17 Historical Landmarks in Italy You Don’t Want to Miss

With its millennia of civilization, Italy has an incredible wealth of notable historic landmarks. From Greek and Roman Temples to Renaissance churches and from medieval castles to UNESCO classified villages, here are some of the country’s most valuable cultural sites from north to south and presenting some big names and a few lesser known gems.

The Last Supper, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan

While this Renaissance church in honor of Holy Mary of Grace is beautiful, it’s certainly the mural that adorns the wall of its convent refectory that is the draw for most visitors. Arguably one of the most famous paintings in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” was commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Ludovico il Moro. He worked on the large 15 x 29 foot mural in 1494-97, illustrating the Last Supper of Jesus and his disciples at the moment Jesus announced that one of them would betray him. The  It’s advisable to book tickets in advance which you can do here.

Where to stay in Milan.

Roman Arena, Verona

Most people automatic link the charming northern Italian city of Verona as the setting of  Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, however, it is also home to one of the country’s most impressive Roman amphitheater. The vast, well-preserved 2000-year-ago arena could seat up to 30,000 spectators, though damage from an earthquake in 117 has limited this to 15,000. Today it is still used for concerts, notably an opera festival held each summer.

Where to stay in Verona.

Grand Canal, Venice

One of the most famous waterways in the whole world, the Grand Canal likely follows the course of an ancient river which flowed into the Venetian Lagoon. With the rise of the Republic of Venice through trade grand aristocratic homes replaced houses and warehouses on stilts which once stood on the edge of the canal. There are now more than 170 buildings flanking each side of the canal, mainly from the 13th to the 18th century. Spanning the canal are four bridges, the best known being the romantic Rialto Bridge.

Where to stay in Venice and the Venetian Lagoon.

St Mark’s Basilica, Venice

As much as its canals are emblematic of the Venice, it would be equally hard to imagine the city without its whimsical, gilded basilica. Originally built as the private chapel of the Doge, the rulers of the Republic of Venice whose palace is found next door, it has been the city’s cathedral only since 1807. Constructed from the early 1060s, the current basilica replaced a previous 9th century church. Its golden mosaics dazzle the eastern edge of the magical café-lined square of the same name.

Where to stay in Venice.

Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna

Often overshadowed by its crowded, canal interlaced neighbor to the north, for a time Ravenna was actually the capital of the Western Roman Empire. As such it was decorated with the spectacular churches, the most noteworthy being the Basilica of San Vitale. Built in the sixth century, the interior is virtually completely covered in mosaics illustrating various biblical stories. The octagonal basilica as well as eight other buildings in Ravenna, have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage.

Where to stay in Ravena.

Cinque Terre

A jewel of the Italian Riviera, the five towns of le Cinque Terre are among the prettiest coastal villages of Italy. Classified as a whole as UNESCO World Heritage, they can thus count as a landmark.  The colorful buildings of the towns making up the “Five Lands” cling impressively to coves along the Mediterranean starting from around 100 kms south of Genoa. Connected by hiking trails and a very crowded train line, the charm of the towns can best be appreciated by boat or slightly off season on the spring or fall.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Certainly Italy’s best known tower, this medieval bell tower captivates the imagination. Found in the Field of Miracles next to Pisa’s cathedral, the tower started to lean a few years after they had started to build it in 1174 due to its sandy, feeble foundations. Construction was halted for a time and the tower was eventually finished in 1360. Made of white marble of nearby hills, the 186 foot tower has almost 300 steps. Contemporary restructuring works have ensured that the tower won’t topple over.

Where to stay in or near Pisa.

Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

The most prominent structure of the elegant skyline of Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore is one of Italy’s most cherished churches. Heralded for its revival of the classical dome at the beginning of the Renaissance era, the church was consecrated in 1436. Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, the dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and at the time it was the largest in existence. It is usually visited in conjunction with the other monuments found in the square, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with the historic center of Florence.

Where to stay in or near Florence.

Piazza del Campo, Siena

Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning medieval square was created at the intersection of the three main roads and was meant as a neutral place where political and civic holidays could be celebrated. Around the shell-shaped square are several important buildings including the  The Palazzo Pubblico and its famous tower, and the residential aristocratic “palazzi”. It’s the venue of Palio di Siena, an historic bi-annual horse-race disputed over by the 17 different districts of the city, which our villa experts at nearby Borgo Finocchieto highly recommend attending if you’re staying in Tuscany in the summer.

Where to Stay in or near Siena.

The Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi

This 13th century church was built in the town where Saint Francis, the founder of the Franciscan order, lived and died. As such it is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the country. A rare example of the Gothic style in Italy, the complex was begun in 1228 consists of two churches and a crypt where the saint is buried. The interiors feature lovely stained glass and some impressive frescos by the likes of Giotto and Cimabue. The site overlooks the hills much beloved by the humble monk and makes for a unique cultural excursion around 150 kms from Siena and 180 kms from Rome.

Where to stay in or near Assisi.

The Colosseum, Rome

Possibly the most famous of all Roman buildings, this expansive amphitheatre could hold more than 50,000 spectators and was the largest constructed by the Romans. Completed in 80 AD under the rule of Titus, it is an impressive feat of engineering and architectural design. Used for gladiator battles and games, its opening was celebrated with one hundred days of games and was even filled with water for recreations of maritime battles. Much of its former elaborate decoration was pillaged over the centuries, however, it still evokes much awe.

Where to Stay in Rome.

The Pantheon, Rome

Considered the best preserved Roman building was finished under the reign of Hadrian in around 126 AD. The 142 foot circular structure has a portico of granite Corinthian columns atop which is a pediment and what is still the world’s largest reinforced concrete dome. Originally dedicated to all pagan Roman gods, in the 7th century it was converted into a Roman Catholic church in honor of “St. Mary and the Martyrs.” Today it is one of the visited sites of Rome, receiving around 6 million visitors annually.

Where to Stay in Rome.

Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Rome

One of the greatest achievements of the Renaissance and designed by several of the most talented architects of all time, Saint Peter’s is the largest church in the world. In the Papal enclave of the Vatican City,  the current church replaced a previous one which stood here what is considered to be the place where Saint Peter was buried. It was constructed between 1506 and 1626 with contributions by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It’s most recognizable feature is its soaring dome, rising up 136.57 metres (448.1 ft), making it the world’s tallest dome.

Where to Stay in Rome.

Pompeii and Herculaneum, Naples

Devastatingly buried by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the remains of these two towns offer an amazing window into the live of ancient Rome. Visitors can wander the lanes of these vast archeological sites, viewing what is left of their houses, shops, public administrative buildings and other structures like a large 20,000 person amphitheater. Some objects, mosaics and other decorative work have been preserved and are on display on the sites and in the Archaeological Museum in Naples. You could spend a full day just at Pompeii, however, Herculaneum is well worth the visit and less busy.

Where to Stay in Naples.

The Amalfi Coast

Like Cinque Terre above, the Amalfi Coast marvels visitors with its dramatic coastline of picturesque villages hugging steep cliffs. Found below Naples, running from Positano to Salerno, this spectacular coast is also a laureate of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The best way to enjoy the area is by exploring the villages while basing yourself at a cliffside villa overlooking the stunning coast and gorgeous Mediterranean Sea.

Where to Stay along the Amalfi Coast.

Castel del Monte, Puglia

You might recognize this imposing fortress from the one cent Italian euro coin. It was completed in 1240 as the hunting lodge of Emperor Frederick II and became his seat of power. He had constructed many castles in the region, however, with its perfectly octagonal towers and advanced facilities for its time, it is quite unique. It served as a military stronghold for many centuries and since much of its more elaborate interior decoration and marble walls were looted over time. It is now a national monument at UNESCO Heritage Site.

Where to Stay in Puglia.

Valley of the Temples, Sicily

Next to the town of Agrigento is one of the most significant ancient Greek archeological sites and is the world’s largest archeological site at 1,300 hectares. On the site are seven temples, in the Doric style dating back to the 5th century AD. The site was first restored in the early 19th century and has since become an Italian National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. A highlight is the Temple of Concordia, an extremely well preserved temple with a six column, triangular pediment facade.

Where to Stay in Sicily.

The summer months see millions of tourists descending on Venice. The masses filing through its narrow streets can make the city’s splendor and magic rapidly dissipate. However, if you venture off the main island, in a short vaporetto ride you can escape the crowds as well as discover the many other cultural, historic and gastronomic highlights of the vast Venetian Lagoon. We explore some of best local secrets of the Lagoon through the helpful tips of René Deutsch, owner of the private island Isola S. Cristina by Charming Places.

The Venetian Lagoon occupies an area of 550 square kilometres (212 square miles) stretching from the River Sile in the north to the Brenta in the south. Its formation dates back six to seven thousand years, though the present geography of the lagoon was created by human intervention in the 15th and 16th centuries. Today it’s home to over 100 islands, around 30 of which are inhabited and most of the highlights are in the northern part of the lagoon. Here are René’s favorite getaway or secret islands.

Best Island for History Buffs

Most visitors who leave the main Venice island flock to either Murano for its glass or Burano for its embroidery, but there are also several beautiful lesser known islands, such as Isola San Francesco del Deserto. Located between Sant’Erasmo and Burano, it has housed a minorites convent since the 13th century. Its history dates back to 1220 when Saint Francis landed on the island on his return from the Holy Land during the Fifth Crusade. While on the island he founded a hermitage which was later expanded into the current convent. The complex is open to the public from Tuesday to Sundays 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 3:00pm to 5:00 pm with guided tours led by Franciscan monks on a donation basis.

Best Island for Food Lovers

Connected to Burano by a bridge, the rural, non-touristy island of Mazzorbo is one of the top destinations for gastronomes: the Venissa Restaurant. Behind the walls of a 16th-century manor and surrounded by a vineyard and gardens is this lovely hotel and 1-Michelin starred restaurant. Its four chefs, who jointly received the prestigious Michelin star, follow a “zero kilometer” approach by using vegetables grown in their own garden and seafood caught in the lagoon right off the island. Their delicious menu could tantalize your palate with the likes of soft-shelled crabs with seasonal green asparagus accompanied by their delightful prosecco.

Best Islands for Sun Seekers

According to René the best beaches and beach clubs can be found at Lido di Venezia or Cavallino. The Lido, an 11-kilometre (7-mile) long sandbar, is possibly one of the world’s most famous beaches. Along its sandy beach are several famous hotels like the elegant Excelsior and the Des Bains, which was the setting for Thomas Mann’s novel Death in Venice. Much of the beach is occupied by private beach clubs where you can rent the use of a lounge chair and umbrella for the day (or longer). Cavallino, situated to the north of Lido island, has an 11-kilometre (9-mile) long beach and is the second most popular seaside resort in Italy. It’s more laidback than the Lido, yet it has equally lovely white sands and many family attractions.

Isola Cristina Private Island

The perfect place to enjoy the secrets of the lagoon is on your own private island. Isola Santa Cristina by Charming Places is located a 30-minute boat ride away from Venice. The recently renovated large, historic Italian house is set within beautiful gardens and grounds which create a balance between nature and luxury.

The sophisticated villa is outfitted with luxury amenities and a stylish décor. You enter the villa through the spacious terrace with a cozy fireplace which leads you to a bright living room and an art-deco style library. There are two master bedrooms, five double bedrooms and 2 single bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. The original Venetian kitchen is equipped with state of the art appliances and is just opposite to the grand dining hall fit to cater for 16 guests.

You’ll have exclusive access to the island’s gorgeous grounds where you can meander the apricot orchard and the vineyard or relax by the pool. You may not want to leave the island’s luxurious tranquility, but if you do want to explore Venice or any of the other islands mentioned above, there is a beautiful Venetian boat always at your disposal.

For more information on Isola Santa Cristina, visit the profile of Charming Places here. If you’re looking for other places to stay on Venice or elsewhere in Italy, our Italy experts have a wide range of fabulous luxury villas and apartments, more information here.