TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN ITALY

Where to visit in Italy? Once the majestic and powerful centre of the mighty Roman Empire, the beautiful Mediterranean country of Italy, shaped like a boot, has ancient history, art galleries and famous landmarks galore, as well as pizza, ice cream and fantastic beaches! If you are thinking of taking a trip to Italy, then check out these ten fantastic places to visit, while you are there:

1. Genoa

Often overshadowed by the more well-known cities of Rome and Venice, Genoa is truly a hidden treasure! Set amongst the rolling hills of the Italian countryside, Genoa is a beautiful, classic Italian city with pastel coloured houses, topped with terracotta roofs. Winding streets, hanging gardens and stunning Roman ruins, Genoa has plenty for the visitor to admire.

2. Rome

The capital city of Italy, Rome, is a modern and bustling city, surrounded by ancient history, wherever you look. There are literally ancient monuments everywhere: fountains, churches, palaces and roman ruins abound and, of course, there is the country within a city to visit, the Vatican. It’s not all monuments and museums, though; Rome also has a thriving night life and many fantastic restaurants.

3. Milan

One of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan is one of the richest cities in Europe. Famed for its style and class, Milan has fantastic shopping and restaurants, as well as a rich artistic and cultural heritage.

4. Venice

Best known for its labyrinth of canals, Venice is one the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. There are loads of attractions to see in Venice, with one of the most stunning being Saint Marks Basilica, one of Italy’s most breathtaking, majestic, domed cathedrals.

5. Amalfi Coast

If you want to get away from the cities for a while and view some magnificent scenery, then the Amalfi Coast of Italy is for you. With its Craggy cliffs and beautiful bays, the Amalfi Coast stretches for thirty miles along the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, another one of Italy’s top tourist attractions.

6. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is not that well known, but it is regarded by many, as one the best places to view some of the best preserved Roman remains that there are. Just a short train journey from Rome, Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman port and big archeological site, where you can still see Roman high streets, temples and theatres, still intact.

7. Pompeii

The ancient town of Pompei, doomed to be buried by ashes and lava from the erupting Vesuvius, is a fascinating place to explore. You can lose yourself for hours in the old Roman streets. There are ancient shops and amphitheaters to visit, and you can even see some 2,000 year old graffiti persevered forever, when the town was struck by the famous volcanic eruption.

8. Verona

The third largest city in Italy, Verona is well known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and its Roman Arena. Well worth a stopover on a tour of Northern Italy, Verona boasts a fascinating castle complex, medieval centre and plenty of Roman remains too.

9. Siena

Home to the famous Il Palio bareback horse race, Siena is set on three hills in the Tuscany countryside. Here you get a chance to take a trip back in time and view some stunning and well preserved monuments from the middle ages. The centre of the town is a particular, interesting place to visit for its architecture and works of art from the period.

10. Catacombs of the Capuchins

One tourist attraction in Italy that can truly be called unique is the Catacombs of the Capuchins, in Palermo. People began to be laid to rest here in the late 16th century and it was soon discovered that the bodies of the deceased remained amazingly well preserved and it soon became a burial place for the rich and influential. Tourists can now take a tour of the catacombs and view some of the ‘exhibits’. But, be warned, this is not an attraction for the feint hearted!

What are your favorite places to visit in Italy? Do you have some other travel tips to share?

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