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Of the many incredible countries they visit, one that stands out on countless bucket lists has to be Italy. With so many historic and iconic landmarks, it’s tough to beat the cultural wonders that will surround you in every city!
This incredible building has a rich history. Built by Marcus Agrippa around 27 BCE and reconstructed between 118 and 125 AD by Emperor Hadrian, it’s believed to be dedicated to the 12 Roman gods. It’s the only ancient Roman building remaining relatively intact, and around 609 AD it was converted to Christianity and still hosts Christian worship to this day. This is why they request tourists admire the beauty of this landmark quietly!
One of the most famous Italian icons, it has been standing tall since building began in 72 AD as a gift to the people of Rome from their Emperor, with construction being completed in 83 AD. Gladiatorial combat is expected to have ended around the mid-5th century, and many years of damage from fire, earthquakes, and removal of materials leave it in partial ruins today—though it’s still a wonder to behold! It attracts over 7 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited landmarks in the world.
The Trevi Fountain
The fountain is built of the same material as the Colosseum and sits on top of an ancient Roman water source, Aqua Virgo. This means although its current form wasn’t built until the 1700s, it’s still just as much a part of Roman history as other landmarks! It’s found at the convergence of three roads (tre vie in Italian). Legend dictates rewards for three coins tossed over your left shoulder by your right hand: the first for a safe return to Rome, the second for romance, and the third for a Roman wedding! You’re also contributing to a great cause—the $3000 thrown in each day is collected by a local charity called Caritas to fund food and social programs worldwide.
The Spanish Steps
Commissioned by a French diplomat, built by Italian architects, and named The Spanish Steps—a truly multicultural wonder! They were created between 1723-1726 and got their name because the Spanish embassy was in the square at the base of the steps. It’s the widest and longest staircase in Europe, made up of 135 steps up 29 meters. Come prepared for a workout—you're not allowed to sit on them, only walk up!
The Roman Forum
Around 7 BCE, this public center of Rome was a marketplace as well as a place for public meetings, criminal trials, and even gladiatorial fights. It later became the center for religious and secular spectacles and ceremonies. Weather, earthquakes, and architects stealing columns and stones have brought some damage, but it’s still an impressive spectacle!
The Ponte Vecchio
This bridge is the oldest in Florence, and also the only one to survive WWII unscathed. Crossing the Arno River, it was built in 1345 using segmental arches and for hundreds of years, it was used for merchants like butchers, fish sellers, and leather artisans for trading. In the 1590s, the Grand Duke wished to improve the quality for all and replaced the merchants with goldsmiths and jewellers who still sell their wares today!
The Piazzale Michelangelo
The sunset atop the hills where this landmark is located offers the best panoramic view of the city! It was built in Michelangelo’s honour in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi—at this time, Florence was Italy’s capital. It’s also home to a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David.
The Palazzo Vecchio
At the center of the city, this 14th-century palace is famous for its association with the Medici family. Since its completion in 1322, it has served as the seat of Florence’s governing body and its bell was the main way to communicate important news and events, from meetings to possible attacks. Duke Cosimo I commissioned the artist Vasari to paint a series of frescos during a renovation in 1540, and it now houses a collection of artwork and sculptures from the likes of Donatello, Bronzino, Michelangelo, and more!
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
This gothic cathedral with its huge dome is a key part of the Florentine skyline, and it's located on Piazza del Duomo. Built at the end of the 13th century by Arnolfo di Cambio, it stands 90 meters tall, 90 meters wide, and 153 meters long! Its name translates to “Lady of the Flower”—fitting, as Florence is the city of flowers. Its walls are also decorated with white, red, and green marble with geometric figures and stylized flowers! It’s closed on Sundays and during religious celebrations, but otherwise, entry is free!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was originally built in the 16th century as administrative offices (or uffizi) for Florentine magistrates, but it was eventually converted into a museum to display the Medici family’s art collection. Visitors can enjoy incredible art here today, including Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus”!
The Rialto Bridge
The city’s oldest bridge is a stone arch bridge crossing the famous Grand Canal, built in the late 16th century. The creators, Antonio da Ponte and his nephew, Antonio Contino, won a design competition in the city and it’s now considered one of the prime architectural and engineering achievements of the Renaissance and a top Italian landmark!
Doge is Italian for dukes, and this palace was the center of their government for many centuries. In 1483, 1574, and 1577, it suffered three devastating fires, but it remains a top attraction in Venice! Originally built in 814, it was reconstructed in the early 14th century due to fire damage. Its architecture has a blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance influences.
It boasts 5 million visitors each year and despite a fairly plain exterior, stepping inside surrounds you with frescoes painted by Renaissance legends from floor to ceiling—you’ll never run out of things to admire! The most famous fresco on the Sistine Ceiling was painted by Michelangelo (taking him four years over 12,000 feet), but many artists had a hand in this beautiful decor.
This holy site is the most important basilica in Rome, and it’s also the most important Catholic church on Earth. It was built over the burial place of the apostle Peter with construction stretching from 1506-1615 with Renaissance architects including Michelangelo contributing. It’s a key part of Rome’s skyline and a major pilgrimage site, and once inside, you can enjoy the incredible mosaics!
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Though this tower was an architectural mistake, it remains a highly visited marvel to this day! Construction was halted at the fourth story due to the combination of the shallow, heavy foundation and the soft soil on which it was built. Pisa actually means “marshy land” in Greek, so perhaps this should have been predicted! Eventually, the final four stories were added, and you can climb the tower to this day—the structural integrity is constantly monitored.
The Greek Theater
This spot in the hilltop town of Taormina is considered one of the most impressive outdoor theatres and is the second largest of Greek origins in Sicily (the largest is Syracuse). It was built by the Greeks in 3 BCE and modified by the Romans over a decade, and the seats within are unparalleled!
Milan Cathedral
This impressive landmark, also called the Milan Duomo, took 6 centuries to build from 1386-1965, but since it’s Milan’s most-visited site, it’s clear it was worth the wait! It led to the Milanese expression lungh ‘me la fabrica del domm which roughly translates to “as long as building the Duomo”. It’s the largest church in the country (since Vatican City is technically its own country) with 3400 statues, 135 spires, and 55 stained glass windows. Thousands of artists were involved in the design, including Leonardo da Vinci, and on the rooftop, you can see the Madonnina or “Little Madonna” which is said to protect the city from evil spirits. No building in Milan can be built taller than this!
Are you ready for your Italian adventure yet? If you’re feeling inspired, CAA Trusted Travel Consultants are here to help you enjoy an exciting journey around this beautiful country! Reach out online, or visit your local CAA office.
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