Italy is an amazing country filled with art, stunning coastal views, unique culture and
excellent food.
The country is blessed with an incredible diversity from ancient ruins to impressive
mountains and features 51 UNESCO world heritage sites, more than any country in the world.
For a place that’s not even bigger than Arizona, the package of natural sightseeing
is second to none, the country is filled with artistic beauty and delicious traditional
recipes.
It is difficult to choose which cities offer the best tourist attractions and lifestyles,
but here are ten of the most interesting places to visit in Italy.
Throughout history, Rome has always been praised for its monumental artistic world and superiority
in architectural design.
Even today, there are only a few cities that can match Rome’s historical heritage.
Byzantine mosaics, Renaissance frescoes, and ancient sculptures proudly fill the city's
landscape.
A walk in Rome is like a walk in a museum filled with rare artistic pieces from the
old world, so put on your most comfortable pair of shoes and explore the city!
Venice is a one-of-a-kind city built on a collection of about 115 tiny islands, it's
pretty much a city build on water.
There is no car traffic here, the city features more than 400 pedestrian footbridges over
approximately 150 water canals.
Quite impressive, isn't it?
All the glories of Venetian architecture are well-represented by the Grand Canal.
The city has over 450 palazzi and important buildings built in an array of different styles,
from Gothic to Baroque and Byzantine.
Venice is also home to more than a few garden islands and aquaculture that yields unique
produce and makes for unique delicious seafood you will not find and taste anywhere else
on Earth.
While Italy is generally a sit-down restaurant destination as far as food goes, Palermo,
Sicily is the exception.
The variety and quality of the street food here is second to none.
In fact, the city has recently been elected as the European capital of street food by
Forbes.
Apart from its numerous public squares, oratories, cathedrals and sanctuaries, Palermo features
an underground network of tunnels known as the Catacombs of the Capuchins and is the
resting place of over 8,000 mummified residents.
The place can give you the creeps, but is certainly interesting to visit.
Known as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano is a real manifestation of history.
You can touch it, feel it, and love it.
Several centuries ago, families controlling the area built approximately 72 towers as
symbols of their power and wealth.
Some of these towers were as high as 50 meters.
Only 14 towers still stand, rising up to the heavens as if the place were stuck in Medieval
Times.
In 1348, a plague, known today as the black death, struck the city and a large portion
of the population succumbed to the disease.
The population was destroyed and economic life was nearly non-existent.
But like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the city now shows no sign of its saddening
history.
It is very much alive and incredibly inviting.
Popularly known for its leaning tower, Pisa offers a lot more than just a failed architectural
project.
Pisa is also home to numerous Gothic churches, renaissance-themed public squares, and ancient
buildings.
The city has been economically-fueled by education since the 1400s, and it's where many elite
Italian universities are located.
Lively street life is still dominated by locals, so it is an excellent place to practice your
Italian skills.
Thanks to the 2006 Winter Olympics, Turin has changed from a previously industrial place
into a blossoming city filled with contemporary architecture and arts.
Unlike many places in Italy, Turin is not known for its ancient architecture.
In fact, there are only a limited number of structures from the middle ages, the Renaissance
or ancient Rome.
However, Turin is an excellent place to visit museums of various topics, from Egyptian history
to Cinema memorabilia or Automobile evolution.
Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
The Historic Centre of Naples is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but is only one attraction
among countless others.
Palaces, churches, castles and archaeological treasures in Naples can sometimes make Rome
look a bit overrated.
Naples has incredible Italian food.
Pizza was actually invented here, and the Neapolitans have raised it to a fine art since
the 1800s.
There are also numerous attractions close to the city, like the beautiful Capri island
and Pompeii, an ancient Roman town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 A.D., burrying
the town under a thick carpet of volcanic ash.
Naples offers relentless beauty in its panoramic scene, old sculptures, and friendly neighborhoods.
Beneath its metropolis look and busy financial life, Milan still manages to demonstrate its
superiority in artistic affairs, not only in its undeniable fashion appeal, but also
through performances on the stage at La Scala, the world’s most famous opera house.
This Northern Italy city has many modern skyscrapers, but also has many old architectures and its
immense gothic cathedral will certainly bring you back in time.
The Duomo is one of the largest church in the world and supposedly has more statues
than any other building.
The best way to fully appreciate the impressive architecture of the cathedral is by climbing
the stairs to the rooftop.
While Milan doesn't have the most unfamiliar, exotic feel, it is nonetheless vibrant and
the never-ceasing rivalry of the city’s two soccer teams will spark the sporty side
within all of us.
The five villages of Cinque Terre are absolutely gorgeous.
Numerous terraces are built right into the rugged and steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean.
Cinque Terre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Manarola, the second smallest village of Cinque Terre is one of the most photographed places
in Northern Italy.
There will always be something new to bewilder you in Florence.
The capital city of Tuscany is instantly recognizable as the Florence Cathedral dominates the city's
skyline and can be seen throughout the city.
Florence feels alive, attractive, interesting, and beautiful, yet moody. Little has changed
in the city's urban life since the Renaissance, and it remains comprised of busy and romantic
narrow streets haunted by countless tales of the past.
Florence also features world-class wine and food.
So?
When are you leaving?
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If you have any suggestions or ideas about other Italian destinations, please make your
suggestion in the comments section below.
If you are interested in learning Italian, or brushing up your Italian before you leave
on one of these great destinations, checkout our YouTube channel or website at Ouino.com.
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Until next time!