35 Epic (and Famous) Landmarks in Italy

If you’re thinking about visiting Italy, you probably already know that there is a lot to see in the country, which might make it difficult to decide which are your priorities as well as what famous landmarks to explore.

No matter if you like art and culture, you’re a foodie, or you enjoy natural landscapes and national parks.

The Bel Paese offers all of that and more. For that reason, I’ve come up with a list of the most incredible attractions in Italy for you to pick the ones that you don’t want to skip. Let’s take a look at some of the top landmarks in Italy.

This post may contain affiliate links and Solo Trips and Tips may receive a commission for purchases made through links. See our disclosure about affiliate links

Jump To Sections In This Article:

Famous Landmarks in Rome

1. The Colosseum

The most spectacular view of Rome and a monument that pays homage to the importance of the Roman Empire in the history of the world, the impressive Colosseum is arguably the most important attraction in Italy.

Originally built by Emperor Vespasian on the grounds of the Domus Aurea Complex, this incredible theater was, along the years, the center of entertainment and a spectacular display of majestic spectacles and imperial power.

The arena, with a seating capacity that accommodated over 50,000 spectators, hosted war representation, gladiator battles, and animal shows for over five centuries.

Largely abandoned after the fall of the Empire, the monument is currently open to visitors with different tours for people of all ages. This Colosseum tour includes a guided tour with special access to the amphitheater.

2. Saint Peter’s Basilica

Coronating the majestic colonnade of Saint Peter’s Square, Saint Peter’s Basilica is the biggest and most impressive church in Italy.

Inside Christianity’s most important chapel, you will see several works of art that were made by the most important artists in history, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and a 29-meter-high canopy soaring on top of the main altar.

Once outside, the imposing facade features thirteen tall statues representing the Apostles, Saint John the Baptist, and a central Christ the Redeemer.

LEARN MORE: 40 Best Travel Tips for Italy

3. Sistine Chapel

Part of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is an unforgettable attraction and a must-visit place in Rome.

Featuring one of the most incredible frescoed ceilings in the country, the design by Michelangelo took about four years to complete and covers a surface of about 800 square meters.

The masterpiece is made of different sections and panels, among which are the famous Creation of Eve, the Creation of Adam, and the Last Judgement.

4. Trevi Fountain

Located in the heart of Rome’s historic center, this incredible sight has been immortalized in dozens of movies and has turned into the most important attraction in the capital of the country.

However, don’t go there just to toss a coin and ask for a wish; in the surrounding area, you can also admire the spectacular cupola of the Pantheon as well as some amazing squares, including Piazza Barberini, Piazza del Popolo, and Piazza di Spagna.

5. Trastevere

The bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere lies on the western bank of the Tiber River and shelters one of the most enchanting districts where you can discover the authentic face of Rome.

Situated south of the Vatican City, Trastevere is a place where to wander and feel that, at least for a short time, you could easily become one more dweller of the legendary city of Rome.

Today, Trastevere remains an alternative, yet trendy, boho-styled quarter in town, home to a characteristic maze of cobblestone roads, most of them pedestrian, ancient homes, and some delicious restaurants open until very late at night.

The district is known for the Botanical Garden as well as for the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere and ancient aristocratic villas such as Villa Farnesina, Palazzo San Calisto, and Villa Sciarra.

6. Roman Forum

Rome’s forum and marketplaces used to be the centers where all civic, religious, and economic life in ancient Rome would flourish.

The Roman Forum was the most important of them all.

The Forum is located close to the Palatine Hill, not far from the Colosseum, and, for decades, it represented the center of the political power of the Roman Empire, the place where Senators would discuss the most important affairs regarding life in Rome and other cities around the empire.

The best way to visit the ruins is by joining an organized tour. The place is vast, and it is quite impossible to understand the history and importance of each area without the help of an archaeologist or a knowledgeable local guide.

Different companies offer value-for-money tours that include a visit to the Forum, the Colosseum, and the Palatine Hills in their itinerary.

Among the places not to miss are the Temples of Saturn, the Massenzio Basilica, and the House of the Vestal Virgins.

7. The Spanish Steps

Piazza di Spagna, or the Spanish Steps, is a popular meeting spot in the center of Rome. A typical postcard of the capital shows 135 steps built in 1725 leading from the Barcaccia Fountain up to the Trinità dei Monti Church.

The Barcaccia Fountain is a fragile but beautiful statue sculpted by Pietro Bernini in 1627, representing a sinking boat.

Water to the fountain arrives from an ancient Roman aqueduct that also feeds other important Roman fountains, including Fontana di Trevi and the fountain in Piazza del Popolo.

The church of Trinità dei Monti was consecrated back in 1585 and offers spectacular views of Rome’s historic center.

READ NOW: 23 Most Beautiful Cities of Italy

Italy Landmarks Outside of Rome

8. Ostia Antica (Lazio)

Easy to reach from the center of Rome, this is a popular day trip that will reward you with amazing historic sights and an exhilarating archaeological site, probably among the most important ones in the country.

The city of Ostia dates back to the fourth century BCE.

Originally, the settlement was founded as a fortified military camp, growing to become, several decades later, Rome’s main harbor.

Ostia’s archaeological area equals the imposing characteristics of Pompeii on a smaller scale.

It features the well-preserved ruins of Rome’s ancient seaport, a breathtaking collection of thermal baths with incredible mosaics from the second century, known as the Baths of Neptune.

In the complex, there is also a curious ancient café, or trattoria, whose original menu is still visible on the walls of the place.

9. Cinque Terre (Liguria)

Among the most popular landmarks in the Liguria region, the five lands that form the Cinque Terre area are nothing but a selection of unmissable traditional towns to discover in Italy.

Facing the calm waters of the Ligurian Sea, the small coastal towns of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are part of a national park and protected stretch of land that offers one of the most spectacular hiking trails in the country, the Blue Path, or Sentiero Azzurro.

Along the way and in each of the historic settlements, it is possible to admire old churches and beautiful fortresses facing the sea.

In the area, travelers love to spend time by the sea and enjoy discovering the mouthwatering gastronomy and wine production of the region too.

10. Egyptian Museum (Turin, Piedmont)

The most important Egyptian museum in the world outside Cairo is the Museo Egizio di Torino, a must-see exhibition and one of the most important reasons to visit the calm and sophisticated capital of the Piedmont region, Turin.

An austere palace, Palazzo dell’Accademia delle Scienze, houses a fantastic collection of Egyptian treasures, including a vast papyrus collection, a magnificent collection of funerary art, and an imposing statue of King Ramses II, one of the most important examples of Egyptian art in the world!

The museum offers a unique way to experience and enjoy ancient art through dedicated interactive techniques and a special section devoted to the history of the early twentieth-century excavations carried out by pioneers and explorers in and around Cairo.

11. Duomo di Milano (Milan, Lombardy)

Probably the best example of Gothic architecture in the world, this pink and white marble miracle defines the identity and character of the northern city of Milan.

One of the most beloved landmarks in the city, locals adore their impressive Duomo and the gilded statue of the Virgin that, from the roofs of the cathedral, surveils the sky and the city of Milan.

Housing breathtaking spires, buttresses, pinnacles, and over 3000 statues and gargoyles, this Gothic triumph proudly stands right in the heart of the city.

Once inside the building, heavy, massive stone columns contrast with the incredible light and airy stained-glass windows that feature the image of the powerful members of the Milanese society who economically contributed to the construction of the church, as well as several humble artisans and workers that put their craft and effort into the construction of the church.

There are different guided tours of the church to choose from; try to pick one that also includes access to the roofs and the crypt.

Since this is one of the most visited places in town, a skip-the-line ticket is always a winning idea.

12. Como Lake (Lombardy)

Standing under the shadows of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, Lake Como is one of Italy’s major lakes and a very popular day trip destination near Milan.

The lake is surrounded by picturesque, aristocratic villages and towns that host some of the most amazing Neoclassic villas in the country.

Navigating the lake is a popular activity all year round to discover towns such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Cadenabbia.

However, it is not necessary to navigate the lake to be charmed by the beauty of the area. Como itself is a fantastic old town with gorgeous piazzas, incredible churches, and an enchanting waterfront promenade with dozens of cafés and traditional Italian restaurants.

13. Bergamo Old Town (Lombardy)

No other settlement in the Lombardy region could depict such a vivid portrait of the Middle Ages as the Upper Town of Bergamo.

One of the several important historic cities in Lombardy, together with Mantua, Milan, Cremona, and Pavia, Bergamo stands out for its unique layout, featuring an old town located on top of a hill overlooking the modern city of Bergamo.

The most convenient way to reach the upper city is by funicular; the ride is affordable and short but quite steep.

Once in the medieval settlement, you can explore the old stone alleys or visit the main square and ancient church (1137), Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, and Bergamo’s striking black and white Duomo, a harmonic combination of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

14. Madonna di Campiglio (Trentino)

The most exclusive settlement in the Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio, is a lavish ski resort standing at 1522 meters.

The wealthy settlement hosts several Michelin-starred restaurants, 5-star hotels, and expensive cafeterias where to hang out after a long and tiring ski experience.

The Austrian Royalty (especially Princess Sissi and her husband Franz Joseph) made the settlement famous as it was their place of choice for winter during the nineteenth century.

However, Madonna in Campiglio is not just a great ski resort for those spending the winters in the Alps.

The town is open all year round, as there are endless summer activities too, including hiking and climbing.

15. Saint Mark’s Basilica (Venice, Veneto)

A perfect example of Byzantine architecture, Saint Mark’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy and one of the most original ones too, featuring a style and decor hard to find in any other church in the country.

Exuberant like no other, the construction of the church began back in 828 CE.

Originally destined to be the private chapel for Venice’s Doge, it was soon clear that the architectural ambition was to erect a church that would compete with Rome’s Saint Peter’s in size and impressive wealth.

The church was completed in 1094 after a serious fire that forced the builders to stop and restart the project at least twice.

The unique building features imposing Byzantine domes, marble walls, impressive arches, and shimmering golden mosaics that give it an especially magical look during the sunset hours when the sun reflects its light on the facade.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Venice (What to See & Where to Stay)

16. Burano (Venice, Veneto)

Charming, quiet, and colorful, this small island is located about an hour’s ride from the seafront near Piazza San Marco in Venice.

Once home to a vast community of fishermen, today Burano is a favorite place among those who enjoy photography.

The picturesque backstreets of Burano hide some of the best restaurants in Venice, specializing in preparing delicious sardine-based dishes.

Burano is also known for its handmade lace industry, which is still kept alive by just a few old artisans.

17. Verona’s Roman Arena (Verona, Veneto)

There was just one Colosseum throughout the vast lands of the Roman Empire, but there were endless other magnificent stone theaters that had the same function of entertaining the masses.

One of the best-preserved ones is located in the northern town of Verona, in the Veneto region of Italy.

Today, the Arena di Verona is often open to the public for different concerts and music festivals that take place during the summer.

The fantastic pink marble Roman theater dates back to the first century and can accommodate an audience of up to 30,000 people.

Admission to the Arena is quite affordable (€1-2), and the premises can be visited all year round.

18. Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Tuscany)

One of the most important Renaissance art collections in the world is hosted in the center of Florence, in the Uffizi Gallery.

Inside the art gallery, visitors can admire and learn about Tuscan art from the thirteenth century, with masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue, among other artists.

The exhibition also includes works from the fourteenth century as well as the most important paintings by Italian pioneers of the Renaissance.

A gem not to miss is the Botticelli Exhibition Hall (Sala del Botticelli), featuring some of the artist’s most remarkable works, including The Birth of Venus and Primavera (Spring).

The place is worth a visit not only for its incredible art collection but also because the building is one of Florence’s most luxurious palazzi.

The huge U-shaped structure was built back in 1560 to function as a government building (the word Uffizi means offices).

LEARN MORE: Itinerary for 1-Day in Florence

19. Pisa’s Leaning Tower (Pisa, Tuscany)

A trademark of Tuscany and a well-known landmark in the country, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a must-visit attraction in Italy.

Part of the Piazza dei Miracoli complex of Pisa, the tower is, in fact, the bell tower of Pisa’s Duomo.

The religious complex is located within an imposing fortified wall dating from the 12th century.

The construction of the bell tower took over 200 years, and lean issues started almost immediately during the building process, which led to the constant interruption of the construction works to correct the issue.

The Leaning Tower is better known for its noticeable 3.9° inclination over its vertical axis.

For this reason, access to the tower is limited to a certain number of visitors per hour, and due to its popularity, it is necessary to purchase the access tickets well in advance.

Photo credit: Iryna_Rasko/DepositPhotos.com

20. Chianti Hills (Tuscany)

Nothing matches the beauty of a road trip through the valleys and hills of the wine Chianti region, an area populated by wine estates proud of the incredibly top-quality reds produced in the area.

Perfect for a wine tour and an unforgettable scenic drive, there are dozens of small villages to visit around Chianti.

One of them is the gorgeous San Casciano in Val di Pesa, known for its many characteristic cellars, restaurants, and osterie (rustic restaurants), ideal spots where to taste Tuscan wines, homemade cheese, and decadent cured meats.

Radda in Chianti is another impressive old settlement and historic wine town to visit in Chianti.

21. Medieval Towers (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

The last fourteen medieval towers shape the skyline of the walled city of San Gimignano, an ancient Tuscan settlement worth a few hours of your Italian itinerary.

Once more than seventy in number, these skyscrapers of the Middle Ages were the townhouses where local prominent families would live and boast their wealth and prosperity.

22. Val d’Orcia (Tuscany)

Are you one of the hundreds of fans of The Gladiator Movie?

If the answer is yes, you will certainly be familiar with the endless beauty of Val d’Orcia, home to one of the most romantic landscapes in Tuscany.

This spectacular valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located near the picturesque city of Pienza and features conical hills, ancient fortified settlements, unique stone abbeys, and endless paths lined up with tall cypresses.

23. Saint Francis Basilica (Assisi, Umbria)

Assisi is a gorgeous small town in Umbria, in the center of Italy, as well as a famous pilgrimage center in Europe. It is mostly known for being the birthplace of Saint Francis and for the monastery and basilica dedicated to the saint.

Considered one of the most visited religious places in the country, the Papal Minor Basilica and the Sacro Convento (holy convent) are complexes that have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are definitely worth a visit.

Construction of the church began back in 1228, and its curious architectonic design features two different chapels (known as the Upper Church and the Lower Church) as well as a crypt housing the remains of Saint Francis.

The impressive Upper Church is an important example of the early Gothic style, and they are both known for the amazing frescoes that decorate their interiors, some of them by important Italian artists including Giotto and Cimabue.

You can check out this Assisi Full day tour that includes a visit to the Basilica.

24. Cornero Park (Marche)

The Marche is quite an underrated region in the center of the Italian peninsula, home to some beautiful national parks and natural reserves.

The Cornero Natural Park Conero Natural Park, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, stands on Cornero Peak, an ancient mount that is more than 5 million years old.

With an elevation of about 500 meters, the place presents dozens of stone caves worth exploring.

Home to some incredible panoramas stretching all along the Cornero Coast and the Gargano, one of the most naturally diverse promontories along the eastern coast of the country.

In this extensive park, you can check out the gorgeous old villages, such as Sirolo and Camerano, but also parts of the city of Ancona.

Inside the park are also important hiking paths that take walkers through the virgin scenes of the park and reach the impressive coast of Portonovo with its small fishing settlements and a beautiful collection of crystal-clear sea beaches.

25. Majella National Park (Abruzzo)

Always remaining in the center of the country, Abruzzo is a region located south of the Marche and another place that has not yet been battered by mass tourism.

The Abruzzo region is home to some of the most magnificent ancient settlements, old castles, and gorgeous churches in the country, all of them part of the imposing La Majella (or La Maiella), a massif in the Apennines and a protected national park that you should not miss!

The mountain’s highest peak is Mount Amaro, which is at the heart of the national park.

The slopes surrounding this beautiful area of the Apennine Range feature pristine rivers, green valleys, and unique gorges where hiking and cycling are two of the most favorite outdoor activities, so much so that part of the famous Giro d’Italia bike competition often starts in the area.

26. Spanish Quarters (Naples, Campania)

A maze of characteristic alleys adorned with tight balconies and hanging sheets drying under the sun, the Quartieri Spagnoli is a popular attraction in Naples, famous all over the world for its unapologetic graffiti and murals of the local god, Diego Armando Maradona.

However, this well-known facade of the district is nothing but the tip of the iceberg.

In the area, you will find incredible traditional trattorie (simple but delicious restaurants) mixed with surprising street sanctuaries housing icons and candles at the turn of every corner.

There are also beautiful Baroque churches and an inviting street market where you can taste some of the freshest local produce from the Campania region.

The Pignasecca Market is, in fact, an ideal stop for truly unforgettable street food!

Defining the authentic soul of Naples and its people, the district was where Spanish soldiers were stationed in the sixteenth century during the city’s occupation.

In the past, it was considered a degraded and somewhat dangerous area in town, something that has changed through the years as the place has become a safe tourist spot that you should not skip during your visit to Italy.

27. Herculaneum (Campania)

If you really have little time to spend in the Campania region and want to make the most of it, then forget everything about Pompeii; and head directly to the smaller but incredibly impressive Herculaneum Archaeological Site.

More contained and easier to walk around, this ancient town remained completely buried under ash and pumice for centuries, and today, it features ruins that have been much better preserved, depicting an accurate panorama of what life was all about at the time of the Vesuvius eruption.

The pyroclastic material that covered Herculaneum underwent a different chemical reaction if compared to Pompeii, therefore, lots of organic-based materials (including wood, papyrus, and even food) were preserved, allowing researchers to learn a lot more about the society living in this wealthy and luxurious seaside retreat often preferred by the Roman elite.

For an insightful visit to the archaeological site, it can be a good idea to check out this guided visit.

28. Capri and the Blue Grotto (Campania)

Remaining in the Campania regions, surprises never seem to end, from incredible ancient settlements along the coast to dreamy Mediterranean islands that engulf a good dose of tradition as well as a fair share of glamour.

Capri is one such place. and it’s quite easy to visit if you’re spending some time in Naples or along the Amalfi Coast.

With daily departures both from Naples and Sorrento, it can be one of the best day trips in the south of the country.

Other than enjoying the delicious local gastronomy and the more mundane shopping opportunities that Capri has to offer, don’t miss joining a boat excursion to the impressively beautiful Blue Grotto, just a few minutes off the island’s coast.

29. Amalfi Coast (Campania)

Arguably one of the most visited destinations in Italy, the southern Amalfi Coast, also in the Campania region, is a gorgeous series of coastal towns—thirteen of them, to be precise—that face the impressive Bay of Sorrento in the Mediterranean.

Home to picturesque pastel houses, most of them built on the side of breathtaking cliffs, the Amalfi Coast is the quintessential summer retreat in Italy, made of simple life, delicious food, and plenty of sunshine.

Spending at least three days exploring the coast is a must to learn more about some iconic Italian traditions.

Over here, you will taste delicious pasta and seafood dishes and sample a few shots of the famous Sorrento limoncello, a treasured spirit that has put this part of Italy on the world map!

You can read more about an ideal itinerary here or check out a full-day tour of the most famous towns along the Amalfi Coast.

30. Caves of Matera (Basilicata)

Basilicata is a forgotten region in Italy’s deep south, a place of irreplaceable traditions only recently discovered by mass tourism and still quite untouched.

Locally known as Sassi di Matera, these two different districts in the city of Matera (Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano) give shape to a fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Site with origins from a prehistoric troglodyte settlement that’s at least seven thousand years old.

The rupestrian landscape features a myriad of houses dug in the rock, which locals call tufo, as well as the mysterious park of Rupestrian churches.

To experience the best of the caves, it can be a one-of-a-kind experience to spend a night… or a weekend in one of the caves turned into a boutique hotel, yet retain all the characteristic traits of the typical Matera Sasso.

31. Trulli of Alberobello (Apulia)

Another typical architectural trait of the southern regions of the country is the fantastic Trulli homes located in the village of Alberobello, in the Apulia region.

Although not as ancient as the Matera Caves, these typical homes with conic-shaped roofs represent a unique type of residence that can only be found in this part of Italy.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Trulli originated when the residents were imposed to build dry dwellings, without using mortars so that they could be configured as precarious buildings, and could also be easily demolished if needed, and, most of all, would not need to pay taxes as the mortar was not used for the construction.

Featuring round shapes with self-supporting domed roofs, these were the fastest and simplest type of building that has been standing for centuries in the area.

On a curious note, the roofs were embellished with decorative pinnacles, each of which represents the signature of the architect, known in Italian as master trullaro.

If you really want to understand the complex architecture of these homes, why not spend a night or two in one of them?

32. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento, Sicily)

One of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Italy is located in Agrigento, on the big island of Sicily, in the south of the country.

Built back in the fifth century BC by the Greeks in what was once known as Magna Grecia, the Valley of Temples today features one of the most incredible examples of Greek architecture that’s not located in Greece.

The Valley of the Temples is a series of well-preserved ruins of impressive temples built for the adoration of Greek gods, but also houses, cemeteries, streets, and all the typical buildings that were part of an ancient Greek city, including theaters and street markets.

There are several organized tours to explore the area with a knowledgeable guide and make the most of the trip without missing any legend, historic trait, or curious detail.

33. Taormina’s Ancient Greek Theater (Taormina, Sicily)

As you might already suspect, Sicily was one of the most important Greek centers in Italy, and there are lots of architectural memories of this remarkable historic period still visible around the island.

In Taormina, for instance, this incredibly well-preserved ancient theater stands surrounded by a very privileged natural landscape, overlooking the coast of Calabria and the imposing Mount Etna.

Probably dating back to the third century BC, this theatrical complex was made from 100,000 cubic meters of rock that were manually removed from the mountain.

The original Greek theater was later enlarged by the Romans, who added magnificent columns and statues, thus shifting from a place devoted to drama and music to an imposing arena for gladiatorial battles.

34. Nuraghe Su Nuraxi (Sardinia)

Often visited more for its pristine coast than for its historical sites, Sardinia is an Italian island with incredible things to do and places to discover rather than just a place to lazily sunbathe at the beach.

One such example is the so-called Nuraghe Su Nuraxi.

These typically Sardinian constructions, surrounded by mystery and legend, are a type of ancient megalithic building dating back to the period between 1900 and 730 BCE, also known as the Nuragic Age.

Symbol of Sardinia and its distinctive culture, a nuraghe has the outer shape of a truncated conical tower, similar to medieval towers, which were very sturdy and often stood only by virtue of the weight of their stones.

On the inside, they would feature open niches, a main round chamber, and a spiral stone stair leading to the upper floors or to a terrace.

The Su Nuraxi is a Nuragic archaeological site from the seventeenth century BCE where you can also spot an ancient village that developed around the Nuraghe and is often described as the most impressive expression of the Nuragic civilization as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of remarkable historic value.

35. Alghero Medieval Town (Alghero, Sardinia)

Not the first nor the second, but the fifth most important city in Sardinia, Alghero is a gem to explore when visiting the island.

Located on the northwestern coast of the island, the city houses a picturesque Medieval Town, a historic center surrounded by solid sea walls that were built around the sixteenth century.

These protective muras or bastioni feature impressive towers and access gates and are crowned by a pedestrian path with incredible views over the Mediterranean.

Also, it is possible to visit the Forte della Maddalena, a breathtaking fortress that is the last remnant of Alghero’s former land battlements.

Finally, a distinctive highlight of the medieval skyline of Alghero, the gorgeous bell tower of Saint Mary’s Cathedral is probably the most famous sight in town.

The octagonal tower is a fine example of Catalan Gothic, featuring a short pyramid-shaped spire.

Save this to Pinterest for later!

Final Thoughts

As you could see, from north to south, the Italian peninsula offers endless attractions to discover, from the most famous ones, such as the Pisa Tower and Milan Duomo to lesser-known landmarks and historic places, beautiful archaeological sites, and magnificent natural reserves. Which of these are you planning to visit?