di Sant’Emidio alle Grotte wows with its ornate Baroque facade fronting a chapel set directly inside a natural cave. Constructed to mark the site where the martyred Saint Emidio—patron saint of Ascoli Piceno—was once buried, today this 18th-century sanctuary is a popular destination for both architecture buffs and religious pilgrims.

Set in the wooded hills outside Bologna, the Cenobio di San Vittore is one of the city’s premier examples of medieval architecture. Made up of a church and cloister, the 12th-century complex dazzles with original frescoes, a wooden choir dating from the 15th century, and the serene cloister lined by marble columns with carved capitals and other Romanesque architectural details.

Located in the Aosta Valley and bordering the Gran Paradiso National Park, Mont Avic Natural Park boasts lakes, forests, snow-capped peaks, and meadows full of Alpine wildflowers. A must for outdoor enthusiasts, here you can hike, go wildlife watching, or bring a picnic to enjoy the mountain views.

For family-friendly fun in the sun, Beach Village in the resort town of Riccione fits the bill. Cool off with four waterslides, two pools, and several play areas, or join the kids’ club and other splashy activities. A snack bar, sundecks, and hot tubs make this small beachfront water park the ideal spot for a relaxing break.

Set at the far end of Ascoli Piceno’s elegant Piazza Arringo, the Cattedrale di Sant’Emidio is one of the city’s largest and most impressive churches. Architecture buffs will appreciate the mix of architectural styles spanning from the 11th to the 15th century, while art lovers can admire the sumptuous interior frescoes, paintings, mosaics, and masterpieces in marble, silver, and wood.

One of the prettiest churches in the Cinque Terre, the 14th-century Chiesa di San Pietro is worth the hike to the clifftop town of Corniglia. Admire its stark facade decorated by an elegant lunette and rose window in white marble from nearby Carrara, then take in the art-filled baroque interiors with a 12th-century baptismal font, ornate altar, and polyptych from the 17th century by local painter Prospero Luxardi.

One of the oldest churches in Asti, Collegiata di San Secondo (Collegiate Church of Saint Secundus) is located on a scenic square in the heart of the city. This Catholic church is a destination for its striking architecture, including its baroque altar and a three-nave structure with tall arches, and artwork dating back to the 16th century. Seeing the crypt beneath the church, where the remains of Saint Secundus are kept, is another popular reason to visit.

The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, but many don’t know that above its grandeur lies a secret—an attic prison known as the Piombi. Tucked under the palace roof, this maze of corridors once held notorious inmates in near-impenetrable cells. Today, it’s accessible only on prebooked tours, offering a rare chance to glimpse a side of Venice that most visitors never experience.

Located on the Italian island of Lampedusa, part of the Sicilian island chain, this tranquil cove is known for its stunning coastline scenery. Spiaggia dei Conigli—Rabbit Beach in Italian—is what many people picture when they imagine a coastal paradise: crystal-clear, emerald water, and white sand flanked by low, rocky cliffs. No wonder it’s Lampedusa’s most popular beach.

While the Hard Rock Cafe chain is quite uniform throughout the world, Rome has always played to its own drummer. Don’t miss local touches like the celestial ceiling frescoes, which on first glance might look like those found in any of the city’s churches, except these cherubs are rocking out on instruments.

The MAR Positano (Museo Archeologico Romano) shows a different side of the Amalfi Coast than most visitors get to see—less modern glitz, more ancient glory. The intimate archaeological museum, housed in the crypt of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, offers a glimpse into the ancient Roman Villa buried beneath Positano. Frescoes, mosaics, and fascinating artifacts all transport visitors back in time.

One of Asti’s most beautiful historic palaces, Palazzo Mazzetti is now home to a museum of wide-ranging objects and art. This landmark is notable for its architecture and baroque decoration, plus its collection of porcelain, paintings, and sculptures, complemented by temporary exhibitions. Visitors who are interested in an in-depth experience can make a reservation in advance for a 1- or 2-hour guided tour.

The Hard Rock Cafe Florence is a lively branch of the famed restaurant chain, tucked unexpectedly inside one of the city’s grand historic buildings. It features the brand’s distinctly rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere with walls decked out in memorabilia from iconic rock stars, and serves its signature menu of classic American fare—think a variety of burger choices, salads, and entrees.

One of the highlights of Val Veny, the Santuario di Notre-Dame de Guérison is a 19th-century sanctuary set at the mouth of the valley just below the Brenva Glacier. Built to house a Madonna statue believed to have miraculous powers, this pocket-sized church is a popular pilgrimage destination and an attraction for passing hikers and cyclists travelling through the valley to the slopes and peaks above.

Marvel at some of the best views of Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco in Italian) from the ski slopes and hiking trails of Val Ferret. This spectacular valley is a paradise for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow biking in winter, while summer draws lovers of hiking, cycling, golf, and fishing. The lofty peaks of Dente del Gigante (Giant's Tooth), the Grandes Jorasses, and Mont Dolent dazzle year-round.

It may be one of the smallest branches in Europe, but the Hard Rock Cafe in Venice still delivers big on atmosphere. Packed with music memorabilia, it features rock-and-roll interiors, an American-inspired menu, and a unique setting overlooking a gondola-filled canal. With panoramic water views and a Murano glass chandelier, this outpost blends the brand’s signature style with Venetian charm, creating a perfect mix of old and new worlds.

Set at the foot of Mont Blanc, Val Veny draws lovers of the great outdoors with spectacular hiking trails and mountaineering routes, which take you north of Courmayeur to the French border. Stretch your legs along the flat trails skirting the Dora River on the valley floor or take on the more challenging routes that climb to the alpine lakes and towering peaks above.

Rome is known for its coffee culture, and Antico Caffè Greco is among the city’s oldest and most famous coffee shops—truly, it has transcended being merely a “coffee shop” to become a city landmark. Over the past 250 years, artists, musicians, and writers such as Mendelssohn, Wagner, Ibsen, Keats, Byron, Liszt, Stendhal, Shelley, Casanova, and Goethe have all sat at its illustrious tables.

The site of an enormous, modern basilica on a hilltop near Asti, the religious complex of Colle Don Bosco is based around the home where a local saint, Don Bosco, was born. The church itself offers services for both regular Mass and festivals, and the complex also includes a museum to learn about the works of Don Bosco, and more general Italian history focused on rural life.

Ancona’s monument honoring fallen soldiers who fought in WWI is one of the city's most recognized landmarks. Built in the 1920s, the Ancona War Memorial offers sweeping views along the coastline from its clifftop perch; steps lead to a panoramic terrace above the sea. The memorial sits just above the popular Passetto Beach, accessible by stairs or a public elevator.

Located close to Gran Paradiso National Park in the Aosta Valley, Rhemes-Notre-Dame Ski Resort is a seasonal attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you’ll find seven pistes, with a snow park area for children, trails for cross-country skiing, and slopes for snowboarding. Beyond winter sports, the area is also popular for hiking in the warmer months.