UNESCO Sites in Italy
With its world-renowned boot-shaped peninsula, Italy is the number one country in the world when it comes to UNESCO World Heritage sites. The sites adorned with majestic mountains, stunning coasts and fascinating archaeological ruins will make fabulous additions to your Italy trip itinerary. From the Dolomites and historic centres of Florence and Rome to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, this country boasts 58 protected locations that are a treat for all art, history and archaeology lovers alike.
Get ready to discover all of the well-kept secrets of UNESCO sites in Italy before venturing on a magical journey of your own.
Table of Contents
Tuscany (8)
Florence
Among the very first Italian UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Florence is the symbol of the Renaissance. The city, founded in 59 BC, was a leader in Italian and European history from the beginning. As the capital of Italy in one certain period, its 600 years of extraordinary artistic activity can be seen in its churches, cathedrals, palaces and walls. Having an overwhelming influence on the development of architecture and the fine arts, the city has been shaped by many essential figures, such as Petrarca, Boccaccio, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. It is enclosed within the old medieval walls that surround this part of the city, which rose to economic and commercial power under the infamous Medici family in the 15th and 16th centuries.
San Gimignano
Situated in one of the top 10 most beautiful wine regions in Europe, San Gimignano is nestled among the rolling hills covered with rows of grapevines, terra cotta roofs, and fortified towers. At the top of the hill, you can clearly see the two main squares, Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo, which have been the centre of life for many centuries. Dotted around the squares, no less than 72 tower-houses were built as symbols of their wealth and power. However, only 14 fortified towers still remain, from which the Towers of Fortune and Destiny are the most prominent. As well as being an important resting point for pilgrims during the Middle Ages, the city holds several masterpieces of 14th and 15th-century Italian art found in numerous religious and public buildings.
Siena
Having a strong cultural influence not merely in Italy but also in Europe, Siena is a 13th-century city of thousands of colours that’s exceptionally rich in history and culture. As one of the best small towns to visit in Italy, Siena has many beautiful sites worth visiting. For instance, the city’s Duomo has been crafted and decorated with Romanesque and Gothic art by many famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Donatello, Giovanni, and Nicola Pisano. The Torre del Mangia, one of Italy’s tallest ancient bell towers, is easily accessible from the local Civic Museum. After you finish browsing the many medieval fountains and buildings, do stop at a local restaurant to taste the typical dishes of the area that are sure to leave you speechless.
Pienza
Created by Pope Pius II, Pienza is the earliest example of a Renaissance “ideal town”. With new visions of urban space, the pope hired the architect Bernardo Rossellino to transform his hometown of Corsignano and turn it into his papal summer court. The refurbished square known as Piazza Pio II is surrounded by the Piccolomini Palace, the Borgia Palace and the Renaissance-Gothic cathedral. Even though the exterior was dominated by pure Renaissance elements, the interior was heavily influenced by the south German Gothic style churches. Emphasising the intended asymmetry of the square, the fountain with the Piccolomini family crest enhanced the entire unique appearance of the city and served as a model for numerous Tuscan fountains to come.
Medici Villas and Gardens
Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, the twelve Medici villas and two gardens demonstrate the power and wealth the members of the Medici family commanded. These sites are strategically spread across the Tuscan landscape, constructed in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. Dedicated to the arts, leisure and knowledge, their villas and gardens are true jewels of Florentine Renaissance architecture. As bankers, politicians, royals, popes, patrons of the arts and champions of the birth of the Italian Renaissance, the Medici family exerted considerable influence over modern European culture.
Piazza del Duomo in Pisa
The Piazza dei Miracoli or Piazza of Miracles, as it was nicknamed, set over an ample green field, houses four whiter-than-white masterpieces of majestic medieval art. That includes the renowned Leaning Tower, also known as the Bell Tower, the Camposanto graveyard, the Baptistry and the Cathedral itself. These last two are so unique that their creation gave origin to a new style, “Pisan Romanesque”. All of them are of major significance in monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century. The beauty of the complex goes as far as to be called Pisa’s architectural gems “miracles” by the famous Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.
Montecatini Terme
Counted among the Great Spa Towns of Europe, Montecatini Terme is a famous Italian jewel situated in the heart of Tuscany. It’s a garden city that’s surrounded by art cities such as Florence, Pisa and Lucca. Ever since Roman times, the rich thermal springs of Montecatini Terme are one of the most popular and visited spa towns in Italy. Framing the thermal park, the magnificent architectural innovations of Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic palaces gave its beauty an edge. With its richly-decorated historic spa buildings, architectural beauty and extensive gardens, the healing waters of the terms provide the perfect getaway from modern life.
Val d’Orcia
Adorned with distinct cypress trees overlooking the olive groves and golden fields, the vibrant green valley of the Val d’Orcia offers marvellous vistas that you will surely never forget. Encompassing the Orcia river, there are many enrapturing elements that form the harmonious landscape of this site. Famous for its world-class winemaking tradition, Val d’Orcia is the birthplace of the legendary red wine Brunello di Montalcino. This site also offers relaxation in one of the many thermal hot springs of the region, such as Bagno Vignoni or Bagni di San Filippo. Stroll along the Via Francigena, the great road that connects France and northern Italy with Rome, and bask in the 1,000-year-old history that dominates this fascinating place.
Sicily (7)
Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cefalú and Monreale Cathedral
Dating from the era of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily in the 12th century, the Arab-Norman Palermo includes a union of nine impressive civil and religious structures. Collectively, that counts two palaces, three churches, a cathedral, and a bridge, as well as the cathedrals of Cefalú and Monreale. The coexistence of Muslim, Byzantine, Latin, Jewish, Lombard and French gave rise to new concepts of space, structure and decoration. Even though a different builder constructed each of the sites, the linked sites still incorporated the best practices of both Arab and Byzantine architecture and art.
Agrigento
Known as the “Valley of the Temples”, the archaeological area of Agrigento was founded as a Greek colony in the 5th century BC. As a cultural city at the crossroads of religions, the area encompasses the 8 temples of the gods, the necropolis area and the extra-moenia sanctuaries. Inside the great temples, one can see the most outstanding monuments of Greek art and culture that are still utterly breathtaking. However, the most striking feature is surely the mosaic floor artwork, which helped tell the stories of faith, as well as display power and influence. Filled with many various symbols, the incredibly detailed images provide insight into religious life during that time.
Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto
Representing a high level of architectural and artistic achievement, the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto are made up of eight towns in south-eastern Sicily. That includes Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli which are exceptionally rich in Baroque architecture, art and history. Stretching from the Monti Iblei to the Erei Mountains, the remarkable towns are famed for their historical testimonies, rich monuments, marvellous beaches and a landscape of great beauty. The theatres and temples of the towns date back to Magna Graecia or necropolis from prehistoric times. Rebuilt after the catastrophic earthquake of 1693, the area illustrates the peak of the late Baroque style in Europe that is sure to take you back in time.
Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
Described as “the most beautiful city of Magna Graecia”, the necropolis of Pantalica testify to the development of Mediterranean civilization over three millennia. As a city with a thousand-year-old history, Syracuse contains relics of both Greek and Roman times. Pantalica bears witness to the development of ancient civilisations and their progress, protecting both the rock necropolis and the historic centre. Many iconic Roman monuments still grace this terrain, from the amphitheatre to the Roman Gymnasium set in an oleander garden. If you’re a fan of myths, then do pay a visit to the Fountain of Arethusa, the place that inspired the enrapturing legend of Arethusa and Alphaeus.
Villa Romana del Casale
At the gates of the splendid art city of Piazza Armerina lies the Villa Romana del Casale, right in the centre of Sicily. It’s considered to be one of the most prominent monumental relics dating back from the late antique period in the Mediterranean. Built in the 4th century AD, it represents an excellent late-imperial Roman luxury villa enriched with well-preserved mosaics. Still in perfect condition, they show scenes including heroes and gods, hunting, games and everyday life. With its complex architectural layout and the lavishness of the decorative elements, the villa has many thermal baths, dining rooms, basilicas, apsidal rooms and private flats. It was all decorated with striking features like porticoes, fountains, statues, internal gardens and mosaics.
Aeolian Islands
Discover some of the best coves, caves, inlets, sea stacks and beaches in Italy right here off the northern coast of Sicily. Often referred to as the “seven pearls of the Mediterranean”, the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands is dominated by pristine coastlines, fascinating hikeable volcanoes and peaceful resort towns. Its wild nature is closely overlooked by two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano. Offering sunshine, beaches and natural beauty made the islands a popular holiday destination for Italians for decades. There’s so much you can do here – taste Malvasia sweet wine, take a mud bath at one of the volcanoes or go swimming and snorkelling in the Tyrrhenian Sea and more. Paradise awaits!
Mount Etna
As a symbol of Sicily across the world, the history of Mt Etna can be traced back 500,000 years and documents at least 2,700 years of activity. It’s acknowledged as the largest active volcano in Europe, as well as one of the highest in the world. With its craters, caves and lava flows, this unique landscape showcases a long history of influence on volcanology, geology and other earth science disciplines. Surrounded by citrus groves and vineyards, the dense chestnut and oak forests are scattered near the summit of Mt Etna. Because of its diversity in landscape, there are numerous activities that visitors can participate in. For example, you can walk or trek to get to Etna, go skiing or get on a bike and take an Etna Mountain Bike Tour.
Lombardy (6)
Santa Maria delle Grazie
As one of the most visited Renaissance ensembles in Milan, the Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church and Dominican convent composed of a basilica, a library, three cloisters and a refectory. Undisputedly one of the world’s masterpieces of painting, The Last Supper painted by Leonardo da Vinci has had an immense influence on the history of art. The world-renowned painting is located on the north wall in the refectory of the convent, which specifically portrays the reaction given by each apostle when Jesus said one of them would betray him. Thoroughly restored and maintained throughout the centuries, the value of this masterpiece is inseparable from the architectural complex in which it was created.
Crespi d’Adda
Made to be the “perfect workers’ village”, Crespi d’Adda is a captivating 19th and early 20th-century town built in Capriate San Gervasio along the Adda river. Located near the neo-medieval style factory, the village was realised in order to meet the workers’ needs. They were provided with colourful homes, vegetable gardens and all necessary public services. Getting its name from a family of cotton manufacturers, this site has been recognised as a symbol of the industrial architecture of the period, unchanged over time. Today, this site is filled with architectural finds and fossils which make it perfect for the study of Industrial Archaeology. However, there are numerous guided tours on offer if you wish to explore this historic village in detail.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
Known as the pearls of the Po Valley, the two towns of Mantua and Sabbioneta are a true embodiment of a Renaissance city in Italy. With traces stemming from the Roman period, Mantua has stunning architecture, monumental art and town planning, sustained over the centuries by the Gonzaga family. As one of the most stunning villages in Italy, Sabbioneta is filled with striking elements from the Humanism era. The defensive walls, intertwined streets, public spaces and monuments have been steadily renewed between the 15th and 16th centuries. With their immense influence on architecture and art, both cities have contributed to the spread of Renaissance culture inside and outside the continent.
Rhaetian and Albula Railway in the Bernina Landscapes
Bringing together two historic railway lines that cross the Swiss Alps, the Rhaetian and Albula Railway are commonly known as the “Bernina Red Train“, an important tourist destination and an essential means of transport. With its unique mountain routes, the world-famous railway is located in the Swiss canton of Grisons. The Rhaetian Railway is located right in the heart of the Swiss mountains, consisting of 384 kilometres of railway. Opened in 1903, the Albula Railway runs from St. Moritz to Thusis, connecting Italy and Switzerland. It has a total length of 61 km through 13 tunnels and 52 viaducts, representing a masterpiece of infrastructural development. Harmoniously integrated into the Alpine landscapes, the path is met with many gorges, mountain barriers and gradients that can be pleasantly enjoyed along the way.
Rock Drawings in Valcamonica
With more than 140,000 symbols and figures carved in the rock over a period of 8,000 years, the rock drawings in Valcamonica convey invaluable information about the spirituality and everyday life of the Camuni. Hosting one of the world’s greatest collections of prehistoric petroglyphs, the cave drawings show themes connected to navigation, agriculture, war and magic. The valley of Valcamonica is one of the largest in the Central Alps. It stretches about 90 kilometres between the provinces of Brescia and Bergamo, providing a home to no fewer than 1,300 different species of plants, numerous wild animals, glaciers, forests and many Alpine lakes. Moreover, ski enthusiasts might consider visiting the Madesimo ski resort, one of the best ski resorts in Italy.
Monte San Giorgio
Standing between the Canton Ticino in Switzerland and the region of Lombardy in Italy, the 1,100 metres high mountain is surrounded on two sides by Lake Lugano. It’s regarded as the best fossil record of marine life from the Triassic Period that will allow you to discover a fascinating lost world dating 240 million years ago. Over 10,000 specimens have been found here, including a very high number of “first discoveries” of species. Numerous reptiles, fish, starfishes and crustaceans made this lagoon flourish with diverse marine life. In the 19th century, five layers of fossil remains were discovered with thousands of skeletons of dinosaurs and marine fish. That includes some rare and unique specimens that have been named after the site.
Veneto (6)
Botanical Garden of Padua
Dating back to 1545, the Botanical Garden of Padua is the world’s first botanical garden ever created. Originally called Orto Botanico, the garden still preserves its original layout which includes a circular central plot to symbolise the world that’s surrounded by a ring of water. Many decorative and practical elements were added later on, such as ornamental entrances and pumping installations. The garden contains more than 50,000 volumes and manuscripts of historical and bibliographic importance and the herbarium, which is the second most extensive in Italy. Particularly rare plants are collected and grown here, making this site exceptional by its high scientific value in terms of experimentation, education and collection.
Verona
The historic city of Verona was founded back in the 1st century BC, but it was not until the rule of the Scaliger family in the 13th and 14th centuries that it prospered. The city core consists of the Roman town in the loop of the river, around which the Scaligers rebuilt the walls. Verona has preserved a big number of monuments from antiquity, the medieval and Renaissance periods. It is without doubt one of the richest cities when it comes to Roman remains. That includes the Porta Borsari, the Porta Leoni, the Arco dei Gavi, the Ponte Pietra, the Roman Theatre and the Amphitheatre Arena, the second-largest after the one in Rome. Reflecting the evolution of this fortified 2,000-year-old city, Verona’s surviving architecture and urban structure make this spot one of the most popular Instagram locations in Italy.
City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas
Widely known as “la città del Palladio”, Vicenza and its twenty-four Palladian Villas are scattered all across the Veneto region, giving the city its unique appearance. Founded in the 2nd century BC, the city’s architecture has been heavily influenced by Andrea Palladio who was inspired by classical Roman architecture and formal purity. His work inspired a distinct style named Palladianism, which spread in most European countries and throughout the world for three centuries. Representing a unique artistic achievement, the city has numerous variations of the villa patterns that are evidence of Palladio’s constant architectural and design experimentation. The masterful products of his genius are still reflected in the literature of architectural and art history.
The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene
As a land where winemaking culture has reigned for centuries, the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene is located in northeastern Italy. The winegrowing landscape is characterised by ciglioni, or “hogback” hills, small plots of vines on narrow grassy terraces. Used for the production of the renowned Prosecco wine, the vast terrain has been shaped and maintained by man. Consisting of vineyards, forests, small villages and farmlands, the bellussera technique can be seen all over the place. That means that the vines that climb on the poles created a particular chequerboard landscape consisting of rows of vines parallel and vertical to the slopes. From an aerial view, the vineyard appears as a gigantic beehive that forms the territory in an almost abstract way.
Padua
Illustrating a completely new way of representing narrative in painting, the 14th-century fresco cycles of Padua are hosted in 8 buildings, mainly showcasing the work of Giotto. Entirely frescoed on all four walls, the famous Scrovegni Chapel is considered one of the masterpieces of Western art. The jaw-dropping “Last Judgement” is depicted on the front façade, while the rest of the murals are located on the lower parts of the walls. With its more realistic, human and natural forms, the frescos maintain the unity of style and content. Within the historic walled city of Padua, the rest of the sites have been decorated by 6 different artists within buildings of diverse functions.
Venice and its Lagoon
Founded in the 5th century, Venice became a major maritime power spread over 118 small islands over the course of centuries. The entire city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest details are the work of some of the world’s greatest artists like Titian, Veronese and Tintoretto. From Torcello to the north to Chioggia to the south, almost every small island had its own settlement, town, fishing village and artisan village. Venice and its lagoon landscape are a unique cultural heritage which forms an inseparable whole of nature and architecture and remain until this day one of the symbols of Italian power and majesty.
Multi-regional sites (6)
Sacri Monti
Lombardy and Piedmont
Nestled in the surrounding natural landscape of hills, vineyards, forests and lakes, the nine Sacri Monti are a group of quaint chapels built in the late 16th and 17th centuries. Each complex is dedicated to different aspects of Christian belief, where many symbolic spiritual artefacts are proudly displayed. For instance, numerous marble sculptures and colourful wall paintings throughout the sites represent the most notable episodes of the life of Jesus, Mary and the Saints. In all of the Sacred Mountains, the goal was the same – to create places of prayer in Europe as an alternative to the Holy Land.
Longobards in Italy: Places of the Power
Lombardy, Umbria, Puglia, Campania and Friuli Venezia Giulia
Scattered throughout the Italian Peninsula, the Longobards in Italy encompass seven groups of buildings, known as the Places of Power. Including fortresses, churches, and monasteries, the sites marked the transition from Antiquity to the European Middle Ages. The Lombards monuments were built in the period from 568 – 774 AD, testifying to the family’s major role in the spiritual and cultural development of Medieval European Christianity. These sites are now home to the City Museum which exhibits some of the oldest and most important buildings of the Roman era. By mixing the Roman heritage, Christian spirituality, Byzantine influence and the values derived from the Germanic world, these sites are surely not to be missed.
Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto
Built from around 5000 to 500 BC, this serial property of 111 small individual sites is mainly located on the edges of lakes, rivers or wetlands. These sites provide evidence of ancient civilisations that lived around the Alps in wooden huts that we now call “pile dwellings”. Dating back to the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, many dugout canoes, wagons and wheels have been found scattered in 19 sites in Italy. Most of them are located in Lombardy, where 10 of the sites were found near Lake Varese and Lake Garda, one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. Additionally, the pile dwellings of Trentino and Piedmont give a fascinating insight into the village life of early farmers and fishermen.
Venetian Works of Defence: Stato da Terra and Western Stato da Mar
Lombardy and Veneto
Consisting of 6 components of defence architecture in Italy, Croatia and Montenegro, the area spans more than 1,000 km between the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy and the eastern Adriatic Coast. Adorned with bastion walls and ramparts, the three sites in Italy include Peschiera del Garda, Palmanova and Bergamo. Reflected in the design of fortifications, the two sites of Stato da Terra and Western Stato da Mar protected both the land and the sea. The Stato da Terra served as defence from other European powers, while the Stato da Mar protected the sea routes and ports in the Adriatic Sea. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the Venetian Works of Defence were a vital part of sustaining the expansion and power of the Republic of Venice.
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians
Abruzzo, Apulia, Lazio, Calabria, Basilicata, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Calabria
Spreading over 18 countries, there are in total 94 components of which 16 of them are in Italy. Its protected areas of the European Beech forests can be found all over the country. Five of them are in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, the oldest park in Italy. The only Italian primaeval beech forest is located in the Valle Cervara. Home to the oldest known European beech, which is 620 years old, Cozzo Ferriero is a Strict Nature Reserve within the Pollino National Park. Reserved within the Gargano National Park, the Foresta Umbra hides two vast protected forest reserves. Within these forests, get ready to see many rare animals such as the Apennine wolf, the Abruzzo chamois and the Marsican bear.
The Dolomites
Veneto, Trentino-South Tyrol and Friuli Venezia Giulia
In 2009, UNESCO added the Dolomites to its World Heritage Site list. It’s a complex property consisting of 9 systems located in 5 Italian provinces and 3 regions. One year later, the Foundation was set up with the mission to ensure the efficient management of the site and to promote its development and partnerships. The Dolomites mountain range counts 18 peaks, rising to above 3,000 metres, and features one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world. The site also features one of the best examples of the preservation of Mesozoic carbonate platform systems and fossil records. It is of great importance for geomorphology marked by pinnacles, steeples, rock walls, glacial landforms and karst systems.
Campania (5)
Caserta Royal Palace and Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli and the San Leucio Complex
Unifying the entire complex, the 18th-century Royal Palace is a phenomenal structure built to be an awe-inspiring residence for the royal family and its court. The surrounding park is considered to be one of the most magnificent European gardens. Additionally, its aesthetic has been inspired by the creations of Versailles and the 16th-century models of villas in Rome and Tuscany. The imposing Aqueduct Vanvitelli, or Caroline Aqueduct, is an extraordinary infrastructure built near the ruins of Saint Leucio church. Overlooking the royal hunting resort of San Leucio Complex, the viaduct can still be seen bringing water to the fountains and the gardens of the Royal Palace of Caserta.
Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
In the year 79 AD, the Vesuvius volcano erupted and engulfed the two surrounding Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the nearby villas, burying them under layers of ash and rock. Providing a complete picture of an ancient Roman city, Pompeii can still boast its preserved main forum surrounded by a number of imposing public buildings. Noted for its quaint shops and enormous wine jars, Herculaneum’s most famous for its two sets of public baths, one of which is monumental in size and vividly decorated. The surrounding villas in Torre Annunziata hold the most preserved and splendid wall paintings of the Roman period. Because of their exceptional state, these sites have no parallels in integrity and extent in the world.
Paestum, Velia and the Certosa di Padula
Dating back to the prehistoric period, the archaeological sites from the Greek cities of Paestum, Velia and the monumental remains of the ancient monastery Certosa di Padula vividly portray the area’s historical evolution. All of these significant remains are located in Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, one of the largest national parks in Italy. The mountainous region divided by several river valleys contains several dramatic groups of sanctuaries and settlements. Encompassed in the enrapturing hills and mountains, the area combines beautiful seas with natural green splendour, thereby creating a cultural landscape of outstanding significance and quality. This lesser-known paradise once served as a key route for cultural, political, and commercial communications, but now it’s an ideal place to go hiking, biking and horse riding.
Naples
Counted among the top 10 cities to visit in Italy, the historic centre of Naples is surely one to behold. Preserving its long and eventful history, its origins go back to the 9th century BC when it was founded as Parthenope or Paleopolis. Naples was a major port city in the centre of the ancient Mediterranean region, from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. It’s recognisable by the distinct art and architecture of its ancient forts, the royal ensembles such as the Royal Palace, and the palaces and churches sponsored by the noble families. Since the 18th century, Naples is known for being one of the major capital cities of Europe, along with Paris and London.
Costiera Amalfitana
Including 15 municipalities, agricultural lands and three natural reserves, the Amalfi Coast is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and diverse terrain. That includes everything from vineyards and orchards on the lower parts to wide vivid green pastures. Populated since prehistoric times, the coast’s landscape is marked by rocky areas, wood and Mediterranean vegetation, surrounded by fruit gardens and vineyards. The Coast itself seems to be one grand balcony suspended between a crystal blue sea and the feet of the Lattari Mountains. Along with its steep cliffs and striking shoreline, the coast is a popular holiday destination dotted with small beaches and pastel-coloured houses.
Emilia-Romagna (4)
Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande in Modena
Serving as a magnificent example of early Romanesque art, the Modena Complex consists of a stunning 12th-century cathedral, the soaring bell tower of Torre Civica and one vast town square. Covered with ancient roman stones, the Cathedral is home to the mortal remains of Saint Geminiano, the patron saint of Modena. The Cathedral’s cold stone walls are decorated with many beautiful portraits of prophets and Biblical stories. Additionally, the bell tower’s exceptional architectural and sculptural quality can be seen from any part of the town as well as from outside the city. In the near medieval centre of town lies the Piazza Grande, a monumental square that bears witness to the cultural and religious traditions of the 12th century. Effortlessly mixing the modern and the antique, Modena is a must-see when in Italy.
Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
Housing a one-of-a-kind collection of early Christian mosaics and monuments, Ravenna is a city that counts 8 monuments that are considered as a collective unit. All of these religious monuments show a striking blend of Graeco-Roman tradition, Christian iconography and several Western styles. Decorated with precious marble, stuccos and mosaics, the buildings reflect the major historical, political and religious events that took place here since the 5th century. The exquisite and well-preserved mosaic artwork with both western and eastern motifs and techniques is among the best surviving examples of this form of art in Europe. It’s only a 45-minute train ride from Bologna, which makes it quite easy to visit as a part of your day trip.
Ferrara
Nicknamed “City of the Renaissance”, Ferrara is a city near the River Po that had been an important medieval centre in the 15th and 16th centuries. During the Italian Renaissance, it was an intellectual and artistic centre that attracted the greatest minds of that time. In its complex urban plan, the city’s layout focused on accentuating the beauty of palaces, churches and gardens as a collective unit, rather than as individual buildings. For over two centuries the court of the city was on par with cities such as Florence and Venice or with other great European courts. Under the Este rule, it became the internationally known capital with great importance for the arts, economics, ideology and religion we know of today.
The Porticoes of Bologna
Home to the oldest university in Europe, Bologna is one of the best-known Erasmus cities in Italy. For centuries, the historical centre of the city has been considered an architectural masterpiece. That is due to the porticoes of Bologna, together with the city’s towers. Built out of brick, stone or wood, the 12th-century porticoes are scattered throughout the city. The longest and most famous is the portico of San Luca, which is 3,796 metres long with no fewer than 666 arches. However, holding the record for the greatest width is the Portico Dei Servi, which extends towards Porta Maggiore. From the porticoes of Santa Caterina to the Palazzo della Mercanzia, feel free to explore the ancient city that has charmed the locals and tourists alike for years.
Lazio (4)
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
Rich in Etruscan frescoes, these two necropolises are famous for their 200 painted tombs, the earliest of which date from the 7th century BC. They reflect different types of burial practices that feature carvings on the walls, wall paintings and impressive burial mounds called tumuli. Known as Banditaccia, the necropolis at Cerveteri boasts thousands of tombs organised in a city-like plan, with streets, small squares and neighbourhoods. The centuries-old necropolis of Tarquinia has 6,000 hut-shaped tombs carved in rock or set in natural caves. Faithfully reproducing the daily life of this culture long since lost to time, these two sites have left us a unique insight into the funeral rites of the Etruscan people.
Rome
According to legend, the city of Rome was founded on the banks of the Tiber river in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus. Besides being famous for hosting some of the best festivals in Italy, it has been continually linked with the history of humanity. Including some of the major antique monuments, Rome reflected the spirit of Renaissance classicism and, later, Baroque. Some of the most notable buildings are the Forums, the Mausoleums of Augustus and Hadrian, the Pantheon, Trajan’s Column and the Column of Marcus Aurelius, as well as the buildings of papal Rome. Later on, the city became the spiritual capital of the Christian world, which gave it immense influence that still holds to this day.
Villa Adriana of Tivoli
Combining the best elements of the architectural heritage of Egypt, Greece and Rome, the Villa Adriana of Tivoli is a complex situated in the green heart of Latium, a few kilometres from Rome. It was built in the 2nd century AD at the behest of Roman Emperor Adriano at the foot of the Tiburtine Mountains. Its richness in baths, nymphaea, pavilions, gardens and residential structures testify to the greatness of the ancient Roman Empire. The elements from various cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world can be seen throughout the villa. Together with Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana, Villa Adriana is one of the three symbols of the beauty and charm of ancient Tibur that is sure to leave you speechless.
Villa d’Este of Tivoli
Villa d’Este, a masterpiece of the Italian Garden, includes an impressive collection of fountains, nymphs, grottoes and plays of water. Therefore it is no surprise that it constitutes an often-capped model for European gardens in the mannerist and baroque styles. The garden is usually considered within the larger context of Tivoli itself. Its landscape, art and history include the important ruins of ancient villas as well, some of which are the Villa Adriana and a zone with caves and waterfalls displaying what seem to be battles between water and stone. So, the Villa d’Este in Tivoli, with its palace and garden, is one of the most remarkable and comprehensive illustrations of Renaissance culture of that time.
Piedmont (3)
Ivrea
Between the 1930s and the 1960s, Ivrea is an industrial city of the 20th century that will show you a completely different side of Northern Italy. This complex of 27 buildings exhibits elements of 20th-century urbanism and industrialisation. Transforming the city, the main architect Adriano Olivetti designed Ivrea’s urban form and buildings. He did so with the help of some of the best-known Italian architects and town planners of that time. With 70.000 hectares of total area, the Olivetti complex includes the heating plant and the carpentry, as well as the former Sertec building and the social housing building Borgo Olivetti. As a symbol of corporate architecture, all of these buildings bear the signatures of renowned architects while also being highly characteristic of Olivietti’s style.
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy
Nestled among the plains and the hills, the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy can be found in Turin, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Constructed over many decades by outstanding architects, the sites exhibit outstanding Baroque and Late Baroque art and architecture. It was the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy, hugged by the nearby towering Alps. As the heart of the Kingdom of Savoy for centuries, the Savoy dynasty transformed the medieval town of Turin into a metropolis with strong connections to the royal courts throughout Europe. Journey through time to discover the splendid royal Savoy residence built in order to celebrate their absolute power and wealth. Everything from hunting castles to holiday resorts is yours to explore!
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe, Roero and Monferrato
In the area between the River Po and the Ligurian Apennines lies the vineyard landscape of Piedmont. That includes the magnificent scenery of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato where the great Italian wines of Piedmont, Barolo and Barbaresco are produced. Surrounded by fields and imposing castles perched on hilltops, the area is dotted with vines as far as the eye can see. The nearby farmhouses, centuries-old wine cellars and villages with towers harmoniously blend with the landscape. Nurturing the ancient art of winemaking, the vineyards display an outstanding balance between the aesthetic qualities of its landscapes and the architectural and historical diversity of the built elements.
Liguria (2)
Genoa
With the sea on one side and the Apennine mountains on the other, Genoa served as one of the country’s main ports as early as the 5th century BC. The historic centre that dates back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries includes an ensemble of Renaissance and Baroque palaces along the so-called “new streets”, or Le Strade Nuove. Built along Le Strade Nuove, the Palazzi dei Rolli makes Genoa a true architectural jewel to be admired. In fact, they were used as royal residences for the most powerful aristocratic families, but now they’re all open-air museums that show the world the grandeur of the city. Illustrating a significant period in human history, the city still represents an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble that inspires many to this day.
Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the Islands
Stretching over 15 kilometres along the coast, this area covers the Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere, including the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. The landscape is filled with vines and olive trees, enhancing the steep coastal terrain that displays the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium. The five main villages of Cinque Terre include Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore that date back to the later Middle Ages. Opposite the thousand-year-old archipelago lie the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, which represent the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Porto Venere. It’s noteworthy for its breathtaking natural beauty and the remains of early monastic ruins dating from the 11th century.
Puglia (2)
Castel del Monte
Because of its mathematical and astronomical precision, the 13th century Castel del Monte has an exceptional layout, rich interior and grand 26 metres high towers. Built in the perfect shape of an octagon, the castle’s unique medieval military architecture is a successful blend of elements from classical antiquity, the Islamic Orient and north European Cistercian Gothic. The central figure in the building represents the symbol of the earth, while the outer ring stands for the infinite sky. Circling around the site, the limestone walls and towers provided a great strategic advantage during the Middle Ages where you could see enemies approaching from miles away. Today, the famous fortress is depicted on the reverse of the Italian 1 euro cent coin.
The Trulli of Alberobello
As the capital of the Trulli, Alberobello is a small town known for its remarkable examples of drywall construction with pyramid-shaped roofs. Located in the Itria Valley, this enchanting land of more than 1,500 Trulli is full of must-see sights. Considering the size of the historic centre, sites such as the Museo del Territorio and Rione Monti are all within walking distance and can be explored on foot. The Trulli are made from roughly worked limestone boulders, clearly showing the evolution of Alberobello’s architectural culture. At the Siamese Tulli, you can get a chance to observe the two centrally positioned Trullis that, according to legend, symbolise the story of the love and hatred of two brothers.
Sardinia (1)
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
Dating back from the Middle to the Late Bronze Age, the archaeological site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini is home to ancient prehistoric ruins whose original use still remains a mystery. It’s the best-known example of the megalithic defensive structures known as nuraghi, circular defensive towers built of dressed stone with corbel-vaulted internal chambers. Rich in history and tradition, the three-storey tower most likely served as a fortress, though there has been evidence that it had significant religious purposes. Around 50 smaller huts surround the walls and tall construction, built in a precise circular pattern. Today, only 8,000 out of 30,000 nuraghes remain intact in Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Umbria (1)
Assisi
Situated in central Italy, Assisi achieved its importance as a spiritual and religious centre developed in ancient Roman times. As the birthplace of St. Francis, patron saint of Italy, this site is renowned for the development of the Franciscan Order since the 13th century. Nestled on top of an Umbrian hill lies the prominent Basilica of San Francesco, a complex associated with the works of Roman and Tuscan school masters and their related masterpieces. As well as that, Assisi also serves as a cultural landscape where its medieval pilgrimage routes masterfully intertwine with each other. Therefore, Assisi and its prominent basilica have influenced the development of Italian and European art and architecture in the world, leaving a permanent mark in history.
Basilicata (1)
Matera
As one of the oldest, still inhabited cities in the world, Matera provides insight into the everyday life of humans since the Palaeolithic period. This city of stones and rock churches comprises a complex of various buildings built into the natural caves of the Murgia, carefully carved into the rock. Decorated with frescoes and sculptural elements, this architectural gem began developing in the 13th century when the most famous Italian architects shaped its elegant districts. Nicknamed to be the “second Bethlehem”, all intact caves and underground passages of the Sassi are yours to explore. Admire unique views characterised by deep fissures, ravines, rocks and caves while you get lost in this fascinating city.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia (1)
Aquileia
As one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Early Roman Empire, Aquileia was destroyed in the mid-5th century by Attila the Hun. Playing a key role in the evangelization of a large region of central Europe, the archaeological area includes the early-Christian period patriarchal Basilica. Its striking Romanesque and Gothic style mosaic floor was built between the 11th and 14th centuries. Although most of it still lies unexcavated, this area includes a part of the forum, the Roman basilica and two luxurious residential complexes with a stunning set of baths. Outside the Roman city walls, the remains of the once-glorious amphitheatre and the circus have also been preserved.
Marche (1)
Urbino
In the hills in the Marche region lies Urbino, one of the most important centres of the Italian Renaissance that directly faces the Adriatic Sea. Evolving from a fortified Roman settlement, the city is now embellished with several sandstone buildings and long walls of brickwork that surround the area. As a historical and cultural centre of the region, the city attracted artists and scholars from all over Italy and beyond to experience astonishing cultural flowering in the 15th century. In return, they would influence cultural developments elsewhere in Europe. The honey-coloured buildings of castles, towers, domes and winding alleyways provided a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
