20 of the most beautiful places in Italy

Where are the most beautiful places in Italy? Now there's a question, and one stacks of Rough Guides readers took the time to answer. From the loveliest Italian cities and towns, to rolling vineyards, enchanting islands, and captivating coastlines, your nominations covered the country from tip to toe. So, read on to discover the most beautiful places in Italy, along with travel tips for visiting these dazzling destinations.

The Duomo, Florence

The Duomo stands tall over Florence, its presence impossible to ignore. Brunelleschi's dome, built without modern scaffolding, still baffles architects with its innovative techniques. Inside, the frescoed ceiling depicts the drama of salvation and damnation, while the marbles outside catch the Tuscan sunlight in shades of white, green, and pink.

For a quieter experience, early mornings are the best time to visit. A combination ticket gives you access to all five monuments of the Opera del Duomo, including the Bell Tower, Baptistery, and the Museo dell'Opera. Here, you’ll find Michelangelo’s poignant final Pietà, carved with raw emotion for his own tomb. See our favorite way to spend a weekend in Florence.

Best things to do in Florence

Here’s a quick list of some of our favorite Florence highlights. Be sure to check out our Florence neighborhood guide for a more thorough breakdown.

• San Miniato al Monte: Perched atop the highest hill in Florence, this medieval basilica boasts geometric marble facades and an ancient crypt. At vespers, monks still chant Gregorian hymns as the sunset paints the sky.
• Bardini Gardens: A peaceful retreat with a restored baroque staircase and a wisteria tunnel that blooms each spring. Tucked behind high walls, the terraced gardens offer rare botanicals and some of the best views of the city.
• Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio: Florence’s oldest food market, lively since 1873. Locals haggle for fresh, seasonal produce, while butcher shops and cheese vendors continue the city’s culinary traditions.
• Santa Croce Basilica: A monumental church where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried beneath Giotto’s groundbreaking frescoes. The surrounding area is also home to Florence’s leather-crafting heritage.
• Oltrarno District: A charming artisan quarter across the Arno River. Renaissance palaces, tucked behind walls, hide courtyard gardens with sweeping views of Boboli Gardens. This is nearby some of Florence's best museums.

The Medieval Towers, San Gimignano

Tuscany is famous for beautiful hill towns but few are quite as stunning as San Gimignano. This area is famous for its medieval towers, once symbols of wealth and power. In the 12th and 13th centuries, wealthy families built these towers to show off their status and for defense. The town originally had over 70 towers, but only 14 remain today.

Climb the 54-meter Torre Grossa for stunning views of the surrounding countryside, especially on quiet winter mornings. This is by far one of the most unforgettable things to do in Tuscany and one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Best things to do in San Gimignano

• Gelato at Dondoli: Don’t miss the world-champion gelato at Gelateria Dondoli. Try unique flavors like saffron or Vernaccia-wine sorbet right in the UNESCO-listed town square.
• Rocca di Montestaffoli: Check out the former 14th-century fortress with sweeping vineyard views. It’s now a spot for tastings of local Vernaccia wine, once favored by popes and Renaissance nobility.
• Piazza della Cisterna: This triangular medieval square is named for its ancient well. The towering medieval structures cast long shadows over the local wine bars and gelato shops.
• Wine Tasting: Sample the local Vernaccia wine, a crisp white that’s been made here since the 13th century, in historic cellars beneath the town’s ancient buildings. See our favorite Italy wine tours.

Villa Balbianello, Lake Como

Villa Balbianello sits on a scenic wooded peninsula in Lake Como. Originally a Franciscan monastery, it was transformed into an elegant villa over time. The gardens are meticulously maintained, and the loggia architecture adds a unique charm, with stunning views of the lake. Inside, you can explore a collection of artifacts from Count Guido Monzino's travels around the world.

To reach the villa, take a boat from Lenno for an unforgettable view of the property. Movie buffs might recognize it from Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II, but the villa's true draw is its peaceful beauty and historical appeal.

Best things to do in Lake Como

• Villa Carlotta: This lakeside botanical garden is a haven for plant lovers, featuring 150 types of rhododendrons and ancient camellias. Inside, you'll find original neoclassical sculptures and period furnishings.
• Varenna's Old Town: This charming medieval village is known for its colorful houses that slope down to the water. Wander through narrow stone lanes that lead to San Giorgio Church, famous for its 14th-century warrior frescoes.
• Bellagio Market Square: A historic piazza lined with silk shops and family-run trattorias. You’ll still see local fishermen mending nets by the water, while nearby cafes serve traditional lake fish dishes.
• Sacro Monte di Ossuccio: A UNESCO pilgrimage site with 14 baroque chapels that climb up the mountainside. Each chapel houses 16th-century statues and offers amazing views over Lake Como's western shore.
• Ride the Funicular: Take the historic funicular railway up to Brunate, where you can enjoy incredible views of the lake and hike along scenic trails at the top.

Sirmione Peninsula, Lake Garda

The Romans knew how to choose a great spot, and the Sirmione Peninsula is proof of that. The 13th-century Scaliger Castle seems to float on  Lake Garda and has a rare medieval port. A boat ride around the peninsula gives you incredible views, from the castle’s fortifications to the ancient Roman villa ruins at Grotte di Catullo. This is by far one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

For a quieter experience, head to the Church of San Pietro in Mavino. Surrounded by olive trees, the church’s medieval frescoes and panoramic views of the lake are a peaceful break from the hectic streets below.

Best things to do in Lake Garda

• Grotte di Catullo: Explore the extensive ruins of a Roman villa at the tip of the Sirmione Peninsula. The three-story remains feature ancient thermal baths, huge columns, and a museum showcasing recovered artifacts.
• Isle of Garda: A private island with a neo-gothic Venetian villa and terraced Italian gardens. Wander past ancient lemon houses and rare plants on your way to hidden beach coves (easily one of the best beach holidays in Italy).
• Vittoriale degli Italiani: An eccentric estate perched on a mountaintop, with a battleship garden ornament and perfectly preserved 1920s rooms. Walk the hillside gardens where D'Annunzio’s poetry lines the paths.
• Windsurf at Torbole: Head to the northern part of the lake for world-class windsurfing conditions, where clear waters and perfect winds draw water sports enthusiasts from around the world.

Best Italy itineraries

If you're ready to start planning, see the best of our Italy itineraries to make the most of your trip.

• 10 days in Italy itinerary
• 7 days in Italy itinerary
• Tuscany itinerary
• Amalfi Coast itinerary

Spiaggia Grande, Positano

Positano is a hands-down highlight of the Amalfi Coast. Spiaggia Grande lies beneath Positano’s cascade of pastel houses, creating a picture-perfect scene that feels almost like a movie set. Once a quiet fishing village, Positano started transforming into a glamorous hotspot after John Steinbeck’s 1953 article in Harper’s Bazaar. Today, it's a mix of chic boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and stunning views.

For stunning coastal views, walk the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) or hire a private boat to discover hidden coves that can’t be reached by land. Don’s miss when the majolica-tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta Church captures the morning light.

Best things to do in Positano

• Fornillo Beach: A local favorite beach, reachable by a coastal path past old watchtowers. Traditional seafood restaurants built into the cliffs serve up family recipes passed down for generations.
• Li Galli Islands: Three small islands once owned by Rudolf Nureyev. The ancient towers on these islands mark the mythical spot where sirens are said to have tempted Ulysses.
• Beach hop by boat: Take a private boat tour to secluded beaches like Laurito and Arienzo, and swim in the crystal-clear waters only accessible by sea. Positano is home to some of the best beaches in Italy.
• Hike Path of the Gods: Trek the famous hiking trail high above the coast, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the picturesque villages below.

Castel del Monte, Puglia

Emperor Frederick II's mysterious octagonal castle in Puglia, built in 1240, combines elements of Classical, Islamic, and Northern European architecture in ways that still puzzle scholars today. The number eight appears repeatedly in its design - eight towers, eight rooms on each floor - and there are quite a few theories about its symbolic significance. While tourists focus on the castle itself, few explore the surrounding Alta Murgia National Park, one of the most beautiful place in Italy, and where you can spot rare species like the lesser kestrel. Visit during the winter solstice and you’ll witness how the castle’s precise alignment with the sun creates interesting light effects.

Best things to do in Puglia

• Tour olive farms: Visit ancient olive groves with trees over 1,000 years old. Learn about the process of olive oil production and taste oils from different regions - this is easily one of the best things to do in Italy.
• Alberobello Trulli Zone: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area is famous for its conical-roofed limestone houses, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. Some trulli still feature original noble family symbols and ancient Christian markings.
• Explore Polignano a Mare: Check out the dramatic beach perched on cliffs, dine in a cave restaurant, and swim in the crystal-clear waters beneath the limestone cliffs.
• Lecce's Baroque Quarter: An open-air museum showcasing 17th-century Baroque architecture, centered around the Santa Croce basilica. Discover hidden courtyards, private chapels, and baroque gardens.
• Otranto Cathedral: This 12th-century church is known for its massive floor mosaic depicting the Tree of Life. The crypt holds the bones of 800 martyrs, and the architecture is a unique fusion of Byzantine and Norman styles.

Blue Grotto, Capri

Located off the coast of Naples,  Blue Grotto of  Capri  s a stunning sea cave known for its glowing azure waters, a natural phenomenon caused by sunlight filtering through underwater cavities. Once Emperor Tiberius's private retreat, the grotto was once decorated with statues, though they are now lost. To avoid the midday crowds, book an early morning tour to experience the magical glow and peaceful atmosphere. If you're looking for something quieter, consider visiting the Red Grotto or exploring the Roman cliff-side steps that hint at Capri’s imperial past.

Best things to do in Capri

• Villa Jovis: Emperor Tiberius's monumental clifftop palace ruins that give insights into Roman engineering.From the imperial apartments, you'll enjoy dramatic views across three gulfs..
• Certosa di San Giacomo: Visit this 14th-century monastery, which features two cloisters and baroque frescoes. The museum offers a look at the island's history, and the gardens host classical music performances.
• Marina Piccola: A sheltered cove where sirens are said to have tempted Ulysses. Traditional restaurants serve local specialties, and you’ll find fishermen sun-drying octopus on the rocks.
• Phoenician Steps: Climb the ancient stairway of 921 steps that connects Capri Town to Marina Grande. Originally carved by the Greeks, it offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples.

St. Mark's Basilica, Venice

St. Mark's Basilica in Venice  is a masterpiece of Byzantine and Western architectural fusion, built in 832 CE to house the relics of St. Mark. Its golden mosaics, covering 85,000 square feet, depict biblical and historical scenes in breathtaking detail. The famous bronze horses on the basilica’s loggia were looted from Constantinople in 1204. During acqua alta (high water), you can see how medieval engineers designed the church to withstand flooding. For a peaceful experience, book an after-hours tour.

Best things to do in Venice

• Basilica dei Frari: This Gothic brick church is home to Titian's masterpieces and his tomb. The surrounding streets also preserve Venice's historic printing and publishing district.
• Murano glass wWorkshop: Visit a traditional glass furnace to see master glassblowers at work, showcasing techniques passed down through generations.
• Cicchetti crawl: Hop between local bacari (wine bars) to sample Venetian small plates and local wines while learning about the city’s culinary traditions.
• Palazzo Grimani: This recently restored Renaissance palace houses original frescoes and a collection of classical sculptures. Its atmospheric rooms showcase Cardinal Grimani’s 16th-century antiquities.
• Torcello Cathedral: Venice’s oldest building, featuring glittering 7th-century mosaics. Climb the bell tower for a panoramic view of the lagoon and the original Venetian settlement island.

Via dell'Amore, Cinque Terre

The famous "Path of Love" connects Riomaggiore and Manarola and was carved into the cliffs in the 1920s by miners. Originally a route for railway workers, it soon became a popular meeting spot for young lovers from the two villages. Today, it’s part of the larger network of trails linking all five Cinque Terre  villages. For a quieter visit, skip the summer crowds and come in early spring when wild herbs fill the air and the Mediterranean light is crystal clear (more on when to go to Italy). 

If you want to avoid the crowds entirely, the lesser-known upper trails offer equally stunning views and pass through ancient vineyards where families still harvest grapes by hand.

Best things to do in Cinque Terre

• Sanctuary of Montenero: A hilltop monastery that’s accessible via ancient stone paths through terraced vineyards. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of all five villages and the surrounding centuries-old wine cultivation.
• Vernazza's Porto: A natural harbor protected by castle ruins and a round tower. Colorful fishing boats line the waterfront, and local wine bars serve the region’s signature Vermentino wine.
• Manarola's Vineyards: Walk through ancient stone terraces that still produce DOC wines. A panoramic trail reveals how locals have farmed these steep landscapes for eight centuries.
• San Lorenzo Church: This 14th-century church in Manarola features striking black and white marble stripes. You’ll also find medieval sailor graffiti on the exterior walls near the ancient harbor.
• Torre Guardiola: A restored medieval watchtower located between the villages. It houses a botanical garden, and educational panels explain the unique Mediterranean microclimate that supports rare species.

Juliet's House, Verona

While Shakespeare never visited Verona , this 13th-century house with its famous balcony has become a symbol of eternal love. The building actually belonged to the dell Capello family, whose name resembled Capulet enough to spark the connection. The bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard has a peculiarly shiny right breast from tourists following the tradition of touching it for luck in love.  While you're in the area, don’t miss the nearby Palazzo della Ragione, with its impressive "staircase of reason" and a whale bone believed to bring good fortune. See more fun facts about Italy.

Best things to do in Verona

• Teatro Romano: This ancient Roman theater still hosts summer performances. The nearby archaeological museum, housed in a converted monastery, displays artifacts from the theater's golden age.
• Food and wine tour: Discover the historic Veronese wine region by visiting family-run vineyards that produce Valpolicella and Soave wines, all while sampling local specialties.
• Castelvecchio: A medieval fortress spanning the Adige River, housing an art collection. Carlo Scarpa’s masterful restoration creates a dialogue between ancient and modern architecture.
• Giardino Giusti: These Renaissance gardens feature towering cypress trees, classical statuary, and hidden grottos. Wander through the hedged paths to the belvedere, which offers stunning views of Verona’s rooftops.
• Piazza delle Erbe: Once the Roman forum, this square is now a lively medieval market. Surrounded by frescoed palaces and a Renaissance fountain, the daily produce market offers a taste of local specialties.

Marina Grande, Sorrento

Sheltered beneath towering cliffs, Marina Grande is Sorrento’s charming fishing port, mostly untouched by the crowds that fill the city. You’ll see colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, and family-run trattorias serving fresh seafood caught just hours before. Skip the main beaches and take a stroll down the Roman steps at dawn to watch the fishermen mending their nets. For a memorable end to your day, book a sunset boat tour and enjoy the "walls of fire," where the cliffs glow in the evening light. This is one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Best things to do in Sorrento

• Valley of the Mills: This hidden limestone gorge in the town center is home to ancient flour mill ruins. The unique microclimate here nurtures rare ferns that thrive in the atmospheric setting.
• Bagni della Regina Giovanna: A natural swimming pool surrounded by the ruins of a Roman villa. An ancient stone arch frames the crystal-clear waters where nobility once bathed in private coves.
• Sedile Dominova: A medieval nobles’ meeting hall decorated with 18th-century frescoes. Today, it’s home to a century-old social club where locals welcome visitors to join in traditional card games.
• Museo Correale: Located in a Renaissance palace, this museum showcases Neapolitan Baroque art within beautiful citrus gardens. The terraces offer stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

Forum Ruins, Pompeii

Frozen in time by Vesuvius's eruption in 79 CE, Pompeii's forum represents the heart of Roman civic life. Recent excavations continue to reveal new treasures, including vivid frescoes and evidence of ancient fast-food stands. While tourists crowd the famous brothel and House of the Faun, the lesser-known Villa of the Mysteries on the city's edge contains some of the best-preserved frescoes in the Roman world. Visit in winter when tourist numbers drop and the low sun casts dramatic shadows across the ruins.

Best things to do in Pompeii

• House of the Vettii: A wealthy merchant's home with recently restored frescoes and gardens. Original bronze statues stand in the peristyle courtyard, replanted according to ancient specifications.
• Suburban Baths: A well-preserved bathing complex with intricate mosaics and frescoes. Explore the changing rooms and saunas to get a glimpse of Roman bathing rituals frozen in time.
• Villa of the Mysteries: A suburban villa featuring a mysterious fresco cycle, possibly depicting the initiation rites of the Dionysian cult. The room sequence suggests an ancient ritual procession.
• Forum Granary: An archaeological storehouse displaying everyday objects and famous plaster casts. These artifacts offer a detailed look into daily life before Vesuvius erupted.
• Temple of Isis: The best-preserved ancient Egyptian temple in the Roman world. The original altar and ceremonial water systems showcase exotic religious practices in the heart of Roman Pompeii.

Valley of the Temples, Sicily

This UNESCO World Heritage site in Agrigento (Sicily ) showcases some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside Greece. The Temple of Concordia, built around 440 BCE, remains almost entirely intact thanks to its conversion to a Christian church in the 6th century CE. Visit at sunrise when the golden light makes the honey-colored stone glow, or come during the February almond blossom festival when the valley bursts with pink and white flowers. The lesser-known Medieval Garden, planted with species mentioned by ancient authors, is also worth a visit.

Best things to do in Sicily

• Palatine Chapel, Palermo: A royal chapel that blends Byzantine mosaics, Norman architecture, and an Islamic-style wooden ceiling. Gold leaf mosaics cover every surface, telling biblical stories. More on why you need to see Palermo.
• Teatro Antico, Taormina: A Greek theater carved into the mountainside with perfect acoustics. The ancient stage frames Mount Etna’s smoking peak through the classical columns.
• Villa Romana del Casale: A Roman villa that houses the world’s largest collection of ancient mosaics, including the famous "Bikini Girls" mosaic, showcasing advanced Roman athletic wear.
• Ortygia Market, Syracuse: An ancient island market that has been in operation for over 2,500 years. You’ll find local specialties sold beneath baroque facades, with the ruins of the Temple of Apollo nearby.

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Created in the 1960s by Prince Karim Aga Khan, Costa Smeralda (in Sardinia) is known for its emerald-colored waters. The architect Luigi Vietti designed Porto Cervo village to resemble an ancient fishing village, blending traditional Sardinian elements with modern luxury. While most visitors head to the famous Pevero Beach, local boats can take you to hidden coves like Cala Petra Ruja, which are only accessible by sea. 

Best things to do in Sardinia

This part of Italy is not to be overlooked. See our one week Sardinia road trip guide.

• Neptune's Grotto: This massive sea cave can be reached via the 654-step Escala del Cabirol, carved into the cliffs. Inside, you’ll find prehistoric remains among towering stalactites and underground lakes.
• Su Nuraxi: A UNESCO-listed Bronze Age complex that includes a central tower and village. It’s the best-preserved nuraghe in Sardinia, showcasing sophisticated prehistoric engineering.
• Castelsardo Old Town: This medieval citadel is perched on volcanic rock above the turquoise sea. Women still weave traditional baskets in the doorways of pastel-painted houses.
• La Pelosa Beach: An ancient Spanish watchtower guards this crystalline lagoon with shallow waters. Local fishermen sell their daily catch beside the ruins of a 16th-century defensive system. 

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, The Dolomites

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (in the Dolomites) are three iconic peaks that rise like natural cathedrals, making them one of the most recognized images of the Dolomites. During WWI, Italian and Austrian troops fought fierce battles here, and you can still explore their via ferrata routes and tunnels. The peaks change color throughout the day, shifting from pale gray to fiery red at sunset in a phenomenon known as enrosadira. To see them at their most beautiful, start before dawn to catch the alpenglow, or stay overnight in the Auronzo hut to see the peaks under the Milky Way.

Best things to do in The Dolomites

• Lake Braies: A stunning turquoise alpine lake that reflects a wooden boathouse and jagged peaks. The historic hotel nearby preserves the atmosphere of the valley’s 19th-century mountaineering golden age.
• Val di Funes: A traditional Ladin valley where ancient farmhouses dot meadows beneath towering peaks. The St. Johann Church offers an iconic photo opportunity with the Odle mountains in the background.
• Lago di Carezza: A rainbow-colored lake steeped in Dolomite folklore. Local legends tell of a wizard who created the crystal-clear waters to win the heart of a water nymph.
• Seceda Ridgeline: Dramatic, serrated peaks above Val Gardena. A cable car takes you to high-altitude meadows where traditional mountain huts serve Tyrolean specialties.

The Colosseum, Rome

TheColosseum in Rome is not just an iconic monument but one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in Italy. Completed in 80 CE, this colossal amphitheater represents the pinnacle of ancient Roman engineering and architecture. As the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire, it was designed to host around 50,000 spectators who came to witness gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles. Today, the Colosseum’s enduring grandeur and intricate design continue to bring visitors from around the world. Its beauty lies not only in its sheer scale but in the details that have survived for nearly 2,000 years. 

Best things to do in Rome

There is so much to do in Rome, we can hardly list it all here. Be sure to see our complete list of the best things to do in Rome, or our Rome neighborhood guide.  

• Pantheon at Dawn: This ancient temple features the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. In the morning, sunlight streams through the oculus, illuminating the tomb of Renaissance painter Raphael.
• Galleria Borghese: Housed in a Renaissance villa, this gallery displays the private art collection of a cardinal (and is refreshingly off the tourist trail in Rome). It features Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio masterpieces, all showcased in their original baroque setting.
• Trastevere District: This medieval neighborhood is filled with ivy-draped buildings lining cobblestone streets. Traditional trattorias serve Roman classics on a budget, and hidden churches with golden mosaics offer quiet moments away from the crowds.
• Appian Way: This ancient Roman highway is lined with catacombs and imperial tombs. On Sundays, when traffic is blocked, you can walk along the original Roman paving stones through the archaeological park.
• Tour the Vatican Museums: Wind your way through 26 museums, finishing at the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Here, Michelangelo’s frescoes vividly tell biblical stories, leaving visitors in awe of the artistry and scale.

Piazza del Campo, Siena

Piazza del Campo (in Siena) is one of Italy’s most iconic squares, shaped like a shell and built over an ancient Roman marketplace. The square slopes at a precise 7-degree angle, a clever piece of medieval engineering designed to drain rainwater. 

The famous Palio horse race, which takes place twice a year, began in 1644, but this plaza has been a hub for celebrations and markets since the 13th century. While most tourists gather at the center, you should climb the Torre del Mangia early in the morning for the best panoramic views in Italy. During winter, the morning fog adds a mystical touch.

Best things to do in Siena

Siena is a must when planning a trip to Italy.

• Duomo Library: Head to this Renaissance hall, covered in vivid frescoes by Pinturicchio. The library also displays 15th-century choir books and astronomical instruments, showcasing Siena's scholarly heritage.
• Via di Città: This main medieval thoroughfare is lined with noble family towers. The palace museums here highlight Gothic architecture and well-preserved Renaissance interiors.
• Santa Maria della Scala: Once Europe’s first hospital, this vast museum complex now includes underground tunnels and frescoed pilgrim halls, offering a glimpse into medieval medical history.
• San Domenico Basilica: This austere Gothic church houses a relic of St. Catherine’s head. The peaceful monastery gardens here offer great views of Siena’s medieval rooftops.

Sassi District, Matera

The Sassi District in Matera is home to ancient cave dwellings that have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, making it the longest continuously inhabited settlement in human history. 

These cave homes were once criticized as a "national shame" in the 1950s due to their poverty, but today they’ve been transformed into boutique hotels and restaurants, while still retaining their haunting beauty. One of the best ways to explore this unique area is through the network of ancient water cisterns beneath the city. Don’t miss the rock-hewn churches that preserve rare Byzantine frescoes and early Christian worship in temple caves

Best things to do in Matera

• Casa Grotta: Step into a preserved cave house that shows how families lived in the Sassi until the 1950s. Original furnishings and tools give a glimpse into how people lived alongside animals in these cave homes.
• Santa Lucia alle Malve: Visit this rock church, which contains 13th-century frescoes of female saints. These rare surviving examples of medieval religious art can be seen within the cave church architecture.
• Palombaro Lungo: Discover this massive underground cistern system carved from rock. The Baroque-style water cathedral demonstrates the sophisticated ancient techniques used for water collection.
• Belvedere Murgia: Head to this panoramic viewpoint across a dramatic ravine to view cave churches. The dawn light reveals the prehistoric settlement patterns in the limestone cliff faces, offering a unique perspective on the region’s history.

Cappella di Vitaleta, Val d'Orcia

This tiny Renaissance chapel, sitting alone among cypress trees and rolling hills, epitomizes the Tuscan landscape. Built in 1590 and restored in 1884, it houses a statue of the Madonna by Andrea della Robbia. The surrounding Val d'Orcia landscape has changed little since Renaissance painters used it as their model for paradise. Visit at dawn when mist fills the valleys, or during spring plowing when the earth turns dark sienna. This is one of Tuscany's most photographed landscapes.

Best things to do in Val d'Orcia

• Abbey of Sant'Antimo: This isolated Romanesque abbey still hosts Gregorian chants by monks. At sunset, the honey-colored stone of the abbey glows beautifully amidst the ancient olive groves.
• Bagno Vignoni: A medieval spa town centered around a large, steaming pool of thermal water. The ruins of Roman settlements show the long history of the area’s use of natural hot springs.
• Pienza Historic Center: A UNESCO-listed Renaissance town designed as an architectural utopia. The perfectly preserved papal palace and cathedral are prime examples of ideal city planning from the Renaissance period.
• Podere Belvedere: This historic farmhouse sits among cypress-lined hills near San Quirico. In the early morning, the mist rises, revealing the iconic view that inspired Renaissance painters and serves as a model of paradise.

Piazza Maggiore, Bologna

Piazza Maggiore is the heart of Bologna, a city known for being home to Europe’s oldest university. The square is rich in history, with the imposing San Petronio Basilica at its center. Its unfinished façade stands as a testament to centuries of civic pride and conflict. While many tourists climb the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views, many locals will recommend heading to the secret terrace of Palazzo d’Accursio (see our other Italy travel advice). In summer, the square comes alive with classic films projected onto its walls.

Best things to do in Bologna

• Anatomical Theater: Visit this 17th-century wooden amphitheater where public dissections once took place. The carved wooden statues of famous physicians keep watch over the world’s oldest medical school, adding to the unique atmosphere.
• Quadrilatero Market: Wander through the medieval food market streets where traditional shops still thrive. You’ll find tortellini makers and mortadella curers preserving recipes that have been passed down for centuries.
• Asinelli Tower: Climb to the top of this towering medieval structure, the tallest surviving tower in Bologna, after a 498-step ascent. The wooden interior reveals 12th-century engineering techniques, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of the time.
• Santo Stefano Complex: Explore this fascinating group of seven interconnected churches built over the remains of a Roman temple. The peaceful courtyards offer a glimpse into the evolution of religious architecture over the last millennium.
• Archiginnasio: This historic building was once the seat of Europe’s oldest university. Inside, you’ll find the anatomical theater and walls adorned with student coat of arms, reflecting the building’s role in shaping the academic world.

Planning your trip to Italy

Need a starting point for your adventure? Our trip ideas gallery  has plenty of itineraries that are worth exploring. See our guides for more tips like how to get around Italy or how to plan a trip to Europe.

Or, if you'd like the let a local plan your itinerary, see our tailor-made trip service. Our trips are created by travel experts that know the ins and outs of the area. They handle the bookings, and offer you 24/7 support, so all you need to do is pack your bags.