Things to Do in Italy

It’s Christmas all year round at San Gregorio Armeno. The fun, colorful and sometimes crowded alley offers a place to wander and see Naples famed nativity settings and figures called Presepe or Presepio.

First displayed in monasteries in the 16th and 17th century, nativity scenes made their way into aristocratic homes, eventually becoming a tradition for all.  Many people put up their nativity scene December 8, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, but wait until Christmas Eve to add baby Jesus. Displays often go beyond a manager scene, and can represent the life of an entire community or village.

In 402 AD, during the latter days of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna was made its capital, so it is fitting that this lovely city has some of the most important religious sights dating from the early days of Christianity. Now UNESCO-listed with all the other glorious mosaic showstoppers in the city, San Vitale Basilica dates from the mid sixth century; work started on it in 526 at the behest of Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna, and it was consecrated in 547. However, the Byzantines conquered Rome in 540 and took over the construction of the octagonal marble basilica. The resulting internal decoration is believed to be the finest example of Byzantine art in the world, executed by unknown master craftsmen over many years and liberally coating the interior with bejeweled mosaics. Detailed Biblical scenes contrast with depictions of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, ornamented with stylized patterns in green, red and gold, while the cupola is adorned with Baroque frescoes added in 1780 by artists from across northern Italy.

The Church of San Sepolcro in Milan was originally founded in the 11th century. It has gone through several changes over the centuries since then, but the main attraction for most visitors is the crypt underneath the church.

Most of the renovations to the church were made in the 17th century. The crypt under San Sepolcro was reopened in 2016 after 50 years of being closed. There are 11th-century frescoes, Medieval graves, and Roman paving stones in the crypt. The 14the-century sarcophagus in the church is said to contain earth brought to Italy from Jerusalem by the crusaders, as well as a lock of Mary Magdalene’s hair.

The church is just behind the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, and was a particular favorite of Leonardo da Vinci - so much so that when he drew his map of Milan, he put the Church of San Sepolcro at its center. Some of those drawings are on display in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana.

Milan hosts two top-division soccer (football) teams at San Siro Stadium, the largest in Italy. Also known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, the stadium was built in 1925 for the AC Milan team, and in 1947, the rival FC Internazionale team, known as Inter, also moved in. Today, up to 80,000 fans fill the stadium to watch live games.

True footie fans can join a Milan football tour that includes a San Siro Stadium tour of the field, the team locker rooms, and the stadium museum dedicated to the history of both the Milan and Inter clubs. Many soccer-centric tours also stop at Casa Milan, the stylish AC Milan headquarters. Otherwise, hop on a city sightseeing bus and combine stops at the stadium and museum with visits to other city highlights such as the Duomo and La Scala. San Siro is also used for concerts and other large events, so there are non-football opportunities to see the stadium as well.

San Siro, located on Piazzale Angelo Moratti in the San Siro neighborhood west of downtown Milan, is easy to reach on public transportation: take the metro purple line (M5) or bus/tram 49 and 16.

The soccer season runs from August to May. The stadium museum is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm, though the hours may change on game days.

Football is Italy’s national sport, and home matches of Milan’s two Serie A teams are the greatest highlights of the year for fans. Emotions run high at their derbies—especially when the teams are vying for a spot in the Champions League or World Cup. Nearly every Italian city and town has a home football team. Milan and Inter are the two teams based in Milan, while other famous big-city clubs are Roma, Lazio, Juventus, and Napoli. 

With so many unforgettable sights in Florence, it’s tempting to skip San Miniato al Monte, perched high up on a hilltop in the outskirts of the city. However, the church’s stunning 13th-century mosaic and sweeping views over Florence make the effort well worth your while.

Work on the church of San Miniato al Monte, considered among the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany, began in the 11th century where St. Minias is said to have died. Both the facade and the interior are decorated with intricate geometric patterns of green and white marble, and the apse is covered by an opulent 1297 mosaic. (The facade’s marble patterns are very similar to those of the churches of Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella in the city’s historic center.) The church’s crypt almost certainly does not contain the bones of San Miniato, as many claim, but it is decorated with frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi.

Since San Miniato al Monte is slightly outside the center of Florence, it’s the perfect destination for a sightseeing tour on wheels, be it by Vespa, electric bike, or vintage Fiat 500. It’s also a pleasant uphill walk from the historic center, so consider joining a walking tour that takes you across the Arno and up to the church.

San Miniato al Monte sits along Via delle Porte Sante and above Piazzale Michelangelo, a popular scenic overlook with views of Florence stretching from the Rose Garden over Ponte Vecchio to the historic center. You can reach the church by bus, car, bike, or on foot. Adjacent to the church is a monastery where monks produce artisan honey and liqueurs, which are available for purchase in the shop nearby, and the 15th-century cloister and cemetery where Carlo Collodi—the creator of Pinocchio—is buried.

By far the best time to visit the church is late afternoon, so you can watch the breathtaking sunset over Florence from the square below after your tour.

Inside San Miniato al Monte, the freestanding Chapel of the Crucifix (Cappella del Crocifisso), designed by Michelozzo in 1448, originally housed the crucifix now in the Church of the Santa Trìnità. The miraculous crucifix is decorated with works by Agnolo Gaddi and Luca della Robbia.

There are hundreds of historic churches in Naples, so narrowing down the must see list can be hard. San Lorenzo Maggiore is worth saving time for on your busy itinerary. 

It’s at San Lorenzo Maggiore where poet Boccaccio is said to have met Fiammetta. During a visit here you’ll see a beautiful church, get a history lesson and an amazing glimpse of underground Naples. 

The Monumental Complex of San Lorenzo Maggiore contains the church and a museum that covers its remarkable history. It is constructed atop a Roman marketplace, so when speaking of San Lorenzo, it may refer to the church, the museum or archaeological site beneath. A large portion of the marketplace has been excavated and visitors are allowed to wander around to see the well-preserved remains of ancient shops. On the UNESCO World Heritage list, the marketplace is the only large-scale Greco-Roman site excavated in the downtown area.

The Venice Lagoon is hardly short on islands, but if you're eager to explore one of its most unique and lesser known destinations, then boat no further than San Lazzaro degli Armeni. At only seven acres (three hectares) in size, this square-shaped piece of land is home to an Armenian Catholic colony of monks and loads of curious cultural discovery.

It was here that the first Armenian monks settled back in the 1700s, when they began a multilingual printing press, translating various literary works and medieval transcripts into Armenian. Nowadays, San Lazzaro degli Armeni is often visited by travelers via boat tours along the Venice Lagoon. Visitors to the island can learn more about its language-rich history, as well as explore a collection of artifacts ranging from thrones and jewels to ancient manuscripts and Egyptian mummies. Before you leave, be sure to check the gift shop for the island-made rose petal jam.

San Polo is one of the oldest of Venice’s six districts, or sestieri, and home to many of the city’s most popular sites including the Rialto Bridge that connects San Polo to the San Marco side of the Grand Canal and the historic Rialto Market, a fascinating slice of Venetian life. 

The San Polo district lies at the heart of Venice, hugging one of the wide bends in the Grand Canal. Guided walking tours of the San Polo area generally include Campo San Polo, the largest public square in Venice after San Marco, and the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, said to be the city’s oldest church. The neighborhood is also home to the works of Tintoretto in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and in Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (the Frari Church), famous for its works by 16th-century painters Bellini and Titian. Private walking tours can easily be paired with a gondola ride and visits to Venice highlights like Saint Mark's Square.

Cross the Rialto Bridge from the San Marco side of the Grand Canal to San Polo, or take vaporetto Line 1 to Rialto Mercato.

Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and can be very crowded during the summer months. The best times of year to visit are early spring and late fall, when the city is less crowded but the weather is mild.

Venice has six districts, or sestieri: Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Marco, Santa Croce, and—the smallest—San Polo.

Florence’s central San Lorenzo Market includes two separate markets. One is the Central Market (Mercato Centrale), an indoor food market with a trendy upstairs gourmet food market and stalls selling everything from seasonal produce to Chianti wine and Tuscany's famed olive oil on the ground floor. The other is an outdoor souvenir market that has as many trinkets and affordable souvenirs as leather goods and other Florentine crafts for which the region is known. 

While travelers can visit independently, many Florence cooking courses and food tours also begin with a walk through the Central Market so visitors can learn about Italian food markets and select ingredients to use during the lesson. A stroll through the outdoor San Lorenzo Market is always fun, and exploring the market with a small-group walking tour of Florence can help you get to know it like a local. Many sightseeing tours include the market along with some of the most famous sights in the city such as the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and the Uffizi Gallery.

The San Lorenzo Market and Mercato Centrale are located in Florence's city center, just a short walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station.

Both markets are open year-round, but the outdoor market shuts down in inclement weather. Spring and fall are the best seasons to explore the food market, and summer is best to wander through the souvenir market.

If you've discovered a label you particularly like during a wine tour or wine tasting in Florence, stop in the Central Market and visit the well-stocked wine shop upstairs.

 The striking Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is just as famous for its pink-and-white pastel color scheme as it is for hosting the marriage scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. A lasting example of Romanesque architecture, the building—parts of it, at least—dates back to the 9th century AD. 

The ice cream–colored Basilica and the Benedictine monastery next door were both constructed to honor St. Zeno, the patron saint of Verona, who died in 380 AD, and there has been a church on the site for more than 1,500 years. Parts of the current building date back to the 9th century, but the structure, like many buildings in Verona, was damaged in an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt and expanded to its present-day size. Its ornate facade is built from cream-colored local tufa stone inlaid with pink marble. 

Inside, the massive carved bronze doors are a highlight for many visitors exploring the church as part of a guided tour. The striped walls, vaulted ceilings with intricate decoration, and painted panels depicting biblical scenes will delight fans of Romanesque architecture. 

The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is located around a 15-minute walk outside the city center. Visitors can travel by public bus or take the hop-on-hop-off tour buses that operate in the city (Line A stops nearby). Alternatively, guided bike tours of Verona also stop here. 

The Basilica is open daily, with opening schedules dependent on mass and other events. It’s busiest on weekends, particularly Sunday afternoons, so plan to visit during the week for a quieter experience. 

The Basilica is located close to the banks of the Adige river, which flows through the center of Verona. It’s the second longest river in Italy, rising in the Alps before flowing out to sea south of Venice. A stroll along its banks through central Verona is a great way to see the city’s buildings and bridges from a new angle; the experience is especially pleasant at sunset when the low sun turns the buildings golden. 

Just steps away from the hugely popular and bustling Piazza San Marco resides the 15th-century Chiesa San Zaccaria, one of Venice's most artistically dazzling and lesser known churches. Located on the site of a former, much older church, San Zaccaria looks over the quiet Campo San Zaccaria Square. Its layer-cake-like façade features a mix of styles: late Gothic on the lower levels and early Renaissance on the upper ones.

But it's the interior that is a veritable museum of noteworthy art, including one of Bellini's greatest works, La Sacra Conversazione. This magnificent altarpiece is made even better by a small donation that will illuminate the mural, taking it from impressive to altogether magical. Art by other Italian greats, from Tintoretto to Tiepolo, adorn the church's walls as well, making this relatively crowd-free spot the perfect escape while in the tourist-dense Italian city of Venice.

Santa Croce is one of Venice’s six central districts (sestieri). Home to a number of sumptuous palaces and museums, important churches, and Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio— one of the city’s prettiest squares—it is also where Venice’s busy Piazzale Roma bus station and vaporetto (water bus) hub is located.

Santa Croce has fewer big-name tourist sights than other districts like San Marco, home to St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Square, and the Doge’s Palace. Instead, this quieter neighborhood is a great place to get a feel for the more local side of Venice while still enjoying important artistic and historical sights like Palazzo Mocenigo, the Museum of Modern Art in Ca' Pesaro, the Natural History Museum at Fondaco dei Turchi, and the San Stae church. 

Joining a small-group walking tour of Santa Croce is a great way to discover its lavish monuments along the Grand Canal and charming back canals and alleyways. Private tours can also include some of the sights in the bordering San Polo district, including the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and San Giacomo di Rialto, said to be the oldest church in Venice. You can also pair a private walking tour with a gondola ride and visit to highlights in the neighboring sestieri.

Santa Croce is home to Venice’s main train station, bus terminal, and vaporetto hub. Trains here connect from the Marco Polo Airport, and from all major cities in the Veneto region and across Italy, including Florence and Rome.

As one of the most popular destinations in Europe, Venice can be very crowded during the summer months. Instead, visit in the early spring and late fall when the city is less crowded but the weather is mild.

Venice has six central sestieri: Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Marco, Santa Croce, and—the smallest—San Polo. In addition, the Floating City has two outlying districts, Giudecca and Lido, and the small islands of Torcello, Murano, and Burano.

One of the most striking and important churches in Florence, Santa Croce Basilica (Basilica di Santa Croce) is a classic example of Tuscan Gothic architecture. It’s also home to myriad works by Giotto, Gaddi, della Robbia, and Donatello, plus the tombs of numerous luminaries including Michelangelo, Galileo, Ghiberti, and Machiavelli.

Work on the Santa Croce Basilica began in 1294, though the facade and bell tower are 19th-century additions. The world’s largest Franciscan church, Santa Croce houses 16 chapels decorated with some of the most important Florentine fresco cycles dating from the 14th century. It’s part of a larger complex including a refectory, two cloisters, and the Museum of the Opera of Santa Croce.

The Santa Croce Basilica is a highlight of any visit to Florence, and many sightseeing walking tours and shore excursions include a stop at the basilica and adjacent complex along with other famous sights like the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia). Due to its artistic and historic importance, the church is among the most visited in the city and there are often long lines to enter; booking a guided tour with skip-the-line entrance in advance is a must in the crowded summer months.

Santa Croce Basilica is located on Piazza Santa Croce in the historic center of Florence, just a short walk from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.

Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy, and its main churches and monuments can be very crowded in summer. To enjoy the city sights in relative peace, schedule a visit for spring or fall. Piazza Santa Croce holds a charming Christmas market each year through the month of December, with stalls selling holiday decorations, artisan crafts, and seasonal foods.

Over the centuries, the Santa Croce Basilica became the prefered burial place for important Florentines and, later, notable Italians. The church is now home to dozens of tombs and funerary monuments honoring some of the most famous Italian artists and luminaries from Leonardo da Vinci to Enrico Fermi. 

San Michele in Foro takes its name from its location – the basilica was built over the site of Lucca's ancient Roman forum. The original church dates back to the eighth century, although the one seen today was built in the 11th century. The 13th-century facade is one of the highlights of the basilica, with its graceful arches and intricate carvings. It's noted as one of the best examples of the Pisan Romanesque style, and – as a bonus – visitors can see an open staircase on the backside that climbs over the roof of the church.

 

By contrast, the church's interior is more sedate and not very well-lit, although there is a painting by 15th-century master Filippino Lippi of Saints Helen, Jerome, Sebastian, and Roch. There is also a statue of the Madonna at the back of the church that was once on the facade.

In the heart of Genoa’s old town, San Lorenzo Cathedral (Duomo) is the most important church in the city. It’s a soaring Gothic and Romanesque masterpiece in alternating bands of black and white marble, where the magnificent art and architecture serve as reminders of this former maritime republic’s historic wealth and power.

 

Construction of Genoa's cathedral began in the early 11th century, though the facade and interiors weren’t completed until centuries later under Perugian architect Galeazzo Alessi. As a result, the architecture blends Romanesque, Gothic, and mannerist elements. Inside, the cathedral is decorated with sumptuous 14th-century frescoes and is home to the chalice said to have been used by Christ during the Last Supper (displayed in the Treasury Museum beneath the cathedral).

 

San Lorenzo Cathedral is a popular stop on hop-on hop-off or private walking or scooter tours, along with the Palazzi dei Rolli, Palace of the Doges, and Old Port. Tours of Genoa’s historic center can be paired with day trips to the nearby coastal villages of Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and the Cinque Terre.

 

 

The San Lorenzo Cathedral is located in the heart of Genoa’s historic center, an easy walk from the port and a short metro ride from the train station. Get off at the De Ferrari stop.

 

The cathedral closes daily from noon to 3pm, so be sure to plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon to be able to admire the interiors and visit the Treasury Museum on the lower level.

 

Beneath the main level of the cathedral, the Treasury Museum displays a collection of sacred art and religious artifacts in gold and silver, dating from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Highlights include the ninth-century glass Sacro Catino (believed for centuries to be Jesus’ Holy Chalice), the Byzantine Croce degli Zaccaria reliquary, and a chest containing the ashes of St. John the Baptist.

Near the main street in Taormina is the Church of Santa Caterina di Alessandria, a 17th-century church dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.

The church was restored in the 1970s, and it was during that restoration work that some of the layers underneath the modern church were found. Archeologists found a crypt as well as ruins dating back to Greek and Roman times - including the remains of a Roman theater. The church was officially reopened in 1977 after about 40 years of being closed.

The spartan exterior of the church gives way to a white Baroque interior. Statues of St. Catherine abound, including one that dates from the 15th century and was originally in an older church dedicated to the saint in another part of the city.

Some walking tours of central Taormina will include the Santa Caterina Church, but not all will include a visit inside.

One of the most important churches in the center of Naples, Santa Chiara is part of a larger religious complex housing a monastery and archaeological museum. Its most remarkable feature is the beautiful cloister, with elaborately painted Rococò majolica decorations covering the columns, benches, and garden walls.

Santa Chiara was built in 1310 in the Gothic style by King Robert of Anjou for his second wife, Sancha of Majorca, and included two adjacent convents, one for nuns and one for monks. In the mid-1700s, the church was remodeled in a Baroque style; however, most of Santa Chiara was destroyed in 1943 during World War II bombings. When it was rebuilt 10 years later, it was returned to its original Gothic design. The spectacular 18th-century cloister survived intact, and today it’s the highlight of a visit to what is officially known as the Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara. The complex also includes the Museo dell’Opera Francescana, a traditional Neapolitan Nativity scene, and the archaeological area with Roman remains discovered in the aftermath of the war.

A visit to Santa Chiara is a highlight of any tour of Naples’ historic center, as it sits right along the famous Spaccanapoli thoroughfare just across from the Church of Gesù Nuovo. Join a walking or Segway tour of this vibrant city that also includes stops at Via San Gregorio Armeno, Sant’Angelo a Nilo, and the Castel Nuovo fortress. Foodies can opt for a Naples food and sightseeing tour to sample some of the city’s famous street food, and history buffs can combine a visit to Naples with a tour of the Roman ruins at Pompeii, just outside the city.

 

 

Santa Chiara is located in the square of Gesù Nuovo along the pedestrian Spaccanapoli thoroughfare. Much of the historic center of Naples consists of narrow alleys and tight corners, so walking is the easiest mode of transport from the city’s port and main train station. Naples is a major transportation and cruise ship hub, with direct trains from major Italian cities and ferries from Salerno and Sorrento.

 

Naples can be uncomfortably hot in summer, so try to visit in spring or fall months or schedule your tour to begin in the early morning before the temperatures soar. The complex is open daily, although it’s closed on Sunday afternoons. 

 

Santa Chiara is located in Naples’ historic center of Naples, which consists of more than 10 distinct neighborhoods along the Spaccanapoli. Highlights include the 13th-century Castel Nuovo, the Teatro di San Carlo (the oldest opera house in Italy), and Piazza Plebiscito. Roman and Greek ruins lie below the center, and the National Archaeological Museum houses artifacts unearthed at Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Home to one of the oldest churches in the world, the colorful Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina looks at first to be simply high end shops and outdoor cafes. Yet hidden behind a simple facade is the Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Lucina, which has been standing since the fourth century. It is believed to have been built on an ancient well that was once tribute to the Roman goddess Juno. Once built, the church was dedicated to Saint Lawrence, a Roman martyr, and now functions as a Roman Catholic parish and minor basilica.

The church has been restored over and over throughout the centuries, so there are layers of history apparent in its detailed architecture. Everything from Roman columns to a Romanesque bell tower and a 12th-century portico can be seen from the outside. The interior is largely Baroque in style. Highlights include Guido Reni’s Crocifisso (Crucifixion) at the main altar and various busts by Bernini located in the chapels.

Perched high on a hilltop overlooking the lush Mugello valley, the magnificent Sanctuary of Monte Senario is among Tuscany’s most important religious complexes and offers a tranquil retreat from nearby Florence, surrounded by the Monte Senario Nature Reserve. Founded in 1233 by a group of noble Florentines known as the Seven Holy Founders, the monastery became an important place of pilgrimage during the 15th century and is still inhabited by a number of monks today. 

The Baroque-style Church of our Lady of Sorrows is among the main attractions, with its 15th-century nave richly decorated and including a striking fresco by Antonio Domenico Gabbiani, an 18th-century wooden crucifix and the tomb of Sigismondo Della Stufa. Additional highlights of the monastery include the monumental cross, the great hospice, a distillery and a number of caves.

In a city filled with artistic masterpieces, the San Marco Museum (Museo Nazionale di San Marco) has the distinction of being home to Florence’s largest collection of paintings by Fra Beato Angelico. The 15th-century former monastery is also home to works by Fra Bartolomeo, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Lorenzo Ghiberti.

 

The San Marco Museum is housed in a former Dominican convent that was restored by Michelozzo under Cosimo il Vecchio de' Medici, and is a well-preserved example of Florentine Renaissance architecture. The cloister, Pilgrims’ Hospice, Lavabo Room, Fra Bartolomeo Room, Chapterhouse, and dormitory cells are decorated with sacred frescoes by some of the most important artists in Florence at the time, including Fra Beato Angelico who was first a monk and later Prior of the monastery—highlights include his Annunciation, Crucifixion with Saints, and Noli me tangere; The Last Supper by Ghirlandaio; and the Signoria Altarpiece by Fra Bartolomeo. The complex also has a library containing a collection of historic illuminated manuscripts, as well as a modern convent library with books on philosophy and theology.

 

This is one of the most important collections of sacred art in Florence, so book a private museum tour with skip-the-line tickets ahead to avoid a long wait. Many Renaissance Florence walking tours also include a stop at the San Marco Museum.

 

 

The San Marco Museum is located on Piazza San Marco in the historic center of Florence, a short walk from Santa Maria Novella train station or the city’s famous Duomo.

 

The San Marco Museum has a tricky monthly schedule, as it is closed the 2nd and 4th Monday and 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday of each month. Check your calendar carefully, or plan to visit Tuesday through Saturday to avoid confusion.

San Marco was famous as the seat of Girolamo Savonarola, Dominican friar and outspoken religious reformer, during his short spiritual uprising in Florence in the late 15th century.