Best Italian Landmarks: 12 Most Famous Places in Italy

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On the hunt for the best Italian landmarks so you can see some of the most famous places in Italy? Then keep reading!

Italy is one of the most historic and well-preserved places in the world. It is full of iconic buildings, landmarks and more just waiting to be discovered.

With famous cities like Rome, Florence, Milan and others, there are so many different places you can go to see various iconic landmarks in Italy. Falling in love with the culture and history of Italy is one of the easiest things you will ever do!

Discover the best Italian landmarks and some of the most famous places in Italy that must be on your bucket list.

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Best Italy Landmarks: 12 Most Famous Places in Italy

Colosseum in Rome

Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum is not only one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy, but also one of the most iconic and famous landmarks in the world.

Its construction began in 72 A.D. making it one of the most well-preserved pieces of architecture still standing. The Colosseum is located in the stunning and wonderfully historic Rome and is also one of the 7 wonders of the world – which only adds to its magic.

Visitors are permitted to enter the Colosseum and explore it year-round and it is one of the most popular attractions in the city. There is nothing quite like entering the Colosseum and imagining everything that the walls have seen for thousands of years of its existence.


Cinque Terre in Liguria

Brightly coloured houses on cliffs along the water
Brightly coloured houses on cliffs along the water

Cinque Terre is easily one of the most famous places in Italy due to its unique look and feel. The vibrant, multicolored houses are unlike anywhere else which is why this region is one of the most visited places in Italy.

Here you will find a bunch of seaside villages all along the Italian coast. There are many hiking trails throughout Cinque Terre linking them together with ease.

Cinque Terre is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. Although there are no specific landmarks and attractions you need to flock to, the entire coast is what is so lust-worthy.


Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The leaning tower of Pisa is a 60-meter tall iconic structure in Pisa, Italy – one of the most visited cities in Europe. It is one of the most amazing and unique architectural structures in Europe.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is made of white marble and leans at an angle of 5.5 degrees due to how it is set on its foundations. This is one of the most famous places in Italy to visit for the iconic photos and to see this medieval masterpiece in real life.

➡️ Read More: Hidden Gems in Italy


Canale Grande in Venice

Canal in Venice
Canal in Venice with a gondola and Rialto Bridge

Venice is one of the most magical and historic places in Italy. The entire island is packed with beauty and iconic landmarks for you to see and discover.

With so many different options it can be difficult to pick which are the most important to see and which ones you can skip! One you surely cannot miss is the stunning Canale Grande (or Grand Canal) the city’s main water traffic channel.

The Grand Canal is a huge waterway that snakes its way through the center of Venice. It is often packed with authentic Gondolas and water taxis making their way through the water. This canal is also crossed by Rialto Bridge – another one of the most famous places in Italy to see!


Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice

St. Marks Basilica in Vencie

 St Mark’s Basilica also referred to as The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, is the most famous church in Venice, and one of the most famous places in Italy to visit.

It is a stunning ornate church in the center of Venice and one of the best examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture. This is one of the most visited sites in Venice dates back to 828.

The exterior is beautiful and the interior is even more impressive. The Inside of the church holds an impressive altar full of over 2000 gems ranging from sapphires to rubies to pearls and beyond. The best way to enjoy this magical landmark is with a guided tour through the church. This will help you understand the rich biblical history of this Basilica.


Roman Forum in Rome

The Roman Forum full of ancient Roman ruins

The Roman Forum is a spectacular space full of ancient ruins in Rome. Here you will find the remains of various government buildings sitting in the center of the city.

This was the main area of Rome in ancient times where all religious, political, legal, and social activities occurred. Visiting the Forum is a must when visiting Rome as one of the most famous places in Italy it is sure to impress!

This is the perfect place to explore while in Rome to feel transported back in time! You can almost imagine how it would have been 20 centuries ago when Julius Ceaser was ruling.


Pompeii Ruins in Pompeii

Ruins in Pompeii

The Pompeii Ruins are one of the most famous places in Italy for those looking to see and experience an interesting part of Italian history. Pompeii is an archeological gem and a once-thriving ancient city that sits at the base of Mount Vesuvius.

In 79AD Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the entire city into nothingness. However, Pompeii has been excavated and the ruins of what the city used to look like still stand and are open to the public to see and explore. The ruins can be reached by taking a day trip from Naples


Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence

The Florence Cathedral, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most famous places in Italy and one of the top Italy landmarks.

Construction on this massive and unique cathedral began in 1296 and was completed in 1436. This is one of the most magical sites in Europe and a top place to see and explore for travellers. Its massive size is dominating and will draw. you in instantly.

The Florence Cathedral is actually the fourth largest church in the world! It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting in the historic center of Florence.


Trevi Fountain in Rome

Trevi Fountain in Rome

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and one of the most famous places in Italy that you must visit while in the country.

This is one of Rome’s most visited landmarks and for good reason. This fountain is 26.3 metres high and 49.15 metres wide and its size is only understood when you see it in real life. It is designed in a stunning  Baroque style and is beyond beautiful.

The Trevi Fountain is often packed with people all eager to get a look. If you want to avoid the crowds try to visit early in the morning before the tourists arrive. Also, be sure to throw a coin in the water and make a wish! The best thing? It is 100% free to see!


Duomo di Milano in Milan

Duomo di Milano in Milan
Duomo di Milano in Milan

Duomo di Milano or the Milan Cathedral is an intricate and ornate church in Milan and one of the most famous places in Italy. Construction began in 1386 and is made in a wonderful gothic architectural style. Both the interior and exterior of the church are awe-inducing with the huge spires, stain glass windows and details that are out of this world.


St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome

St. Peter’s Basilica is a Renaissance-style church located in Vatican City. It is one of the holiest places for Christians and one of the world’s largest churches. With so much power and prominence it is easily one of the most famous places in Italy, and even in the world!

This is where the pope lives year-round and is one of Rome’s most visited landmarks. You don’t need to be religious to visit here to see and experience the beauty and magic of this huge cathedral.


Teatro Antico di Taormina, Sicily

Teatro Antico di Taormina, Sicily

The Ancient theatre of Taormina, or Teatro Antico di Taormina, is an ancient Greek theatre located in Taormina, Sicily. It is one of the many historic pieces of architecture in Italy that has been well preserved and lasted for thousands of years.

This theatre was built in the third century BC and still remains today. Due to its historical significance, this is one of the most famous places in Italy to see and experience first hand.


There are so many more amazing famous places in Italy to visit during your adventures. From buildings to churches, to regions Italy is packed with amazing finds and mesmerizing landmarks.

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Love,

Sam