Any kind of trip to Italy is nothing short of amazing, whether you are there for the cuisine, the historical sites, or the buzzing nightlife! That being said, finding the best this country has to offer might be a bit challenging since there are simply too many heritage sites and significant monuments.
So, check out our list of the top 7 most fantastic and widely-known monuments that will bring you one step closer to being an expert in all things Italy!
The Colosseum, Rome
Undoubtedly, one of the signature marks adorning the face of Italy is the Colosseum. This stunning arena of Ancient Roman architecture remains the top tourist attraction and the most significant site to visit in order to get to know the Roman culture, Italy’s historical development, and preservation.
The monument is quite easily accessible, so it is quite easy to include it in your itinerary! And you certainly must. As the largest and one of the oldest amphitheaters in the world, the Colosseum has no competitors!
Basilica San Marco, Venice
Get your Rome to Venice train tickets right now and continue exploring the most fantastic historical sites in the world! This time, let’s visit Basilica San Marco.
Located on the eastern end of St. Mark’s Square, this incredible church is one of the many reasons people go to Venice; full of history and the perfect mixture of Middle-Byzantine, Romanesque, Islamic, and Gothic architectural styles. Not to mention, it is the former political house and the main religious center of the Republic of Venice!
A true relic of the wide world of Italian art, Basilica San Marco is a masterpiece of golden mosaics and exquisite marble work.
Trevi Fountain, Rome
A tourist favorite, the famous Trevi Fountain is always surrounded by people enjoying the intricate and detailed architectural work, as well as daydreamers wishing for one or the other.
One of the main reasons people love the fountain so much is because they get to make a wish! According to the legends and old, authentic Italian traditions, you must throw a coin using your right hand over your left shoulder, making up a wish as you do it. It has become so popular up to 2 million Euros worth of coins are gathered every year!
Aside from that, Trevi Fountain is the perfect example of delicate Baroque architecture and artworks gathered, designed, and developed by Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini.
Duomo, Milan
Many travelers know Milan primarily for its luxurious sites, high-end shopping centers, and lavish designer brands. However, this is also a city of great history and some of the most important Italian monuments. The main one being the Duomo.
The imposing Gothic cathedral is the beating heart of the historical district of Milan and is widely known across the world. Telling stories of faith and art, the cathedral carries over six centuries of history and is the largest church in the Italian Republic.
While the construction began in the early 14th century, the final details were added only in 1965, making it both a very old and relatively new cathedral. We even suggest a guided tour for the best experience and the most information you can get! No other Gothic establishment can really compare in terms of size and accuracy, so visiting Duomo di Milano is a must!
Arena di Verona, Verona
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene! Yes, most travelers know Verona for its direct connection to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and while Juliet’s balcony is a close second when it comes to popular tourist attractions, we have to give it up for Arena di Verona – the most significant historical monument the city has ever seen.
Often called the Colosseum’s baby, the slightly smaller amphitheater was a massive hit in 30 AD and is still one of the most exquisite proofs of the genius Italian mind. While Rome’s Colosseum wins in size and age, this Veronese arena offers you much more entertainment than Colosseum ever could!
While you will not see any public executions or gladiator fights, Arena di Verona is still highly functioning, open for international events and high-end opera shows. So, if you are determined and lucky enough, you might just witness an unforgettable show on this ancient site!
Cathedral of Monreale, Palermo
One of the most famous and important tourist attractions in Sicily, the Cathedral of Monreale lies across the center of Palermo, inviting with its intimidating beauty and on-point preservation.
It serves not only as the most crucial figure of the Catholic side of Palermo but also as one of the most significant existent examples of Norman architecture, one of a few you can find in Italy. Dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Monreale was elevated to the rank of the metropolitan cathedral, making it one of the must-see places on our list.
According to the legend, the cathedral came to be when William II of Sicily fell asleep under a tree while hunting. The Holy Virgin appeared to him in a dream, suggesting he should build a castle right there. While we can never know if this is true or not, nothing can stop us from appreciating this gorgeous site and its importance!
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
Lastly, let’s not forget to include the opportunity for you to take a very cliche but very necessary picture leaning against the Leaning Tower of Pisa! If you visit and do not bring home this pic, does it really count?
In reality, though, the tower has become an important national monument, serving as one of the signature marks of Italy. The iconic establishment is actually a freestanding bell tower and only began to lean away from its original position in the 12th century during construction. The soft ground could simply not support the tower’s weight, and while it gave a right fright to the builders back in the 12th century, it ultimately gifted us with one of the most inspiring monuments ever.
Visit the signature site for the history, unusual architecture, and, as we mentioned – a great photo op!
All of the seven monuments are possible to see during one Italian trip! You just have to get to planning right now, as it will include lots of hours on the railway and time management. To save time, use Cozycozy to find a place to stay! Other than that, make sure to check all the boxes and remember to bring a camera! Have fun, dear traveler, and arrivederci!
