50 Famous Landmarks in Italy You Must Visit Once in Lifetime
Rich in cultural, historical and natural heritage, Italy is full of treasures that tourists from all over the world come to visit, not just once but often several times. Its proximity with France and its geographical position in the Mediterranean sea also make it a very popular holiday destination.
No matter which region you visit in Italy, you’ll be able to stroll through cute villages perched in the mountains or along the coast. You’ll also be able to visit the wonderful Roman remains in Rome, Naples, but also the beautiful churches that can be found in every Italian city. In short, there are so many different landscapes that it seems that several countries are within the same country.
We can’t think of Italy without mentioning its gastronomic heritage! Pizzas, pastas but also cold cuts, wines, and typical dishes of each region are absolutely delicious and surprising. Food will make your trip to Italy unforgettable!
Wondering what are the famous landmarks in Italy?
Here’s are 50 of the most famous Italian landmarks, let’s jump right to it! 🚀
Full List of the 50 Famous Italian Landmarks
We can divide the famous landmarks of Italy into 2 main categories: the monuments and the natural landmarks.
Find out the full list of the top 34 Italy landmarks by category below, and 16 more for the bravest readers!
🏛 Italian Monuments:
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- St Mark’s Basilica
- Doge’s Palace
- Rialto Bridge
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
- Ponte Vecchio
- Duomo di Milano
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Verona Arena
- Juliet’s House
- Valley of the Temples
- Palermo Cathedral
- Pompei Ruins
🏔 Italy Natural landmarks:
- Mount Etna
- Aeolian Islands
- Scala dei Turchi
- Dolomites
- Lake Como
- Val d’Orcia
- Cinque Terre
- Amalfi Coast
- Mount Vesuvius
- Lake Garda
- Gargano National Park
- Terme di Saturnia
- Monte Bianco
- Maddalena Archipelago
- Giardini di Augusto
- Abruzzo National Park
🔎 More landmarks:
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Piazza Navona
- Vatican Museums
- Villa Borghese
- Bridge of Sights
- Teatro La Fenice
- Burano
- Sforzesco Castle
- Naviglio
- Santa Maria delle Grazie
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery
- Accademia Gallery
- Teatro Antico di Taormina
- Massimo Theater
- Zingaro Natural Reserve
So, here’s the list of the 50 famous landmarks Italy has to offer. To learn more and get details about each of them, keep reading below👇
Famous Monuments Italy Has to Offer
As already said in the intro, Italy has a great and very long history dating from the Ancient times. That’s why Italy is full of incredible monuments and buildings in almost every corner of its territory.
There are tons of them so we couldn’t list them all, but find here are 18 of the best monuments and buildings in Italy!
1. Colosseum
Located in Rome, the Colosseum is certainly the most popular and famous landmark in Italy with about 7.6 million visitors every year.
Built in 80 AD, the massive Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire. With a capacity of up to 50,000 during Ancient times, it used to host various events but mainly gladiator fights.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, the Colosseum has inspired lots of films such as Ridley Scott’s Gladiator or the TV show Spartacus.
2. Roman Forum
Also located in Rome, close to the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum is the most important archeological site in the capital city.
The Roman Forum used to be the city center of ancient Rome, that’s why we can find ruins of important ancient religious and administrative buildings, as well as ancient markets.
The ruins of the Senate and the Temple of Saturn are the remnants of the first buildings built in this site and date from early 7th century.
3. Pantheon
The Pantheon in Rome is a true architectural gem and one of the best-preserved ancient landmarks. Located on the Piazza della Rotonda, this monument was built between 119 and 128 AD by Emperor Hadrian.
Initially built as a temple dedicated to mythology deities, the Pantheon became a church in the 7th century. Since the Renaissance, the Pantheon houses burials of famous figures such as Italy’s first president and artist Raphael.
With its 43-meter diameter dome, the largest made during Antiquity, its granite columns, and its colored marble floor, there’s no doubt you’ll be amazed there. It’s definitely one of the most famous buildings in Italy.
4. Trevi Fountain
Completed in 1762, the Trevi Fountain is the largest in Rome and the most famous fountain in the world.
Located close to the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps, the Baroque fountain is decorated with a huge white statue of Neptune standing on his chariot.
This iconic Rome landmark is a must-see for any traveler, particularly for couples. Visitors come from all over the world to carry on the tradition by throwing coins in the fountain with the right hand over the left shoulder and closed eyes. Prefer going in winter to enjoy the experience without elbowing with the crowd.
5. St. Peter’s Basilica
Standing on St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica is the Catholic Church’s largest and most important building.
Completed in 1626, the construction of the basilica took about 120 years and houses the first Pope St. Peter’s tomb. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most remarkable achievements of the Renaissance, and visiting it is one of the best free things to do in Rome!
If the Pope is in the Vatican, visitors can have the chance to meet him every Wednesday morning during the Papal Audience inside the basilica.
6. St Mark’s Basilica
Located on St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica is Venice’s most iconic monument and major church.
The basilica was built in the 9th century in a Byzantine style to host the relics of Saint Mark that were brought back from Egypt. But the basilica was destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in the 11th century.
The basilica, which was the first to have a central dome in Italy, is easily recognizable because of its flowery facade bearing the symbol of Venice, a golden lion with wings. It’s one of the most famous Italian monuments.
7. Doge’s Palace
Located close to St Mark’s Basilica on the Grand Canal in Venice, the Doge’s Palace is among the most beautiful European palaces.
Until the end of the 18th century, this Gothic palace used to be the residence of the Doges who ruled the city. Connected to the prisons by the famous Bridge of Sights, this palace is rich in history and exhibits some amazing artworks including Bellini, Veronese or Tintoretto.
The palace is now a museum and houses the Library of Saint Mark. It’s definitely one of the most exceptional and famous buildings of Italy.
8. Rialto Bridge
Connecting the districts of San Marco and San Polo on the banks of the Grand Canal, the Ponte Rialto is the oldest bridge of Venice and the most renown.
Built in the 16th century by Antonio Da Ponte, the Rialto Bridge was the only bridge spanning the Grand Canal for a long time. Now, there are 4 bridges spanning the canal.
Built on a marshy ground, this bridge is a masterpiece easily recognizable thanks to its curved shape. Inside, there are cute shops and vendors where tourists can buy souvenirs.
9. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo or the Cathedral of Florence, is the most iconic monument in Florence, and one of the best architectural works in the world: it’s the 3rd biggest cathedral in the world.
Built in 1436, the cathedral stands out thanks to its green, white and pink marble decorating its facade. Inside, the Brunelleschi’s dome will leave any visitor in awe due to its size, the biggest dome ever made in the world.
But the highlight of this exceptional landmark is definitely the panoramic view of Florence you can see after climbing the 463 steps to the top.
10. Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge still standing from the Middle Ages in Florence and one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Built in 1345, it was also the first bridge to span the Arno river.
Visitors can cross the bridge through the Vasari Corridor, a secret passageway connecting the Palazzo Pitti to the Palazzo Vecchio built for Cosimo I in the 16th century.
The bridge also offers beautiful views of Florence and the surroundings that are definitely worth a look. And around the bridge, you can also discover authentic shops and stores selling gold and silver jewelry, typical of the place.
11. Duomo di Milano
Standing on the Piazza del Duomo, the Duomo di Milano is one of the biggest cathedral in the world and the most iconic monument in Milan.
Completed in 1386, the construction of this incredible Gothic cathedral took about 500 years! And you can easily understand why when visiting it: the facade of the Duomo is made of 2,000 marble statues all in details and 136 spires! And no need to mention how great is the interior as well.
The Duomo also offers a stunning view of Milan from its terrace on the top. But you’ll have to climb up there to see it!
12. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Located in front of the Duomo di Milano on the Piazza del Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is another major landmark in Milan.
This marvelous gallery, built in a Baroque and Neoclassical style in the 19th century, houses the oldest shopping center of Italy. Also known as “Milan’s drawing room”, it’s a must-see especially because of its beautiful arcades and glass dome.
This important Italian landmark houses many luxury boutiques and fashionistas come from all over the world for shopping here.
13. Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Tower of Pisa is certainly the most famous tower in the world, the reason for visiting Pisa, and the best thing to do in Pisa. The Tower of Pisa is the campanile of the Pisa Cathedral located on the Piazza dei Miracoli. It’s known for being leaning at an angle of 3.59 degrees to the south.
The construction of the tower began in 1173 and lasted for 2 centuries. By the time the 3rd floor was added in 1178, the tower was already starting to lean and the construction was stopped for 90 years!
Until 1990, tourists climbed the 293 steps to the top of the tower. But the angle of inclination was getting dangerously steep and expensive work was undertaken to prevent the tower from collapsing. Today, the tower is rising again and without human intervention!
14. Verona Arena
Verona in the north of Italy is home to a huge Roman amphitheater in the heart of its Old Town. The amphitheater, which is famous Italy landmark, is known worldwide for hosting lots of musical events throughout the year.
Built in 30 A.D, the Verona Arena is very well preserved and could accommodate about 30,000 people. Today, it’s also the venue for the Verona Festival, with many theater performances thanks to its great acoustics.
15. Juliet’s House
Juliet’s balcony is in a house, La Casa di Giulietta, that was built in the 12th century and belonged to the Dal Cappello family who inspired Shakespeare.
This balcony is an unmissable tourist attraction in Verona: all the lovers rush there and the walls are loaded with sweet bills to leave a trace of their passage.
The access to the courtyard is free but the visit of the house is not. Visitors can touch the statue of Juliet standing in the courtyard, especially her left breast because it would be a sign of fertility and eternal love.
16. Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples is located in Agrigento in Sicily and is the most famous archeological site of the island.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley includes 8 Greek temples that were built during Ancient times between 510 and 430 BC. The temple of Concordia and the temple of Juno are the best preserved of the Valley.
Stretching over 1,300 hectares, the Valley of the Temples also hosts an archeological museum where visitors can learn the history behind these temples and about the old city of Agrigento.
17. Palermo Cathedral
Located in Sicily’s capital city, the Palermo Cathedral is a major monument and houses the burials of the kings and emperors of Sicily.
Built in the 12th century on a former Byzantine basilica transformed into a mosque, the Palermo Cathedral is a church of Roman style with strong Arab influences.
Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the exterior of the cathedral is quite sophisticated and contrasts with the inside of the building which is more sober and mainly Baroque.
18. Pompei Ruins
Pompeii is the most visited archaeological site in the world thanks to the remains of the city submerged in the ashes of the eruption of the Vesuvius in 79 AD that caused its destruction.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the city of Pompeii was founded before the 6th century BC. The eruption buried the entire city under volcanic sediments and then was forgotten for over 1500 years. It was only in the 17th century that the site was rediscovered in an exceptional state of preservation.
The site has always been a great place of interest for all lovers of ancient history. The Roman city of Pompeii attracts about 2 million visitors per year.
Famous Natural Landmarks Italy Has to Offer
Besides the man made landmarks in Italy, we can also find amazing natural gems such as volcanoes, mountains, islands, lakes, hot springs and more. Yes, there are so much different types of landscapes and sights you could spend a life visiting Italy!
Let’s discover together 14 of the best natural wonders in Italy!
19. Mount Etna
Located in Sicily, the largest island of the Mediterranean sea, Mount Etna is one of the best attractions of Italy. It’s also the largest active volcano in Europe and among the most active in the world with about 100 eruptions in the 20th century.
Visitors can climb the Mount Etna to the crater from the city of Catania all year round on sunny days. Experienced hikers can do it on foot without a guide up to 2,920 meters, but a guide is required to go higher. The trip is also possible by bus or car.
The hike is a must-do: you’ll be walking in an incredibly lunar landscape shaped by the lava with smoke constantly escaping from the crater.
20. Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago of 7 main islands with some islets and rocks located 1h30 by boat from the Sicilian island.
The most famous islands of the Aeolian are Stromboli, Salina, Lipari and Vulcano mainly because they offer wonderful postcard beaches, amazing hiking trails, permanent volcanic eruptions and mud baths in an exceptional well preserved natural setting.
The Aeolian Islands are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a popular destination for holidays, especially for people looking for calm and beautiful landscapes.
21. Scala dei Turchi
Also located in Sicily, in the town of Agrigento, the Scala dei Turchi is a wonderful beach with transparent waters and white limestone cliffs that will make you feel like you’re on the Moon!
The legend says that the Scala dei Turchi, meaning “Stairs of the Turks” in English, was used as an anchorage by the Saracen and Turkish pirates leaving their ships in the bay and using the natural stairs carved by the wind to reach Sicily.
Only a part of the stairs are now accessible because of safety reasons, but visitors can still enjoy the crystal clear waters, the sandy beach and the viewpoint.
22. Dolomites
Classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Dolomites offer a beautiful set of cliffs and peaks that rise majestically to the sky.
Located in northeastern of Italy, the Dolomites range has 18 mountain peaks, some of them reaching 3,000 meters in altitude. You can also stop in the cute little villages of the region such as Val di Funes to admire exceptional panoramas over the peaks.
Hikers will be delighted in this huge paradise with wonderful hiking trails, it’s one of the most beautiful natural sights to visit in Italy!
23. Lake Como
Located 1 hour from Milan, Lake Como is the 3rd largest lake in Italy.
Very popular among the jet set and celebrities, this lake is famous in the world for its magnificent villas and gardens. It’s also where many movies have been filmed, including Star Wars episode II.
Around the lake, visitors can discover picturesque fishing villages and beautiful hiking trails. Among the best sites and towns on Lake Como you can’t miss if you decide to visit: Tremezzo, Bellagio, Villa Monastero in Varenna and the Castello Di Vezio.
24. Val d’Orcia
The Val d’Orcia is a vast valley located south of Siena in Tuscany and crossed by the Orcia river which gives it its name.
The Val d’Orcia is the landscape of Tuscany as you can imagine it, with wide areas of hilly fields, olive groves, vineyards, farms and long cypress alleys. It’s also a multitude of charming medieval and Renaissance villages with infinite cute churches, abbeys… The valley definitely offers Italy’s most beautiful panoramas.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, the Val d’Orcia includes the beautiful towns of Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia and Montalcino.
25. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is made up of 5 small villages perched on the side of the cliffs, each one more beautiful than the next: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
Highly colorful and offering incredible panoramas, these villages are often represented on postcards of Italy.
The different villages being close to each other, it’s very easy to visit them on foot through a hiking trail that connects them, by train or by boat for a breathtaking view.
26. Amalfi Coast
Located in the south of Italy between Sorrento and Salerno, the Amalfi Coast is known to be one of the most beautiful coasts in Italy.
With its wild relief and its villages perched on the cliffs, this jewel which is listed as Unesco World Heritage Site is popular with tourists from all over the world.
Visiting the Amalfi Coast is traveling through its steep mountains, getting lost in its picturesque villages, living the dolce vita in its ports and luxurious villas…
27. Mount Vesuvius
The Vesuvius is a wonderful jewel of Italy overlooking the Gulf of Naples from the top of its 1,281 meters. Its climb is a must if you’re staying in the region! It’s definitely an experience you must have at least once in your life.
Located only a few kilometers from Naples, it’s also very close to Pompeii and Herculaneum, the 2 cities that were completely buried by the ashes of the volcano following the catastrophic eruption of the year 79.
The Vesuvius is one of the only volcanoes in Europe still active along with Etna and Stromboli, both in Italy.
28. Lake Garda
Located between the Alps and Padania, Lake Garda is the largest Italian lake with a total area of 370 km², and one of the main tourist places to visit in Northern Italy.
Lake Garda, more commonly known as Lago di Garda, has varied landscapes: steep cliffs in the north and rich vegetation on the southern and western shores.
There are also many villages around, the most famous being Sirmione, and they are often chosen as holidays destinations by both locals and tourists.
29. Gargano National Park
Located on the Adriatic Sea, the Gargano Park is the largest national park in Italy and a highly recommended stop on a Puglia road trip.
Among the places not to be missed in Gargano, we can list the Foresta Umbra where you can find the most beautiful places of the park, the typical villages of Vieste and Peschici and their beaches, the perched village of Monte Sant’Angelo or the Tremiti islands.
The Gargano is very green, zen and only slightly affected by mass tourism. A true paradise for nature and hiking lovers!
30. Terme di Saturnia
The town of Saturnia in Italy is particularly famous for its hot springs, which are one of the most famous attractions in Tuscany.
These hot springs are ideal for bathing in water that has been bubbling out of the ground for 3,000 years and is known for its healing properties. The picturesque waterfall of Cascate del Mulino with its turquoise blue pool forms a unique natural setting.
These hot springs are sulfur springs that promise a pleasant bathing at 37.5 ℃. You’ll be fascinated by the experience of splashing in hot water in open air.
31. Monte Bianco
The Monte Bianco is located on the French-Italian border between Courmayeur and the Aosta Valley in Italy, and Chamonix in France. It’s the highest mountain in in Italy with a height of 4,810 meters.
Opened in June 2015, the Monte Bianco Skyway is the main attraction in Courmayeur: in only a few minutes, you can climb to 3,466 meters while enjoying a 360° view of the Alps range. A great alternative if you don’t want (or can’t) climb to the top!
32. Maddalena Archipelago
Composed of 7 main islands for a total of about 60 islands, islets, or simple rocks, the archipelago of the Maddalena is a jewel located between the islands of Corsica and Sardinia.
Visiting the Maddalena archipelago is like discovering a paradise on earth. The beaches are exceptionally beautiful, some of them even being protected from any human intrusion.
It’s on the island of Caprera that the most beautiful beaches can be found, in particular Cala Coticcio, a real natural swimming pool. There are also beautiful pine forests that promise wonderful hikes.
33. Giardini di Augusto
The Gardens of Augustus are a must if you want to discover the famous rocks of Capri, the Faraglioni.
Built in the 1930s on the former property of the German manufacturer Krupp, the Giardini di Augusto is a romantic promenade offering exceptional panoramic views of the sea in a sumptuous Mediterranean green setting.
From the gardens, you can enjoy a 180-degree view of Capri. You can see Mount Solaro, the bay of Marina Piccola, Via Krupp and the famous cliffs.
34. Abruzzo National Park
The Abruzzo National Park is one of the green lungs of Europe and also one of the oldest protected parks on the continent. Established as a national park in 1923, it covers 50,000 hectares in the heart of the central Apennines.
On the hiking trails, you’ll come across more than 300 species of birds, 150 endemic plants, beech and white maple forests, birch, and more. In this luxuriant vegetation, streams and rivers flow through the valleys.
For advice and guides, hikers can visit the Bear Visitor Center in Villavallelonga. The place also takes in injured wild animals such as bears, wolves, chamois, deer, or eagles for example.
So, here are the 34 Italy famous landmarks to put on your bucket list. But we’re not done yet!
Keep reading to discover 16 more wonderful spots that could’ve been in the selection above 👇
More Italian Famous Landmarks
Italy has so many gems that it would be impossible to keep the list under 34. We’ve added 16 more major landmarks in Italy you should visit if you have time, breakdown by city.
Let’s see them! 🔥
Landmarks in Rome
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Piazza Navona
- Vatican Museums
- Villa Borghese
Discover more here: Best Landmarks in Rome
Landmarks in Venice
- Bridge of Sights
- Teatro La Fenice
- Burano
Discover more here: Best Landmarks in Venice
Landmarks in Milan
- Sforzesco Castle
- Naviglio
- Santa Maria delle Grazie
Discover more here: Best Landmarks in Milan
Landmarks in Florence
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery
- Accademia Gallery
Discover more here: Best Landmarks in Florence
Landmarks in Sicily
- Teatro Antico di Taormina
- Massimo Theater
- Zingaro Natural Reserve
Discover more here: Best Landmarks in Sicily
Hoorray! You’ve made it to the end of this list of Italy’s most famous landmarks 🔥
I have one last bonus for you, right below 👇
Map of the Famous Landmarks of Italy
To get the free map of the famous Italian buildings and natural landmarks, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
Other Italy Famous Landmarks
Want to discover more exceptional Italian famous landmarks? Great, I have other posts that will be useful to you!
Discover more landmarks thanks to these following city-based guides:
- Famous Landmarks in Rome
- Famous Landmarks in Milan
- Famous Landmarks in Venice
- Famous Landmarks in Florence
- Famous Landmarks in Sicily
For more, you can also check all our Italy guides.
I hope you could’ve made your list of the must-see and do in Italy thanks to these guides. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback!
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