Important Monuments in Italy that’s Worth a Visit

Navigation:

• The Colosseum
• The Roman Forum
• The Pantheon
• Milan Cathedral
• The Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Pompeii
• The Vatican

One of the most powerful nations of the ancient times and the fascinating country today, Italy helped shaped the modern day European continent. There are hundreds of different ways to know more about the country and each one of them will surely leave a mark in your hearts. Italy has a lot of historical sites still standing today; it’s amazing to think these are the same monuments which the greatest early thinkers built for their nation without any modern technology and machinery to help them. Would it be spectacular to these some of the most important monuments up close in their most preserved form? Luckily, here are some of them which everyone in the family can enjoy when visiting ‘The Boot’ or some may say the land of great history and diversity. 

The Colosseum

When thinking about Rome, the first thing comes to mind to most travelers is The Colosseum. No surprises there, The Colosseum signifies the grandeur of the Roman Empire. It’s the largest amphitheater ever built by the Romans. Built in the 70 AD and with Greek architecture design it used to host gladiator battles, mock sea games, and animal hunts. It’s a direct contrast to the modern day buildings that surround it. 

The Roman Forum

Once the center of the Roman Empire, it was surrounded by different government buildings and a very busy marketplace. Built like a rectangular plaza, its ruins make for one of the most significant monuments in Italy. During the peak of the empire, The Roman Forum was the center of all important government decisions and negotiations, its historical significance is very much incomparable.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is hailed as the best-preserved monument of the ancient Roman Empire. Romans built constructed this place to be used as a temple dedicated to the pagans gods of Rome. What makes this monument so spectacular was its marvelous elegant design and precise architectural proportions despite the absence of modern day technology. Beams of light entering the top of the dome would reflect throughout the Pantheon, its strategic placing of windows still amazes experts to this day. 

Milan Cathedral

Milan Cathedral is the third largest worldwide. It took a good long six hundred years to complete the infrastructure. The result? It’s one of the most spectacular and majestic buildings in Northern Italy. It’s associated to the Magisterium of the Bishops based on gothic architecture. The sight of the building will leave you breathless in awe. Those six centuries of patiently building and meticulously planning the cathedral really paid off.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

What does not destroy you, strengthens you, or in this case, makes you famous. The Leaning Tower of Pisa became a world sensation for its very obvious flaw. Construction began in the 1100s and started to lean towards ground due to weak foundations. Experts predicted that the tower will completely topple over by the year 2000 but Mother Nature decided not to. Every year, thousands of visitors climbed its steps to get the very scenic view of the whole city. 

Pompeii

During the ancient Roman times, Pompeii was a booming city and an important port in the Mediterranean free trades. But the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius stopped the city on its track from becoming one of the most influential port cities in the world. Under the shadows of the volcano, stand the ruins of the once great city. Today, Pompeii is a modern-day tourist attraction in Italy, where visitors can have a glimpse of the ancient civilization. The ruins of Pompeii are now a UNESCO world heritage site. Visitors can explore the desolate remains of baths, temples, and other artifacts of the city. 

The Vatican

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Pope gradually took over Rome. It was built in memory of the first Pope, St. Peter, it was now a very important destination for Christians all over the world. The Vatican is the center of the Catholic Church, Head of the Roman Catholic Church and serves as a home to the Pope. It houses some of the world’s priceless pieces of art which makes it even more significant. The dome was painted by none other Michelangelo himself that alone is worth a visit to the Vatican. Not to mention, the flamboyant Swiss guards that manage to control the visitors in the vicinity. The St Peter’s Basilica attracts millions of devotees and visitors alike all year round.

Amazing Pizzeria in Italy

Navigation:

• Ai Marmi, Rome
• Mamma Rosa, Ortezzano
• L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Naples
• Antico Forno, Venice
• Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo, Naples
• Di Matteo, Naples
• Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente, Naples

Every nation has their own notable food staples which are legendary on its own. Most people think that ‘Italian food’ is just about pizza, spaghetti, calzones, and gelato. But, it’s just a very tiny part of the much bigger picture. Italian cuisine is all about using the freshest ingredients and making bold flavors complement each other. It’s humble with recipes passed down from one generation to another. Its more than a delicious food served on a table, families also celebrate the history and loving memories of those created the dish. Italian means fresh, delicious, world-class food that is both humble and fulfilling. 

With that in mind, when someone mentioned Italy, one thing comes to mind – great pizza. Many nations had been topping the simple flatbreads for centuries. But Italians make it even more special in creating the term ‘pizza’ about 1000 AB near Naples or Rome. However, this 18th-century peasant delicacy was made front and center of Italian cuisine when it was first made for Queen Margherita in 1889. The Queen and her husband King Umberto toured Italy and wanted to taste the peasant dish. Her personal chef created a simple yet flavorful version to suit the Queen’s taste. The chef won her over in creating the dish with the colors of the Italian flag. They incorporated the colors red (tomatoes), green (basil), and white (mozzarella).Queen Margherita immediately fell in love with the new twist of the peasant dish and gave us the Margherita pizza we love today. 

Today, pizza becomes the front and center of many international cuisines, but none took it more seriously than the Italians. They even formed a governing body to protect the integrity and taste of their beloved pizza. The True Neapolitan Pizza Association (TNPA) was formed 1984 to uphold the authenticity of Neapolitan pizza. With that in mind, these pizzerias serve the best-tasting pizza you can eat in Italy.

Ai Marmi, Rome

This place is actually named Panattoni but its famous unofficial name goes as Ai Marmi (“marbles”) after its marble counters. They serve classic Roman-style pizza with its remarkably thin, charred, and crispy crusts with cheesy and saucy bread. You can immediately tell the place for its crowded line and cafeteria style seating. Make sure to try the salsiccia e for di Zucca topped with sausage and zucchini blossoms. But people line up for their classic Margherita take on the pizza.

Mamma Rosa, Ortezzano

Mamma Rosa rose to pizza stardom after Gambero Rosso nods its Neopolitan-style pizzas. It’s ultra-crispy crusts paired with perfectly stretchy dough and topped with fresh local ingredients. Everything on the menu is all insanely good, but there best sellers include the Margherita with red chilies and anchovies to contrast the flavors of tomatoes. Also, try their Lucifero, topped with hot salami and hot peppers. What set Mamma Rosa apart from the others are their Nutella pizza, that just right for a perfect Italian dessert – second to gelato of course.

L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Naples

If you are a book lover sort of person, then it would be good to know that the author Eat.Pray.Love, Elizabeth Gilbert had notable mention this pizzeria in Italy. Pizzeria da Michele had served the purest, simplest way of Neapolitan pizza since 1906. They only have two pizza the marinara and Margherita, but they are so heavenly above description. The pizzeria lived to the “The world’s best pizza” description, as they served the mile-long queue in front of their doorsteps. 

Antico Forno, Venice

Antico Forno served one of the most satisfying deep dish pizzas that chewy and thick but still captured it Roman-style origin. Unlike the usual pizzeria in Italy, they serve single slice wood-fired pizza and each one has a very flavorful tomato sauce topped with seasonal ingredients like olives, mushrooms, red cabbage and the ever-present buffalo mozzarella. Try their one of a kind calzones. 

Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo, Naples

One true certified pizza lover, and not by name, Gino Sorbillo is a third generation pizzaiolo who’s making waves in Italian cuisine. He inherited his grandfather’s Naples pizzeria that has been around for almost a century. To keep the family tradition alive, he did not just perfect making the best pizza, he continues to find ways making it taste even better and more accessible to people. He recently opened his second New York pizzeria with plans setting up another establishment in Milan. Although his pizzas are world class, it still has it a humble recipe for the soft-crust pizza topped with freshest local tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. 

Di Matteo, Naples

Another local favorite, Di Matteo serves one of the world’s best pizzas. It’s been in the pizzeria business since 1936, just one year shy of the Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo. With the almost a century of making pizza, rest assured this is one pizzeria you don’t want to miss while in Italy. They offer table service but also serve busy workers on the street. They can easily wrap up a fresh-out-of-the-oven pie in their signature white paper for just a few euros. Don’t forget to get their deep-fried pizza fritta, a mixture of ricotta, and provolone cheese.

Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente, Naples

Last but not the very least, the most iconic Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente which was named after Bill Clinton stopped to taste their pie back in 1994. It’s one of the most identifiable pizzerias in Italy with its chewy, stretchy crisp crust that is classically Neapolitan. They can make any pizza you want but you would not want to pass on their bestselling marinara and Margherita perfection pizza. 

As they say, when in Italy, do what Italians do, and you’ll never forget the memories of your travel especially if you just satisfied your pizza cravings. 

The Most Unusual Tourist Spots in Italy

Navigation:

• Castello di Petoria
• Castel Savoia
• Matera, Basilicata
• Erice Castle
• Civita di Bagnoregio
• Grotte di Castellana
• Ponte del Diavolo

Most tourists sought out Florence, Milan, and Rome, but often missing great hidden gems across the country. There are so many places and events to go to Italy; from its fashion weeks to its magnificent exotic gardens. The top destination in Italy is often riddled with tourists leaving travelers with little appreciation of the place. Here are some of the most unusual tourist spots in Italy portraying the country’s rich culture and history.

Castello di Petoria

A castle located the very center of Italy in the city of Gubbio is the Castello di Petoria. Built during the Middle Ages, it has not changed much throughout the year. Until in 1909 when it was converted to a prestigious hotel and has been hosting thousands of tourists since then. The castle is a perfect place to get away from the outside world and just indulged in the most picturesque view in the world.

Castel Savoia

Overlooking the amazing view of the astonishing view of the nearby Aosta Valley in the north-western part of Italy, Castel Savoia is home to a royal for many years. Queen Margarita made Savoia her official royal home during the 9th century. She fell in love with the beautiful scenery and the privacy she needed. The castle has magnificent gardens filled with different species of beautiful plants. 

Matera, Basilicata

Matera is one of the poorest towns in Italy, if not in the whole Europe about 50 years ago. The place comprises of Sassi or honeycomb cave dwellings that used to house around 20,000 people. But during the 60s, the government cleared the area and had remained derelict ever since. Because it attracts worldwide attention, the once-abandoned place is now filled with hotels, café’s, restaurants and art galleries. 

Erice Castle

Built in the 12th century, Erice Castle would remind you of Rapunzel’s tower because of its location and different levels of towers. Some would often say that Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty inspired the construction of the castle. Nevertheless, its beauty is quite unique and one of the finest fortress built during the era. 

Civita di Bagnoregio

Civita di Bagnoregio which translates as “the dying town” was built some 2,500 years ago. “A Jewel on the Hill”, as what travelers would describe the place overlooks a very scenic valley. Because of the extreme weather condition is Italy, the town is closed to visitors for most of the year. However, if visiting Italy during the summertime, list this under your itinerary as Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most unusual tourist spots. Be one of the privileged to see the beautiful side of this town.

Grotte di Castellana

In the southern part of Italy lays one of the most captivating destinations in the country. Over 90 million years old, the Grotte di Castellana has amazing cave systems and rock formations. Gear yourself for 2 miles of walking the hiking trails that will leave you both breathless and in awe. 

Ponte del Diavolo

Ponte del Diavolo or the “Devil’s Bridge” is a very charming stone bridge in the town of Cividale del Friuli. Constructed during the medieval times, it crosses the town over a river. Most locals believed that the bridge contains mystical power and named the bridge after an ancient Tuscan folklore. The bridge stands out from its amazing natural view of Mother Nature, showing its great masonry works. 

Top Tourist Destinations in Italy

Navigation:

• Colosseum
• Pompeii
• Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Vatican City
• Venice Canals
• St. Mark's Basilica
• Pantheon

A country located in south-central Europe, Italy has the most scenic and varied landscapes on the planet. Such magnificent views inspired famous artists to draw masterpieces that would marvel the world for hundreds of years. Most people dubbed Italy as the “boot country” because of its shape.

Italy is the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. Their influence is still visible today and tourists flock the area to get a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of the country. Blessed with so many UNESCO World Heritage sites, Italy is full of art and architecture masterpieces. Although many of its tourist spots feature these masterpieces, the country also boasts of scenic lakes, majestic mountains, and crystal clear sea waters. Here are some top destinations in Italy, the list the beginning of your wonderful adventure in Italy, as there are many to choose from.

Colosseum

Visiting the world-renowned Colosseum is a must for every traveler visiting Italy. Even though the Romans constructed the Colosseum thousands of years ago, many modern times arena are modeled from it. It’s an enormous amphitheater and the largest of its kind despite not having advance machinery. The Colosseum hosted countless shows and even mock sea battles. The wooden floor measured 83 by 48 meters and under the arena are two stories of rooms, cells, passages, and tunnels. This colossal storage area is used to housed animals, workers, and gladiators. Presently, the Colosseum stands out from the modern buildings that surround it but remains as one of the prominent marks of the Roman Empire. 

Pompeii

A place that inspired a number of films, Pompeii is a city devastated by Mt. Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. However, the eruption did not destroy the entire city; instead, it preserved Pompeii’s art treasures deep in its ruins. Some of the art relics include sculptures, mosaics, and frescoes. 

There are several excavation sites in the area that revealed human remains, houses, markets, temple, theaters, and baths. The marks of the chariots used by the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago are still visible in some of the ancient streets in Pompeii.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Search the internet about the Leaning Tower of Pisa and you’ll be able to browse it has the most artistic poses made by the tourists. The tower is one of the many tourist spots in Pisa but the because of its architectural flaw, it became world renown. A very delicate medieval stone carving circulates the whole tower which astounds visitors and experts alike. Also known as La Torre Pendente, the Leaning Tower of Pisa sits on the Piazza dei Miracoli. Two other top destinations in the area include the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and a freestanding baptistery. Construction began during the 1100s but when workers reached the third story, it began to lean due to its weak foundation. It was predicted to collapse by the year 2000 but the restoration of the 1990s made it stand still. 

For devotees and artistic minds, a stop by the Vatican City is a must. The Vatican is home to the most valued art collections in the world. The outside of St. Peter’s square is where the Pope gives speeches to the crowd. The heart of the Vatican lays the tomb of St. Peter and the Pieta, one of Michelangelo’s most recognized work. After looking at the amazing artworks, visit the Vatican Museum where you can see other magnificent works of Italy’s finest artists.

Venice Canals

Another iconic tourist destination, the Venice Canals is a century old tradition that left travelers with a lasting impression of Italy. Venice comprises of islands and the canals have been the city’s main streets. A labyrinth of narrow canals connected streets inside the city lined with shops, cafes, and famous restaurants. Buildings left untouched for hundreds of years, making you think you step back in time with an exception of modern times comfort. Make sure to have your picture taken at the Grand Canal, the most photographed place in Venice. A tip from the locals is to visit Vaporetto which is the best place to see most of the grand palaces in the city.

St. Mark's Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the top destinations in Venice. Some tourists would come here to highlight their journey throughout the country. The Piazza San Marco, a marvelous work of art that contains mixtures of architectural styles is a sight by itself. The famous square facing the basilica shows the influence of the Byzantine Empire showing the city’s multicultural connections to the East. Its interior is filled with mosaics and a high altar covered in jewels and lined with gold.

Another well-preserved remnant of the Roman Empire, the Pantheon shows how the Romans master the art of architecture. To this day, experts marvel at the precise proportions of the building, with the height is equally proportional to the diameter. The world-famous Italian painter, Raphael is buried in its abode along with Italian Kings and other famous people that founded the modern day Italy.