The Fabulous Cities to Visit in Italy
From North to South, and over to the islands, travelers will find that the fabled cities to visit in Italy shine the light on history going all the way back to the 8th century BCE. The beauty of their architecture, the vastness of their artistic treasures, and the sublime taste of their distinctive foods are unparalleled in the world.
The majesty and chaos that is Rome make for a remarkable adventure. You will be hard pressed to select from its enormous array of historical and artistic masterpieces. Each section of the city offers churches and museums that are not to be missed. But make sure to take some time to enjoy Rome’s quieter pleasures. Consider basing yourself in one of the wonderful neighborhoods outside of the tourist center. Why not take a food tour or cooking class? Or take a bike ride along the famed Appian Way? Also, consider a day trip to Ostia Antica. Near the coast and less than an hour from the city, the ruins of Ostia are often compared to those of Pompeii, but without the crowds.
Florence is not only one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Italy, but thanks to being the home of the Italian Renaissance, it houses some of Europe’s most exquisite art treasures. Stroll its streets and you will find magic around every corner. For something a bit different, cross the Ponte Vecchio to the Oltrarno neighborhood, where you can appreciate watching the city’s artisanal craftspeople, such as the leatherworkers and stationers, at work. Make sure to head just north of the city to the small town of Fiesole to see its Roman Amphitheater and wander the hills above Florence.
Everyone must get a glimpse of Venice, “La Serenissima”, with its incredible palazzi and magnificent churches and museums. Allow yourself to get lost among its tiny bridges and narrow walkways to discover its many hidden gems. Don’t forget to head out to the islands. Lots of tours go to Murano to see glassblowing, but other islands such as Burano, with its multicolored homes and Torcello, home to the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and its gorgeous mosaics, have a special charm not to be missed.
Milano – Home of Fashion, Opera & Extraordinary Architecture
While Milan is not often at the top of the list for cities to visit in Italy, it’s home to some remarkable sites for travelers to enjoy. Make a reservation to view the iconic Last Supper, by Da Vinci, then make your way to the historic center to tour the incredible Duomo, one of the finest examples of Gothic Architecture in the world. Opera fans will swoon at the chance to attend a performance at La Scala. For something a little different, head to the Navigli district, home to its own set of canals with lovely al fresco dining and interesting shops.
Exquisite, Enigmatic Naples
Naples, filled with a raw intensity, matched by the warmth of its population, is a unique experience. In Naples, when one goes “out” for the evening, it doesn’t mean heading to a fancy restaurant, but instead, it means hitting the streets; taking a passeggiata on the seaside promenade or getting fried pizza at any of a number of stalls in the open air. The historic center offers numerous castles and museums, along with some unparalleled opportunities to explore the hidden history of the city via its underground. Take one of the funiculars to the upper city or head north from the historic center to the magnificent Museum and Royal Palace of Capodimonte. Christmas is a special time to visit, as one of the notable Neapolitan art forms are their life-sized Nativity Scenes.
Gorgeous & Delicious Turin
A gem of a city, Turin has a bit of a French feel to it, influenced as it was by the Savoy dynasty. Here you will find some of the most beautiful piazze in all of Italy, filled with small shops and restaurants famous for such delicacies as Gianduiotto chocolates, Grisini breadsticks and wines from all over the region. Museums include an incredible interactive Cinema Museum and one of the premier Egyptian Museums in the world. Just outside of the city, the grandeur of the Savoy dynasty can be experienced at the many incredible royal residences that dot the countryside.
Palermo is a dense and rich hybrid of all things Sicilian. From its Arab-Norman-Byzantine Churches, such as the Cathedral at Monreale, to its streets filled with vendors selling every imaginable food treat and then some, Palermo is a truly unique city. Evenings can be filled with lyrical opera, or for something completely different, historical puppet theater. And festivals, such as the Festa di Santa Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo, bring all that is sacred and all that is secular about this vibrant city to visit in Italy together in one amazing experience.
Genoa has many facets. It is at once a beautiful old city and the capital of what was once one of the strongest maritime republics of the 13th century, as well as a modern seaside metropolis with numerous family friendly sights at its recently revitalized port. Take your pick! The new city houses the largest aquarium in Europe, a Biosphere with a botanical garden and the Bigo Crane which will lift you over 120 feet in the air. While the old center is filled with gorgeous 16th century palazzi and warrens of tiny, cobbled streets, known as caruggi.
