Top 5 Places to visit in Italy

Rome

As the capital both of Italy and of the ancient Roman empire, Rome is of course first in our list favorite sights in Italy.
One of the most famous historical monuments is probably the Colosseum, the ancient gladiator's stadium where all staged fights were taking place. The second most important monument is St. Peter Basilique in the independent city-state of Vatican. St. Peter Basilique is the seat of the Pope, head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Piazza di Spagna is also worth a visit. The wonderful stairsteps of Piazza di Spagna offer a wonderful oversight on the centre of Rome.

At night, we suggest you go for a walk at Piazza Navona, in the area around the Trevi Fountain or in Trastevere. Read more about Trastevere.
Piazza Navona hosts some of the most beautiful fountains of Rome. They fountains, which contain the sculptures of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the frontespice of the church mastered by Francesco Borrominiare, arranged following the shape of an ancient Roman equester stadium.

To conclude - as we are merely suggesting some highlights here - we suggest a visit to the Pantheon, one of the oldest temples of the Roman ages, which has been re-used throughout the centuries as the tomb of the most prominent Italians.

Florence

Florence flourished during the Renaissance as the symbol of elegance, art, culture and architecture in Italy. One of the most important places to visit in Florence is probably Piazza della Signoria, one of the oldest market squares and a wonderful place where you can admire some of the most beautiful Florentin architectural achievements, such as Palazzo Vecchio. Once there, we recommended you go to the Uffizi Gallery, located in Palazzo degli Uffizi, a palace designed by the famous architect Vasari for the Medici's family, where you'll find some of the most famous paintings by Leonardo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian and Giotto. Ponte Vecchio, which crosses the Arno river, is famous for its collection of small jewellery shops and other small art and crafts shops. The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and the adjacent Giotto's Bell Tower are also worth a visit. Both monuments shine in the sun, thanks to the wonderful marble crafted facades.

Top 5 favorite places to visit in Italy

Piazza Navona, Rome

Photo: Hedda Gjerpen

The ideal destination if you want to take a break in a mix of culture, wonderful nature and a breathtaking rocky coast.
The first villas built here date back to the Roman age, but throughout the centuries different cultures have settled in this unique corner of Italy. Amalfi's most flourishing period

Positano
Photo: Enzo Cositore

occured between X and XIII centuries when it was one of the four Marine Republics ruling Italy (the other three being Genoa, Pisa and Venice). Places to visit are the Cathedral of Amalfi, Ravello and Positano.

The city is built on a lagoon, filled with canals, with no roads for cars. A very poetic and romantic place filled with history and art. Known for its San Marco square. Best time to visit is during the Carnaval or during Spring. Contrary to popular belief the best time to visit Venice is not necessarily during the Winter Holidays as the city can be covered by fog during the cold months which takes away much of its magic.

Venice by night. Photo: David Williams

Despite its notoriety as a tourist trap, one cannot deny the beauty of the scenery of this "Garden of Eden", once the home of emperors, seat of monasteries and (still) place of exile. From the north of the Island you can see the Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. Capri enjoys constant sunshine and there never seems to be a low-season.

Capri

Photo: Nick Thompson

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