Things to Do in Italy

Choose from 645 Fun Things to Do in Italy

Sirmione

The town of Sirmione occupies the tip of a tiny peninsular that protrudes into the southern edge of Lake Garda in northern Italy. Its unique position makes it a popular tourist destination.

Sirmione is known to have been a popular resort town since the 1st century B.C.E., largely because of its thermal hot springs. Much of what you see in Sirmione today is newer, but there are Roman ruins in the historic center, too. The remains of a Roman villa are at the end of the peninsula, and are called the Grottoes of Catullus - the name of a Roman poet whose family lived in Sirmione in the 1st century B.C.E.

Another attraction is the Rocca Scaligera, a 13th-century castle. The picturesque and small historic center gets very crowded during the summer months, so if you can spend the night you may enjoy some peace and quiet.

Practical Info

Sirmione is roughly 80 miles from Milan, or about two hours on the faster train. You would need to take the train to nearby Desenzano del Garda, and then take a bus to Sirmione. It may seem easier (and faster) to drive, but because space is limited and the historic center is pedestrianized, parking can be very difficult.

Sirmione, Italy

From $ 80

Scicli

The city of Scicli is the ideal destination for travelers who want to escape Italy’s more traditional tourist attractions in favor of ancient wonders located a bit further from the beaten path. With deep roots in Christianity, some of Scicli’s major landmarks are those with religious ties, including the Church of San Matteo, the church of Santa Maria la Nova, and the Mother Church of Saint Ignatz. The Plazzo Fava, an iconic Baroque palace, is also not to be missed.

The streets of Scicli are lined with wrought iron balconies, historic sculptures, quiet cafes and delicious restaurants, making it the perfect place for visitors to explore on foot. Those who want to venture beyond the city limits will find easy access to bus and train services from this popular destination.

Practical Info

Scicli is located in the Province of Ragusa, in the southeastern part of Sicily and is a UNESCO Wolrd Heritage-listed site. It is known for large religious celebrations that take place around key holidays, like the Presepe, where nativity scenes are acted out around Christmas, and Uomo Vivo, a long religious parade through the city to celebrate Easter.

Scicli, Ragusa, Italy, Italy

From $ 60

Soave

As a small walled village in the Veneto region, Soave has earned a reputation for producing some of the best white wine in Italy. Once a Roman hub on the road from Aquileia to Genoa, it is now a commune of only 7,000 residents. Three varieties of Soave wine are produced with DOC (the Italian mark of quality and tradition) using mostly Garganega grapes. The varieties include Soave classico, recioto di Soave and Soave spumante (sparkling). Wine tasting is available both within the city walls and just outside of them at the many area wineries.

Outside of its excellent food and wine, there is a well-preserved medieval castle high atop a hill overlooking the village that is worth visiting. The three courtyards of the castle contain original frescoes, and impressive, historic portraits are visible throughout the castle. It is also worth exploring the city's medieval walls, which date back to the 13th century and offer wonderful views of the Italian countryside.

Practical Info

Soave is situated south of Bassano del Grappa and 20 km west of Verona. The castle is visible from the A4 Autostrada, and the village is easily accessible by car or bus from Verona. Once there, the area can be explored by foot.

Soave, Veneto, Italy, Italy

From $ 408

Sempione Park (Parco Sempione)

Chic Milan is known for its contemporary elegance and relentless pace, so it may come as a surprise to learn that one of Italy’s loveliest city parks sits at its heart. Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) covers 116 acres (47 hectares) of central Milan, offering a welcome respite from the surrounding urban hustle and bustle.

The Basics

Located just behind Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) and adjacent to the fashionable Brera neighborhood, this public park was laid out in the late 1800s. The grounds include gravel paths, the triumphal Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace), a lake, and even the small Arena Civica used for concerts and sporting events. The park’s Torre Branca tower offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire city. Museums inside the park include the Triennale contemporary art and design museum in the Palazzo dell’Arte and the city’s small aquarium.

Sempione Park is one of the best places in Milan to take a relaxing stroll or bike ride, perhaps as part of a walking or bike tour of the city’s highlights. On sunny weekends, many city residents relax in the park—and there’s no reason you shouldn’t follow suit. It’s also an excellent stop on a Segway or rickshaw tour and is especially recommended as a stop on a kid-friendly private tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

If visiting Milan with kids, Parco Sempione is a great place for them to run around.
The park is the perfect spot to snap unique photos of the city, so be sure to bring your camera.
The park is best explored on foot; choose comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
There are a number of well-maintained gravel and paved paths accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

How to Get There

Parco Sempione is in Milan’s city center, an easy walk from the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The Cadorna and Cairoli Castello metro stops are both just outside the park. Milan is well connected by train to other Italian cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome.

When to Get There

Sempione Park opens at 6:30am daily and closes at 9pm in winter and as late as 11:30pm in summer. It’s relatively empty in the early morning and late evening hours, but during the day—especially in summer—the park serves as a cool oasis for locals and tourists alike.

Seeing the Nearby Last Supper

Santa Maria delle Grazie, the church and monastery that houses Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic The Last Supper mural, is just a 15-minute walk from Parco Sempione, so it’s easy to combine the two sights into a single tour.

Italy

From $ 25

Siena Cathedral (Il Duomo)

Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) is one Tuscany’s most beautiful churches, second perhaps only to Florence's Santa Maria del Fiore. The magnificent Gothic and Romanesque structure is hard to miss thanks to its tall spires, bold white-and-green stripes, and ornate facade. Inside, the cathedral is equally impressive with works of art by Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo.

The Basics

Appreciate Siena Cathedral’s wealth of art and architecture on a guided tour. Skip-the-line entrance tickets grant access to the church, crypt, and baptistry (Battistero di San Giovanni), along with the adjacent Piccolomini Library—frescoed by Pinturicchio—and the Museo dell'Opera. Explore the cathedral complex as part of a city walking tour or on a day trip from Florence to Siena, Pisa, and San Gimignano. Inside the cathedral, highlights include the marble pulpit and floor, numerous statues, and the Chigi and Saint John the Baptist chapels.

Things to Know Before You Go

Modest attire is required to enter the church, so be sure to cover your shoulders and knees.
Walking tours of the cathedral complex and city of Siena cover quite a bit of ground; comfortable shoes are recommended.
While the cathedral is accessible via a secondary entrance to the left of the main staircase, the museum, crypt, and baptistry are not.
Photography isn’t allowed inside the complex.

How to Get There

The Cathedral of Siena is on Piazza Duomo in Siena’s pedestrian-only historic center. It can only be reached on foot.

When to Get There

Siena's cathedral has a breathtaking graffito floor, one of the most impressive in Italy. There are 56 marble panels of biblical and historical scenes, most hidden behind a protective covering and revealed for just a few weeks each summer. Try to time your visit for this period to view this masterpiece.

Siena Cathedral History and the Museo dell'Opera

The cathedral’s construction began in the early 1200s, and after almost a century, Giovanni Pisano, whose style was heavily influenced by his father, Nicola, completed the beautiful facade. Despite an impressive cathedral, Siena's ambitious ruling families decided in the 14th century to double the size of the existing structure into the New Cathedral (Duomo Nuovo). The plague stopped the plan, and today Museo dell'Opera occupies the only nave that was completed. Museo dell'Opera holds many of the cathedral's most important works of art, including Giovanni Pisano’s statues of prophets and philosophers that once adorned the facade and Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maesta. Duccio di Buoninsegna designed the huge rose window, and the gable’s glittering Venetian mosaics were added in the 19th century.

Piazza del Duomo, Siena, Tuscany 53100, Italy

Varies

From $ 14

Scaliger Tombs (Arche Scaligere)

Commemorating the influential Della Scala family, the Scaliger tombs are a series of five Gothic funerary monuments found outside the Santa Maria Antica church in Verona. Dating back to the 14th century, the monuments are famous for their elaborate decoration.

The Basics

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Scaliger family (also known as Della Scala) ruled the city and wielded a great amount of power. Here, the first tomb built—attached to the exterior church wall—belongs to Cangrande I, the most famous of the family dynasty and the protector of the poet Dante. A statue in his likeness on horseback, decorated with harnessed dogs, fronts his tomb (cangrande means “big dog” in Italian).

Other tombs memorialize Mastino II, watched over by a pair of angels, and Cansignorio, whose tomb is the most ornate, with sculptures of warrior saints. The last two tombs stand in memory of Alberto II—simple without a canopy—and Giovanni, whose tomb is also built into the church wall.

Things to Know Before You Go

You can view the Scaliger tombs for free from behind the ironwork fence, or you can pay the entrance fee to see the monuments up close.
Purchase a Verona Card for free entrance to the tombs.
Join a guided walking tour to find out more about the Scaliger family.

How to Get There

The Scaliger tombs are housed in the courtyard of Santa Maria Antica church in central Verona. They’re easily walkable from other areas the city, and they’re accessible by local bus. Walking tours often combine a trip to the tombs with other memorable sights around the city.

When to Get There

The church and courtyard at Santa Maria Antica are open daily. You can pay to enter the courtyard during the daytime, but the tombs are also worth visiting at night—even if you only view them from behind the ornate fence—when floodlights casting long shadows create a spooky atmosphere.

The Santa Maria Antica church

While you’re visiting the tombs, make time to step inside Santa Maria Antica church, which was built in the 7th century AD and went on to serve as the private chapel to the Scaliger family. With striped walls of tufa and brick, the building is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture.

Via Arche Scaligere, Verona 37121, Italy

Varies

From $ 52

Segesta

Perched on a hilltop in Western Sicily, the Segesta Archeological Park is home to spectacular ancient ruins dating from Magna Grecia. Highlights include the main temple, built in the fifth century BC and one of the best-preserved examples of Doric architecture in the world, and the fourth-century-BC Greek theater.

The Basics

Magna Grecia, or the Greek Empire, once covered much of the Mediterranean, lapping at the shores of the Italian peninsula and leaving colonies in Southern Italy and Sicily as far back as eight centuries before Christ; its decline coincided with the rise of Rome in the final centuries BC. Segesta, founded by Sicily’s native Elymian people and conquered by the Greeks, is one of two archaeological parks in Western Sicily (Selinunte is the second) that documents the Greek domination of the island, with a magnificently preserved temple—its 36 Doric columns still standing—and grand open-air amphitheater, which sits atop Mount Barbaro and offers sweeping views over the surrounding valleys.

Segesta is among the most important archaeological sites in Italy, best toured with an archaeological guide who can explain the historical and architectural context of these impressive ruins. Many Segesta tours and shore excursions from Palermo or Trapani also stop at the picturesque hill town of Erice, or you can also join a longer multi-day tour of Western Sicily that includes a stop at Segesta along with the towns of Marsala, Monreale, and Corleone.

Things to Know Before You Go

Tours of the Segesta Archaeological Park require walking over uneven terrain, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen.
Because of the rough terrain, the park is not accessible to wheelchairs.
The amphitheater hosts musical performances during the summer; opening hours may vary on performance days.
There are park shuttles between the parking area and ticket office and between the temple and theater.
There is a small snack bar and souvenir shops in the parking area.

How to Get There

The Segesta Archaeological Park is located between Palermo and Trapani in the countryside of Western Sicily. Take the A29 highway to the Segesta exit and follow the signs to the parking area.

When to Get There

The archaeological park can get uncomfortably hot under the Sicilian sun in the summer, so plan to visit first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon, or time your trip for spring or fall. The amphitheater is often used during the summer months for classical plays; the park may close earlier than usual on performance days.

Selinunte Archaeological Park

Western Sicily’s second archaeological park containing ruins from Magna Grecia is Selinunte. Here the sixth-century-BC temples are more time-worn from sackings, conquests, and earthquakes, but no less evocative, with towering columns resting on original pavement and topped by fragments of architrave.

Contrada Barbaro, Segesta, Italy

Daily from 9am –7pm (summer) or 5pm (winter)

Varies

From $ 116

Serravalle Designer Outlet

Shopping in Milan isn't limited to the boutiques in the city center; there are outlet malls near Milan, too, including the Serravalle Designer Outlet. The town of Serravalle Scrivia is southwest of Milan, en route to Genoa, and the outlet center there has nearly 200 shops. You'll find designer brands like Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, and more, all at discounted outlet prices of 30 to 70 percent off retail.

The outdoor shopping center at Serravalle is Italy's first and largest shopping mall, and the architecture is designed to reflect Italian style.

Practical Info

Serravalle Designer Outlet is open daily from 10am-8pm, and is just under 60 miles from Milan. There's a special shuttle bus service to/from Milan which costs €20-25 for adults and €10 for children ages 4-12. There are three departures from Milan (10, 11am, and 1:30pm) and two departures from the outlets (5 and 8pm).

Via della Moda, 1, Serravalle, Italy

Daily 10am-8pm

From $ 23

Scrovegni Chapel

Padua is an Italian city often overlooked by its famous neighbors (Venice and Verona, to name a few) but is a destination in its own right — full of history, culture, and art. The Scrovegni Chapel is perhaps its best example of this, with an exquisite fresco cycle by Giotto that dates back to the early 14th century. The work is widely considered a masterpiece of Western art.

Decorated with ornate biblical scenes, mostly depicting the lives of Mary and Jesus, the colors and detail are well preserved — having undergone extensive renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also allegorical depictions of the Vices and Virtues. Only 25 people at a time are allowed into the rooms which contain the works, and they are situated in tightly-controlled micro climates.

Scenes are displayed chronologically, with special attention paid to facial expressions of those surrounding key figures. Look closely at the shading and placement of light as well, often leading the eye to where it is intended to focus. The masterful work, which has delighted observers for more than seven centuries, is an excellent example of storytelling through visual art.

Practical Info

Reservations to see the frescoes must be made in advance. Tickets can be purchased online and cannot be sold same day. Visitors will have access to an air-conditioned waiting room prior to entering the rooms, in order to properly acclimate. Tickets are €13 on their own, or included with a purchase of the Padova Card. Visits are scheduled for either 15 or 20 minutes.

Piazza Eremitani, 8, Padova, Italy

9am-7pm

€13

From $ 114

Scaliger Castle

With its drawbridge entrance over a medieval moat, the 13th-century Scaliger Castle, set on the southern shore of Lake Garda, looks like something out of a fairytale. Climb the ramparts and main tower for sweeping views, and visit the collection of artifacts at the nearby Roman Grottoes of Catullus.

The Basics

The Scaliger Castle (Castello Scaligero or Rocca Scaligera) guards the entrance to the medieval town of Sirmione, which is set on the tiny Sirmione peninsula that juts out into Lake Garda and has been a popular resort town since the first century BC, thanks to its natural hot springs. Today, the Scaliger Castle is one of the most popular sights on Lake Garda; it’s a highlight of day trips from Milan or Florence, which often include stops at the Church of San Pietro in Mavino and the Grottoes of Catullus Roman ruins. A particularly picturesque way to see the castle is by boat on a Lake Garda mini-cruise or sunset cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

The castle is wheelchair accessible. There are 150 steps to the top of the main tower, so this attraction is only recommended for those in good shape.
With its fairytale-like turrets and towers, the castle can be fun kids.
Views over the lake from the castle are spectacular, so be sure to bring your camera.
The historic center (centro storico) of Sirmione is pedestrian only and requires a bit of walking. Comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are all recommended.

How to Get There

Sirmione is located in the province of Brescia, about halfway between Milan and Venice. The train stops in the lakeside town of Desenzano del Garda; from there, take a local bus that stops on Piazza Castello, right near the castle. The easiest way to visit, however, is by joining a tour that includes transportation.

When to Get There

Northern Italy's lakes, including Garda, Como, and Maggiore, are particularly crowded in summer, so the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild but sights like the Scaliger Castle are less crowded.

The History of Scaliger Castle

Verona's powerful Scaliger (also known as Della Scala) dynasty had the fortress built to protect the town from attack, and its crenelated towers and fortified walls dominate the sheltered harbor once used by the Scaliger fleets. The castle changed hands over the centuries, but was still used as a garrison until the 19th century; it lost its strategic importance only after the unification of Italy.

Piazza Castello, 1, Sirmione, Lombardy 25019, Italy

Varies

From $ 58

Seven Hills of Rome

From the site of its foundation to the residence of its head of state, Rome’s Seven Hills are an integral part of the city’s historic and cultural identity. Follow Rome’s history, from individual communes to its rise to power as an empire until the present-day. Visitors can find traces of the city’s storied history in the Seven Hills.

The Basics

Before a city called Rome even existed, the area's marshy valleys and steep hills offered natural protection to the individual communities that eventually united as the population increased. In the fourth century BC, Ancient Rome's Servian walls encircled the Seven Hills. While modern Rome has far outgrown its original limits, the Seven Hills area still serves as the geographic and historic heart of the city.

The hills—prominent in ancient times—can be hard to distinguish amid modern Rome’s jumble of buildings, so it's best to visit with a local guide. Touring by Vespa, Italy's famous peppy scooter, is a fun way to see the Seven Hills.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Seven Hills have something for everyone, from Roman ruins for history buffs to sweeping parks for kids.
If you're planning to tour all seven, you'll be outdoors for at least a few hours. Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen in the summer.
The Seven Hills are in a rather compact area, but still require quite a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
Some of the sights on the Seven Hills are accessible to wheelchairs while others are not. Confirm in advance if the individual attractions you would like to visit on each hill are accessible.

How to Get There

The hills of Rome are east of the river Tiber, within the walls of the ancient city and covering most of the historic center of Rome. You can walk between the hills, or take the metro to save time.

When to Get There

Touring the Seven Hills requires being outdoors for a long time, so it’s best done on a clear day when temperatures are mild.

The Seven Hills

Legend states Romulus founded Rome in the central hill of Palatine, now an archaeological site. The largest Esquiline Hill was a park before becoming the site of Domus Aurea. Aventine Hill has its many temples, Capitoline Hill has Rome’s city hall, and Caelian Hill was a fashionable and wealthy district. Quirinal Palace, the Italian head of state’s official residence, sits atop Quirinal Hill, which along with Viminal Hill (Viminale) are two of the smallest hills.

Rome, Italy

From $ 81

Sigurta Park (Parco Giardino Sigurta)

Just outside the resort town of Peschiera del Garda on the shores of Lake Garda, the 19th-century English-style Parco Giardino Sigurtà, or Sigurtà Park, is considered among the most beautiful gardens in Europe, with a Great Lawn, large hedgerow maze, Avenue of the Roses, and Water Gardens.

The Basics

Originally the private grounds of the 17th-century Villa Maffei, the garden was created in the early 19th century by the Marquis Maffei, though fell into a state of abandon when the family line ended a century later. The estate was purchased by the Sigurtà family in 1941, who restored the garden to its original glory and expanded it from its original 54 acres (22 hectares) to its current 148 acres (60 hectares). Sigurtà Park is one of the most popular in Italy, so booking tickets ahead is recommended to avoid the line to enter.

Things to Know Before You Go

The park includes a small area with farm animals that visitors are welcome to pet, especially fun for younger kids.
Visitors can explore on foot by following the free map or app provided at the park entrance, by rental bike or e-bike, by rental GPS-guided golf cart, or aboard the park train or shuttle.
The park is entirely accessible to visitors with disabilities, including the park train.
There are a number of snack bars, a gelato stand, and a pizza-by-the-slice shop inside the park.

How to Get to There

Sigurtà Park is just outside the pretty medieval village of Valeggio sul Mincio. From the A4 highway, take the Peschiera del Garda exit and then follow the signs to Valeggio sul Mincio. From the Peschiera del Garda train station, take APAM bus 46 or ATV bus 479.

When to Get There

The best time to come is during Tulip Mania, a few weeks in early spring when the park’s million tulips bloom in profusion. The park is closed from November to March each year.

Seasonal Blooms at Sigurtà Park

Depending upon the month you visit, you can expect to see the park’s famous tulips along with irises, dahlias, roses, lilies, hydrangeas, hibiscus flowers, and a number of aquatic plants like water lilies and lotus flowers.

Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 1, Valeggio Sul Mincio, Italy

Varies

From $ 14

Santo Stefano Rotondo

Officially called the Basilica of St. Stephen in the Round, Santo Stefano Rotondo gets its more commonly-known nickname from its shape – it's one of the world's oldest and largest circular churches.

The church was built in the 5th century, and although it was altered in the 6th and 7th centuries and then quite drastically in the 15th century, the central part of the church remains the original 5th century design.

In addition to the church's shape, the other main attraction are the gruesome frescoes that line the outer wall. There are 34 scenes of martyrdom depicted, painted in the 16th century, each with a brief explanation of who was martyred and who gave the order.

Practical Info

Santo Stefano Rotondo is open daily from 10am to 1pm year-round, and then 2 to 5pm during the winter and 3 to 6pm during the summer. There is no admission fee, but donations are always greatly appreciated.

Via di Santo Stefano Rotondo, 7, Rome, Italy

Daily from 10am-1pm year-round, and then 2pm-5pm during the winter and 3pm-6pm during the summer.

From $ 43

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, part of Rome’s Vatican Museums, was decorated by art masters Sandro Botticelli and Pinturicchio in the 15th century before being completed with Michelangelo’s stunning 16th-century ceilings frescoes and monumental “The Last Judgement,” which covers the apse wall. The fresco-covered ceiling is the artist’s greatest work and one of the most important masterpieces in history, while the Sistine Chapel serves as a glorious homage to Renaissance art and one of the most visited sights in all of Italy.

The Basics

A Vatican Museums ticket includes access to the Sistine Chapel, and as part of the Vatican Museums, the chapel cannot be visited on its own and can only be entered through the museum complex. Because the Sistine Chapel attracts millions of visitors each year, those who don’t reserve skip-the-line access in advance will find long lines upon arrival. Many travelers find that the complex frescoes are best appreciated with the assistance of an official tour guide, so booking a group tour, an expert guide for a private tour, or even a self-guided audio tour is recommended.

Things to Know Before You Go

Seeing Michelangelo's frescoes can be unforgettable even for kids if seen as part of a small-group or kid-friendly Sistine Chapel and Vatican tour.
Because the chapel is a Catholic church, appropriate attire and decorum are required. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees and to keep your voice low.
Though photography (without flash) is permitted in the Vatican Museums, no photography is allowed in the Sistine Chapel.

How to Get to the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums complex adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. The Ottaviano station on Line A of the city’s underground metro system is about a five-minute walk away.

When to Get There

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are famously crowded, especially during the middle of the day. To skip the line and savor the chapel frescoes in relative peace, reserve an exclusive first-entry or early-access tour in the morning or a night tour after the general public has left. The chapel is often quieter on Wednesday mornings, when the papal address attracts most visitors to St. Peter’s Square instead of the museums.

Sistine Chapel Highlights

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the majesty of Michelangelo’s sumptuous ceiling frescoes, which cover 5,000 square feet (460 square meters) and depict more than 300 figures illustrating the “Creation of the Earth,” the “Creation of Humankind,” and the “State of Humanity.” Take a few moments to focus on and appreciate the iconic scene of the “Creation of Adam” in the ceiling’s central section, one of the most famous and replicated religious paintings of all time.

St Peter’s Square, Vatican City 00120, Italy

Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, last Sunday of the month 9am-2pm

Adults €16, Children €8

From $ 25

Serralunga d'Alba Castle

With its square keep and imposing towers perched on the hilltop above Serralunga village, Serralunga d'Alba Castle commands attention and it boasts an idyllic location, looking out over the UNESCO-listed Barolo vineyards. Built in the 14th-century, the castle never saw battle and remains in remarkable condition with much of the original medieval fortress still intact.

Visitors can explore inside the castle on a guided tour and learn about its unique architecture, which resembles a French donjon rather than an Italian castle; admire the coffered ceiling and magnificent frescoes of the Salone dei Valvassori (Great Hall); and stroll through the Palacium. Don’t forget to take in the views from the ramparts – the castle’s high vantage point affords stunning views over Piedmont and the surrounding vineyards.

Practical Info

Serralunga d'Alba Castle is located in Serralunga, around 11km east of Barolo by car. The castle can be visited by guided tour only (adults: €6) and opening hours are as follows: mid-March-April: Sat-Sun 11am-1pm & 2-6pm; May-June: Mon, Thurs and Fri 2 6pm & Sat-Sun 11am-1pm & 2-6pm; July-Oct: Mon, Thurs and Fri 2-6pm & Sat-Sun Sat-Sun 11am-1pm & 2-6pm.

Via Castello, Serralunga 12060, Italy

Varies

By guided tour only: Adult: £6, Adult: 18-25 years: €3, Child: Free

From $ 122

Scuola Grande di San Rocco (Scuola of San Rocco)

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco was one of the many “Scuole Grandi” in Venice, typically established by the church for charitable purposes. The “Great School” of San Rocco was founded in the 15th century by a group of Venetian aristocrats, although other schools in Venice at the time were more egalitarian - there was no rule against lower classes joining.

The structure of these “Great Schools” was similar from building to building, with a large meeting hall on the main floor and more private meeting rooms on the upper floor. The Scuola di San Rocco was founded in 1478, but the building to house the confraternity wasn’t complete until 1560. The building that is still known as the Scuola of San Rocco is next to the church of San Rocco, from which the society took its name.

The main draw of a visit to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is to see the many paintings by the master Tintoretto. He was commissioned to decorate the new building with his works soon after it was complete, and he worked on the project from 1564-1587. Some of Tintoretto’s best-known works are in the Scuola of San Rocco, along with paintings by Titian.

Practocal Info:

The Grande Scuola di San Rocco is in the Cannaregio sestiere. The building is open for tours from 9:30am-5:30pm, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is €10, which includes an audio-guide.

Sestiere San Polo, 3054, Venice, Province of Venice 30125, Italy

Open 9:30am - 5:30pm Daily except Christmas and New Years.

Adult 10 EUR, 8 EUR for young/seniors, Free Children

From $ 22

Silvano Toti Globe Theatre

Located near the Villa Borghese in the leafy park of the same name, Rome’s answer to London’s Globe Theatre is built in the round, in the style of 16th-century Elizabethan London. Constructed of oak, the Globe opened in 2003 and its construction was financed by Silvano Toti, a wealthy patron of the Italian arts. Now under the eye of art director Gigi Proietti, the playhouse puts on a program of magical works by William Shakespeare between July and September. The roof of the theater is open to the elements and the interior has a capacity for an audience of 1,250. The circular seating is on different levels and balconies overlook the rectangular stage, which is surrounded by standing room for the cheapest ticket holders.

The box office is on Viale Canonica; ticket prices for evening performances at the Globe start at €10 and most plays are presented in Italian, with occasional productions in English. Otherwise the theater can be viewed as part of a tour of the Parco Borghese complex, which also includes the fabulous artworks of the Galleria Borghese, the Pietro Canonica Museum, the Bioparco—Rome’s zoo—and the Pincio Gardens.

Practical Info

Largo Aqua Felix, Villa Borghese, Rome. The season runs Jul–Sept, Tue–Sun, with performances beginning at 9pm. Tickets start at €10 and rise to €28. Access is on foot across the Parco Borghese. There’s car parking on Largo Picasso a few minutes’ walk away. The nearest Metro station is Line A to Flaminio; the nearest bus stop is at Piazzale Brasile. The box office on Viale Canonica is open daily Jun 18–end Sept, 3pm–5pm.

Largo Aqua Felix, Villa Borghese, Rome, Lazio 00197, Italy

Jul–Sept Tue–Sun 9pm. The box office on Viale Canonica is open daily Jun 18–end Sept, 3pm–5pm

between €10 and €28

From $ 45

Sassi di Matera

A warren of cave dwellings and caverns carved into the hillside of Matera’s old town, the Sassi di Matera are one of Italy’s most unique, yet still off-the-beaten-track sights. The labyrinth of troglodyte dwellings date back to prehistoric times and were lived in until the 1950s when the new city was built. Today, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has served as a backdrop for a number of films, including Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.

The Sassi di Matera are divided into two distinct districts—Sasso Caveoso, where the older dwellings give an authentic taste of cave life, and Sasso Barisano, where many of the caves have been repurposed as hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. The best way to explore is on foot, weaving your way through the narrow alleyways, and highlights include a series of cave churches with beautiful preserved frescos; the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitaro, an 18th-century house museum; and the MUSMA art museum, housed in an atmospheric cave.

Practical Info

The Sassi di Matera caves are located in the city of Matera and are open daily from 9am-1pm and 3-7pm.

Matera, Province of Matera, Italy

From $ 52

Santuario de Madonna di San Luca

Perched on Colle della Guardia 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) southwest of Bologna’s historic center, the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca was built to house a Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. Its portico, running from the city’s Porta Saragozza to the hilltop sanctuary, is the longest covered arcade in the world.

The Basics

There has been a church on this spot since the 12th century, though the current Santuario della Madonna di San Luca dates from the 1700s. San Luca’s roofed arcade, consisting of 666 elegant arches and 15 chapels, was built between 1674 and 1793 to protect the sanctuary’s precious icon during religious processions; today it’s a pretty uphill route climbing the over 900 feet (300 meters) in altitude between the historic center and the church. Once at the church, you can admire a number of important works by artists, including Guido Reni and Guercino, in addition to the famed Madonna and Child icon.

The Santuario della Madonna di San Luca is one of the most important churches in Bologna, and city walking or bike tours often include the trip uphill under its famous covered portico, along with attractions like Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio, the Two Towers, and the churches of Santo Stefano and San Domenico.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bologna walking and cycling tours require significant time outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Visitors are required to wear modest attire that covers shoulders and knees to enter the sanctuary.
Photography without flash is allowed inside, though the sanctuary is a pilgrimage site, so taking photographs during Mass or other religious services is discouraged.
The Portico di San Luca and the entrance to the sanctuary church have a number of steps—they’re not accessible to wheelchair users.
Though the ascent is gradual, the route along the portico from Bologna’s center to the sanctuary is uphill and should only be undertaken by those in good physical condition.

How to Get There

The Santuario della Madonna di San Luca is located about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) outside the historic center of Bologna. On foot or bike, follow the covered Portico di San Luca from Porta Saragozza to the church; by car, drive up Colle della Guardia, the road that skirts the portico.

When to Get There

The walk from the Bologna’s center to the outlying sanctuary is one of the prettiest in the city, one that’s especially pleasant on clear, mild days. The church closes at midday on weekdays and Saturdays, but stays open all day on Sundays and Catholic holidays.

The Miraculous Madonna

The sanctuary’s 12th-century icon depicting Mother and Child is one of the most precious religious objects in Bologna, said to have saved the city from torrential rain in 1433. Since then, an annual procession, held on the Saturday preceding the fifth Sunday after Easter, celebrates the miraculous Madonna. The icon is taken from the sanctuary and transported under the covered portico first to the Cathedral of San Pietro and then to the Basilica of San Petronio, where it stays for a week before returning to its home up the hill.

36 Via di San Luca, Bologna 40135, Italy

Free

From $ 6

Scala Santa and Chapel of San Lorenzo

Containing 28 steps in total, the Scala Santa (which translates to Holy Steps) are believed to have been carried from Jerusalem to Rome by St. Helena in the year 326. Many make religious pilgrimages to this site, as the white marble steps are said to be those walked upon by Jesus Christ during the Passion.

It is believed that the steps of Scala Santa once led to the Praetorium of the palace of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, where Jesus was condemned. St. Helena brought them to Rome to her son, the emperor Constantine, who was building a basilica. The stairs were installed and still lead to the Sancta Sanctorum or Chapel of San Lorenzo, the private chapel of early popes. The interior of the chapel is richly decorated with frescoes depicting both the Old and New Testament.

Today the steps are protected by a wooden boards in the old Lateran palace and by tradition must be ascended on the knees. Over the centuries, several popes have participated in this devotion.

Practical Info

Scala Sancta (the Holy Stairs) is open daily from 6 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm. There is no charge for admission, and no reservation needed. To access the Sancta Sanctorum there is a €3.50 admission fee. Both are located in the Rione Monti of Rome at Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 14. The closest metro stop is San Giovanni.

Scala Sancta, Rome, Italy

Daily from 6 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm.

From $ 41