The Best Attractions In Italy

Italy is home to some truly fascinating historical sites, picturesque rural towns and very friendly people. One day you can sit down in a café enjoying traditional coffee, the next you can take a hike  through the quaint fishing villages of Cinque Terra. If you have one problem on your Italian holidays then it will be probably be in deciding which attractions to visit.

Leaning Tower Of Pisa

Large numbers of people turn up and gaze at this unusual structure in the  Campo dei Miracoli each year. Many wonder why it leans at such an angle. The reason is that it was built on wholly unsuitable soft soil and a foundation that measured just 3m deep. If you’d like to find out about the use that Galileo made of the tower and the religious significance of the nearby Cathedral then it would be worth booking a guided tour.

The Colosseum

Attractions such as the Sistine Chapel and Stadio Olimpico are definitely worth visiting during your time in Rome. However, the stand-out historical structure and number one tourist site in the Italian capital is the Colosseum. Built almost 2000 years ago, this amphitheatre stands as a testament to the skill and dedication of the Roman people. During a visit you will learn all about the gory gladiatorial battles and chariot racing events that once took place here.

The Vatican Museums

The Italian Popes have a strong tradition of collecting artistic masterpieces from around the world. They’ve accumulated paintings by the most influential renaissance artists, sculptures built in Egypt and lavish ornaments from ancient Greece, all of which are now exhibited in the Vatican museums. Those of you who are tempted to visit should leave enough time for a walk around Raphael’s Rooms, where there are a fine selection of religiously inspired frescoes.

Pompeii

The city of Pompeii was once a thriving hub of commerce. There were bustling markets, great Roman baths and homes for some of the most important people in Italian society. Unfortunately the entire area was buried in layer of burning pumice stone when Mt Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. Skilled archaeologists have subsequently carried out a number of excavations and uncovered some truly fascinating remains. Visitors can even see haunting plaster casts of the people who lost their lives.

Streets Of Venice

There are a number of noteworthy attractions in Venice. However, the best bet for people who have never been here before is to take leisurely stroll around the streets. If your feet need a rest then hop aboard the vaparetto for a ride across to the island of Murano, where it’s possible to watch master glass blowers in action. You might also want to stop off and take pictures of the famous Rialto Bridge.