Italy Tourist Attractions: The Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Italy

In Italy, tourist attractions are countless. Few countries offer as many tourist attractions as Italy does. It has a fascinating cultural heritage, architectural masterpieces, historic medieval towns, a famous cuisine and good wine. All these attractions draw, with magic forces, millions of visitors and tourists every year.

Italy has 41 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, more than any other country in the world. They include the historic centers of Rome, Venice, Verona, Florence, Mantua, Genoa, Assisi and many others.

In this article we will explore 10 of the most famous spots in Italy that I think are a must see. There are certainly many others I could include but I tried to limit it to the top 10 best places.

Italy tourist attractions #1

One of the most beautiful regions of Italy is Tuscany with its picturesque scenery and fascinating medieval town centers of Florence, Siena and San Gimignano. The hills of the Chianti region stretch between Florence and Siena. Pine, cypress, olive trees and vines give the hills their very unique Tuscan look. Tuscany has a large number of attraction sites like the Uffizi Museum, Ponte Vecchio, Galleria dell'Academia (home of Michelangelo’s David sculpture), Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace, to name a few.

Italy tourist attractions #2

Another interesting destination is Venice, one of the most famous cities in Italy. The heart of the town is the magnificent St. Mark's Square located in front of St. Mark's Church built in the 19th Century. In the past, the square served as a place for news announcements as well as numerous festivals such as the famous Venetian Carnival. Today it is a gathering place for tourists and artists. Venice also is known for its beautiful canals, museums and its artistic glass craft.

Italy tourist attractions #3

the leaning tower of Pisa, indeed the whole city of Pisa, is not to be missed. The tower measures a total height of 177 feet and contains seven bells. In 1990 the tower was closed to visitors. The tilt of the tower weighing 14,500 tons was simply too dangerous. In December 2001 after 12 years of restoration tourists can visit the tower again.

Italy tourist attractions #4

In the heart of Umbrian region the medieval village of Assisi rises on the western slope of Mount Surbasio. Assisi with its pristine, medieval facades and its typical stone buildings is the burial ground for the famous Saint Francis and is considered the city of Peace.
The oldest part of town is protected by a stone wall, eight fortified entrances and two castles: the Major Castle (Rocca Majore), rebuilt by Cardinal Albornoz in 1367 and the Minor Castle (Rocca Minore).
In addition to the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis you can also visit the churches of Santa Chiara, San Pietro and the Cathedral of San Rufino.
The center of the town is Piazza del Comune and there we find the Temple of Minerva, built during the Augustan period with a porch, columns and stone steps still intact.
All those fortunate enough to visit the splendid hill town of Assisi agree that it is one the most beautiful places in earth.

Italy tourist attractions #5

Portofino is a small port town located in the Italian Riviera with gorgeous scenery, colorful row of buildings it's home to a mere 500 residents.
Portofino became popular in the 1960s, when the rich and famous fell in love with its sunsets, breathtaking views and held exclusive parties there.
The main spot in town is La Piazzetta and is always bustling with people. There are souvenir shops, local pottery shops, coffee shops, numerous seafood restaurants as well as high-class boutiques like Gucci, Prada or Armani.
I would recommend a visit to Lighthouse of Portofino. It's a nice 30-minute walk from the Piazzetta.
You will also be rewarded if you climb the stairs to the medieval church of San Giorgio. Next door is the "Castello di San Giorgio" built in the 16th Century.

Italy tourist attractions #6

A visitor to Verona should not miss the Roman amphitheater (called Arena) built in 30AD. Unfortunately, an earthquake destroyed parts of it in 1117 yet its still the largest and best preserved of its kind. Originally, the Arena was used for gladiator fights.
Also in Verona Casa di Giulietta, the romantic house of Juliet where Romeo comes to court her in her balcony. Visit her statue in the courtyard and touch it for good-luck.

Italy tourist attractions #7

A truly unique experience is to visit the ancient city of Pompeii in the Gulf of Naples. The city was ruined and partially buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. The city was lost for almost 1,700 years and accidentally rediscovered in 1748. The gradual excavation provided us with extraordinary details and insight into the Roman life of the first century. Tourists can wonder for hours through people’s houses, forums, baths, and shops all frozen in time and well preserved.
Pompeii attracts over 2.5 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy.

Italy tourist attractions #8

We cannot forget to mention the Cinque Terre, which means the 5 lands or villages in the region of Liguria. Cinque Terre is an approximately 8-mile long coastline on the Italian Riviera. T he five villages are Manarola, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, and Corniglia. Cinque Terre is also UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire region is under strict protection and may not be newly built or structurally altered. You can linger in one village or walk or bike from one to another.

Italy tourist attractions #9

No trip to Italy w ill be complete without visiting Rome, the capital of the country, (population over 2.7 million). It's located on the banks of Tiber River in the Lazio region. Throughout history Rome has been one of the most powerful and important centers of the world. Rome's tourist attractions include but not limited to the Colosseum, the forum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain.

Italy tourist attractions #10

The most famous state within Italy is Vatican City (Population: 932). St. Peter's Square, the Sistine Chapel (with Michelangelo's newly restored frescoes) and St. Peter's Basilica - all located within the Vatican walls. The state is a monarchy whose head is the Pope. Since 1417, the Vatican is the official seat of the Pope, and thus the center of the Catholic Church.