Choose from 645 Fun Things to Do in Italy
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Palazzo Valentini Domus Romane (Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini)
When the 16th-century Palazzo Valentini underwent a major renovation in 2005, the magnificent remains of two ancient Roman villas and thermal baths dating from the 4th century AD were discovered underground. After years of additional excavation, this 20,000-square-foot Domus Romane complex is now open to the public.
The Basics
Because it was buried for newer palaces for centuries, the Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini"”or Roman Houses of Palazzo Valentini"”archaeological site is well-preserved today, and visitors can still view original staircases, frescoes, mosaics, and inlaid marble pavement, which is protected by a glass floor. Multimedia light shows bring the ruins to life, revealing how these elegant villas"”owned by Imperial Rome's most powerful families"”once looked and offering visitors a glimpse into life in ancient Rome. In addition, a newly unearthed underground area opposite Trajan's Column holds the remains of a monumental public building; a virtual reconstruction of the column and its surrounding area show what they looked like during their heyday. These archaeological sites are only open to the public via a guided Roman Domus of Palazzo Valentini tour, so it's essential to book ahead.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is a fascinating stop for anyone interested in ancient Rome, and the multimedia effects make it particularly engaging for older kids.
- The archaeological remains are spread out over a number of different levels, and visitors using a wheelchair must contact the site ahead of time to arrange entrance.
- Large bags and backpacks cannot be taken inside.
- You'll be spending your visit on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes.
How to Get There
Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini archaeological site is located beneath the seat of Rome's Provincial Administration on Via IV Novembre near Piazza Venezia and the Roman Forums (Foro Traiano and Fori Imperiali). There are a number of bus routes that stop in Piazza Venezia, and the Colosseo metro stop is about a 10-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The Domus Romane is open daily except for Tuesdays and December 25, January 1, and May 1. In summer and on wet days, the tour doubles as an especially pleasant respite from the heat or rain.
Ancient Rome and Modern Technology
The Palazzo Valentini Domus Romane is one of a number of Roman archaeological sites that use light and sound effects to demonstrate the splendor of Imperial Rome; others to check out include the Ara Pacis and the Domus Aurea.
Address: Via IV Novembre, 119A, Rome, Italy
From $ 57
Piazza delle Erbe
Translating to Square of Herbs, Verona's Piazza delle Erbe is the city's central square and host to the local market. It has been the center of political and economic life in Verona for centuries. It was also once the site of a Roman forum. The 272-foot Tower Lamberti, the tallest tower in Verona, stands in the piazza topped by an octagon-shaped structure that holds the 1464 Rengo and Marangona bells. Palazzo Commune, Verona's town hall building, is also located here. It was built in the Middle Ages, but renovations in the 19th century added a neoclassical facade.
Also located in Piazza delle Erbe is Torre Gardello, which was built in 1370 but not finished until 1626. Palazzo Mafei is a Baroque building on top of which are sculptures of the gods Jupiter, Venus, Apollo, Hercules and Minerva. The most popular attraction in the square is the 14th-century Madonna Verona Fountain, also known as the Virgin of Verona.
Practical Info
Piazza delle Erbe is located between Via Mazzini and the Corso Porta Borsari.
Address: Verona, Italy
From $ 365
Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri
The imposing Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri sits at one side of the Piazza Marina, today home to the administrative offices of the University of Palermo, was once a fortified private home.
The palace was built in 1307 as the private home of the Chiaramonte family. The most notable interior decorations, however, were added later in the 14th century. In particular, the Grand Hall has a huge painted wooden ceiling. The scenes captured by artists include some Biblical stories, some from mythology, and others.
After the palace was no longer a private home, it was used as a prison by the Spanish Inquisition (there are small cells with anguished graffiti on the walls), and later as Palermo's courthouse. Today, part of the palace is where the city's university is headquartered, though much of the building is also a popular attraction for visitors.
Practical Info
In addition to the gruesome sights in the palace related to the Spanish Inquisition, there is also an art collection worth seeing. The best-known piece in the collection is a painting called, "La Vucciria," after the bustling Palermo market, by Sicilian painter Renato Guttuso.
Address: Piazza Marina 61, Palermo, Sicily 90133, Italy
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-7pm
Admission: €8 adults, €5 adults over 65/children ages 10-17, children under 10 FREE
From $ 23
Piazza de Ferrari
Piazza de Ferrari is the expansive main square in Genoa, separating the historic district from the modern city center. Its large fountain is the square's centerpiece and a central meeting point for tourists and locals alike. The piazza is named for Raffaele de Ferrari, who donated a lot of money to help expand Genoa's port in the 1800s.
The Basics
Piazza de Ferrari is a bustling area featuring many important buildings such as the Palazzo Ducale, once the Palace of the Doge of Genoa and now used as a cultural center; the neoclassical opera house of Genoa, Teatro Carlo Felice; and the old stock exchange building. You can walk to the piazza and stroll around on your own, or book a city sightseeing tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore Piazza de Ferrari and other Genoese landmarks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The piazza is a must-visit for first-time visitors to Genoa, especially those who love architecture.
- There is little shade in the piazza, so bring sun protection if you plan to visit during the day.
- The streets in and around the piazza are cobblestone and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes to walk around.
- Strollers and wheelchairs may have some trouble navigating the bumpy piazza.
How to Get There
Piazza de Ferrari is located in the heart of Genoa, in the Molo neighborhood. It's an easy walk from the historic city center and the Old Port. Alternatively, take the metro to the De Ferrari stop; a number of city buses also stop in the main square.
When to Get There
As Piazza de Ferrari is Genoa's main square, it is always bustling. The piazza hosts many events throughout the year, including the lighting of the city's Christmas tree and the Genoa City Festival. The best times to visit Genoa are between May and September, when the weather is warm and relatively dry.
Palazzo Ducale
One of the piazza's most significant structures is the Palazzo Ducale, the grand mansion of the former Doge of Genoa. The large palace was built in 1298 and is filled with sculptures, frescoes, and marble columns"”flaunting the wealth of Genoa during its peak maritime trade. The palace is also home to La Grimaldina, or the People's Tower, which served as a jail for political prisoners and commoners.
Address: Piazza de Ferrari, Genoa, Italy
From $ 17
Music Museum (Museo della Musica)
A nod to Venice's rich classical musical heritage, the small but fascinating Music Museum (Museo della Musica) is one of the city's little-known gems. Housed in the beautifully restored church of Chiesa di San Maurizio, the museum explores the art of violin making and the preservation of rare musical instruments.
The Basics
Visitors can learn more about Venice's most famous composer, Antonio Vivaldi, and gain insight into the city's violin-making legacy, but the most compelling aspect of this free museum are the instruments themselves, dating from the 17th to the 19th century. The collection includes a wide variety of string instruments, including violins, cellos, and harps, with highlights including a 19th-century lyre and an exquisite mandolin inlaid with mother-of-pearl. True lovers of classical music can combine a tour of this small museum with an evening concert in the nearby Church of San Vidal by the Interpreti Veneziani ensemble, which performs works by famous Italian and German baroque composers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This specialty museum is one of the best in the city of Venice and especially worth a stop for musicians and music lovers.
- The Music Museum is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing if visiting as part of a walking tour.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside the museum, though much of the collection is stored in glass cases so not easy to photograph.
How to Get There
The Music Museum (Museo della Musica) is located inside the Chiesa di San Maurizio (Church of San Maurizio) on Campo San Maurizio, a short walk from Piazza San Marco.
When to Get There
If visiting in the popular summer months, you can duck into the Music Museum to escape the crowds during the peak hours of midday and have a few minutes of quiet respite while enjoying the impressive collection.
Antonio Vivaldi
One of Italy's most famous musicians, Vivaldi was born in Venice in the 17th century and wrote a number of the most recognized pieces of classical music in the world, including The Four Seasons. His work greatly influenced later composers like Bach.
Address: Campo San Maurizio, Venice, Italy
From $ 39
Palazzi dei Rolli
It's often said that all of Genoa's historic center is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but in truth the designation is more specific. It includes the city's "Strade Nuove," or new streets, and the system of "Palazzi dei Rolli."
The collection is made up of 42 palaces, all built in the 16th-18th centuries, which were listed on city's register "“ the rolls, or "rolli," which later gave the system of palaces its name. Each time a dignitary was on a state visit to Genoa, he or she needed a place to stay that was worthy of his or her status. The palazzo that got the honor was chosen at random from the "rolli."
The Palazzi dei Rolli were an early example of a city and its citizens forming a partnership of architectural design as well as cooperative urban planning. The palaces are unique, but they are of a design that suits the overall style. The Palazzi dei Rolli were added to UNESCO's list in 2006.
Practical Info
There were different categories of Palazzi dei Rolli, and most of the top tier palaces were on Via Garibaldi, Via Lomellini, and Via Balbi.
Address: Genoa, Italy
From $ 17
Piazza Brà
Home to the city's town hall and other important buildings, Piazza Bra sits at the heart of life in Verona. The huge city square welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to stroll the wide expanse, enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the al fresco restaurants, or attend one of the regular music performances held at the Verona Arena.
The Basics
Any visitor to Verona can expect to cross Piazza Bra at least once during their stay. On the west side of the square is Portoni della Bra"”a grand arched entryway"”and the impressive Gran Guardia Palace. On the south side is the Barbieri Palace, now the city's town hall. The square is a frequent stop on guided walking or bike tours of the city.
On the north side is the liston, a parade of cafes and restaurants named after the paving stones that line the area that's ideal for people watching over a cappuccino. On the east side is perhaps the most famous of all Verona's attractions, the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater that seats 15,000 people. In summer, grand-scale operas are held here"”it's an annual event that is famous worldwide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you're planning to attend a performance at the Verona Arena, book in advance.
- A small shaded garden in the square surrounds a fountain and a bronze statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy.
- Visitors can find out more about the buildings in the square on a guided walking tour.
How to Get There
Piazza Bra is located in the center of Verona. It's accessible on foot, by bus, taxi, or as part of a bike or Segway tour of the city center.
When to Get There
A public square, Piazza Bra is open 24 hours a day all year round. Cafes and restaurants are busy at the usual hours, especially in summer. For the best people watching, head to the square early evening to take part in the daily passeggiata, a tradition when Italian families and groups of friends take a stroll before dinner.
Explore Verona Arena
Dominating the eastern side of Piazza Bra is the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater built during the first century AD to hold up to 30,000 people. Visitors can peek inside on a guided tour, or, better yet, by attending one of the summertime opera performances.
Address: Piazza Brà, Verona, Italy
From $ 23
Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
Rome's opera house, the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, is a 19th-century theater in the city center and the Italian capital's main opera house.
The original theater opened in 1880 with the name Teatro Costanzi. It was later renamed the Teatro Reale dell'Opera and underwent some minor structural changes in the 1920s, and renamed again in 1946 as the Teatro dell'Opera. The theater was largely remodeled in the late 1950s to the structure that stands today.
The theater has five tiers of seating in a semicircle around the floor seating and facing the stage. Three of the tiers have theater boxes, while the uppermost two tiers have several graduated rows of seating. Like many great theaters, it is bedecked in red velvet and accented with gold. The current seating capacity is 1,600 people.
The theater hosts opera performances as well as ballet and other concerts. The seasons for each vary, as do ticket prices for various shows. There are tours of the opera house available, however, on Mondays from 10:00am-2:00pm.
Practical Info
During the summer months, the opera company performs outdoors at the Baths of Caracalla rather than inside the Teatro dell'Opera.
Address: Piazza Beniamino Gigli 1, Rome, Lazio 00184, Italy
Hours: Monday tours available10am-2pm
Admission: (Monday tours of the opera house) €10
From $ 149
Scuola of San Giovanni Evangelista
The Scuola of San Giovanni Evangelista is a confraternity of the church of San Giovanni Evangelista. This was an association of lay people dedicated to Christian beliefs and linked with the church. It was originally established in the church of San Aponal in 1261, making it the oldest of the six Great Schools of the former Republic of Venice, but it 1307 it was moved. The Scuola became famous in 1369 when the confraternity's Guardian Grande received the Relic of the Cross as a present. Many artists depicted this relic in paintings at the time.
During the 19th century, the Austrian government threatened to take the Scuola's beautiful marble floor. The Venetians organized to raise enough money to buy the building, saving it from being picked apart. They donated it to the world of art, and today it is an art museum where visitors can view its Hall of Columns, Monumental Staircase, the atrium, a variety of marble, and the works of art that decorate the walls.
Practical Info
Scuola of San Giovanni Evangelista is located on Calle de la Laca in the San Polo district.
Address: San Polo, 2454, Venice, Italy
Hours: Vary
Admission: €5
From $ 12
Lido Mazzarò
Taormina is one of Sicily's most popular beach resort towns, but the town itself is high above the water. The closest beaches are in the Mazzaro area, just below Taormina.
The Lido Mazzaro is a beautiful stretch of beach between two rocky promontories. The famous Isola Bella is on one side of the bay - you can walk to the tiny island at low tide via a sand bar, which gets covered at high tide. On the other side of the bay is a sea cave called the Grotta Azzurra - Blue Cave - in which the water glows in the sunlight.
Like many beaches in the area, Mazzaro is a pebbly beach rather than sandy. Its proximity to Taormina makes it among the most popular beaches along this stretch of the Sicilian coastline, and there are parts of the Lido Mazzaro that are free as well as others for which visitors pay a daily fee to get access to an already-set up beach chair and umbrella.
Those who aren't spending a whole day at the beach can still enjoy the sights and sun of Lido Mazzaro. There are several boat tours along the Taormina coastline that include this pretty beach as well as interesting geologic formations such as the Grotta Azzurra.
Practical Info
One of the things that makes Lido Mazzaro so popular among people staying in Taormina is access. The cable car connects central Taormina with the beach easily - it's a 15-minute ride one-way.
Address: Mazzaro, Sicily 98039, Italy
From $ 359
Marmolada
The highest mountain in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy, Marmolada has five peaks, all standing between 3,000"“3,343 m (9,842.5"“10,968 ft); of these Punta Penia is the highest. The northern slopes of the mountain are covered in the only sizeable glacier in the Dolomites, the Ghiacciaio della Marmolada.
Known as the "˜Queen of the Dolomites' and famous for its summer hiking and winter ice climbing, Marmolada forms part of the Dolomiti Superski area, with 1,200 km (750 miles) of groomed pistes. The Bellunese is its longest run at 12-km (7.5-mile) and heads down to Malga Ciapela in the Pettorina valley; this resort is the starting point for the legendary Sellaronda ski tour through the valleys of Arabba, Fassa, Gardena and Badia. From Malga Ciapela a cable car goes up to the peak of
Marmolada's Punta Rocca at 3,309 m (10,856 ft) for glorious views over the jagged, snow-capped summits of the Dolomites and "“ on a clear day "“ even to Venice.
Marmolada and the Dolomites formed the natural barrier that divided Italy from the last fragments of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and was location of much military action during World War I, when Austrian soldiers dug far in to the cliffs of its
northern slopes and resisted Italian attack. The Museum of the Great War up at Serauta is the highest museum in Europe and showcases photos, uniforms, weapons and medals from the conflict; caves and tunnels dug out by the warring factions can
be explored close by.
Practical Info
Dolomites. Malga Ciapela is two hours 20 minutes from Venice by car along the A27.
Address: Trentino 32020, Italy
From $ 127
Palazzo Ducale
From the 14th through the 18th centuries, the rulers of Genoa were called doges, and they ruled from the Doge's Palace "“ the Palazzo Ducale in Italian "“ in the historic city center. Today, the palace is open to the public as a museum.
The Palazzo Ducale was built starting in the 1250s, although the finishing touches on the building weren't complete until the 1530s. The palace once served as both the residence for the ruling doge and the offices from which he would govern the Republic of Genoa. The palace was added to at various points over the years, and partially rebuilt twice (once after a fire in the 1770s).
There are two main entrances to the Palazzo Ducale. The main entrance is on the Piazza Matteotti, and a secondary entry is on the famous Piazza de Ferrari. Today, the palace serves various civil functions. There are regular exhibitions held in the palace, including visiting contemporary art shows, as well as a couple of large halls that are often used for events. Those halls are decorated with historic frescoes, making the venue part of the highlight of any event held there.
Practical Info
The Palazzo Ducale is open every day, but since the exhibitions change regularly you'll need to consult the tourist information office in Genoa or simply visit the Doge's Palace to find out what's on display when you're in the city.
Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice 31024, Italy
Admission: 16.00 euros
From $ 17
Madonna dell'Orto Church
The Church of the Madonna dell'Orto is a small church in Venice, built in the 14th century by a religious order that no longer exists. Roughly 100 years after it was built, it was taken over by a different congregation. After another 200 years, the church was again taken over by another religious order, and in 1787 the church fell under public administration.
The Madonna dell'Orto church was reopened in 1868 and has undergone several restorations in the 20th century. While the church is officially dedicated to Saint Christopher, it's most commonly known by its nickname, "Madonna dell'Orto" - "Madonna of the Orchard." The name comes from a statue of the Virgin Mary that was commissioned for a different church in the 15th century, rejected by that church, and left in a nearby orchard. The supposedly miraculous statue was brought to the church that would later bear its name, and the statue is still on display in the St. Mauro Chapel.
Artwork inside the Madonna dell'Orto includes work by Tintoretto, Bellini, and Molinari. Tintoretto is also buried in this church, which is in the Cannaregio sestiere.
The Madonna dell'Orto church was reopened in 1868 and has undergone several restorations in the 20th century. While the church is officially dedicated to Saint Christopher, it's most commonly known by its nickname, "Madonna dell'Orto" - "Madonna of the Orchard." The name comes from a statue of the Virgin Mary that was commissioned for a different church in the 15th century, rejected by that church, and left in a nearby orchard. The supposedly miraculous statue was brought to the church that would later bear its name, and the statue is still on display in the St. Mauro Chapel.
Artwork inside the Madonna dell'Orto includes work by Tintoretto, Bellini, and Molinari. Tintoretto is also buried in this church, which is in the Cannaregio sestiere.
Address: Cannareggio, 3512, Venice, Province of Venice 30121, Italy
From $ 75
Museum of the Automobile (Museo dell'Automobile)
Turin is headquarters to Fiat and Alfa Romeo, so it's only fitting that the city is home to the Museum of the Automobile, as well. With one of the largest collections of cars on display in Europe, this museum is a mecca for antique car enthusiasts as well as those interested in prototypes for cars of the future.
The Basics
The Museum of the Automobile (Museo dell'Automobile) was founded in 1932, making it one of the oldest automobile museums in the world. In 2011, the complex underwent an extensive renovation and reopened with a contemporary new look and engaging curation. Its three floors walk visitors through the automotive history of not just Italy, but the world, with a collection of nearly 200 cars (including some of the first cars made in Italy), as well as racing cars made by Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. There are cars from eight different countries on display, plus an extensive library on automotive history.
A stop at the Museum of the Automobile is a must for car buffs, and the museum can be visited during a hop-on-hop-off tour of Turin along with other city sights like Piazza Castello, the Mole Antonelliana, Piazza Carlo Felice, and the Duomo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts a number of temporary exhibitions dedicated to automobiles and automotive history.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- The Museum of the Automobile is especially engaging for kids interested in cars.
- There is a museum shop and cafe located in the ground-floor atrium.
How to Get There
The Museum of the Automobile is located just south of the center of Turin just along the Po River, and is well-served by a number of city bus lines and the Lingotto metro stop. Turin is a major transport hub in northern Italy, and it's connected by high-speed rail to other important Italian cities like Milan, Rome, Florence, and Venice.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily except Monday afternoons and Tuesday mornings. It's best to visit on weekdays, when the space is less crowded than it is on weekends.
Turin's Automotive Past
The sprawling Lingotto building, just around the corner from the Museum of the Automobile, was originally a FIAT automobile factory that opened in the 1920s and was shuttered in 1982. Architect Renzo Piano revamped the complex, and it now contains concert halls, a theater, a convention and shopping center, and a hotel. Visitors can still see the original internal spiral roadway used to move cars through the vertical assembly line and the rooftop test track.
Address: Corso Unitàd'Italia, 40, Torino, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Piazza Duomo
The city's most memorable architectural and navigational landmark, Piazza Duomo is the buzzing center of downtown Catania and a strategic starting point for walking tours of the city. The UNESCO-listed square is encircled with grand buildings, the creative vision of local architect Vaccarini and a prime example of the acclaimed Sicilian Baroque style.
Dominating the northern edge of the piazza is the ornate Palazzo Degli Elefanti, now housing the City Hall, while the palatial Cathedral of Sant'Agata looms to the east, flanked by the elegant Bishop's Palace and the arched walkway of the Porta Uzeda. At the center of the square is Duomo's star attraction - Giovanni Battista's Fontana dell'Elefante, a monumental fountain crowned by the city's emblem - a statue of an elephant carrying an obelisk, sculpted from volcanic rock and dating back to 1736.
Practical Info
Piazza Duomo is located in the center of downtown Catania, at the meeting point of major boulevards Via Etnea, Via Garibaldi and Via Vittorio Emanuele II.
Address: Catania, Italy
From $ 48
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica is one of the most important and elegant squares in the heart of Florence, lined with porticoed 19th-century palazzi, Grand Dame hotels, high-end boutiques, bustling restaurants, and historic cafes. A stroll through this beautiful public space is a must during any Florence sightseeing tour.
The Basics
Florence's main square is located on the site of the city's ancient Roman Forum, which later became the market square dedicated to commerce while the Piazza del Duomo was the center of religious and civic affairs and Piazza della Signoria was the city's political heart. A warren of narrow lanes crowded with buildings, churches, towers, and palaces sprang up in the area surrounding the market square, a portion of which became the Jewish ghetto. Today's sweeping space was created by razing almost all of this neighborhood as part of a 19th-century urban renewal project during the brief period when Florence was capital of the newly united nation of Italy. Today the only original architectural detail that remains is the 15th-century Colonna dell'Abbondanza, marking the historic center of the square.
Piazza della Repubblica is generally included in private or small-group Florence walking tours, or Florence tours by Segway or electric bike. In addition to this landmark square, skip-the-line Florence highlights tours may include the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo's David statue in the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia), Piazzale Michelangelo, Palazzo Vecchio, the Florence Duomo, and Santa Croce (Basilica di Santa Croce).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don't miss the square's most famous landmarks: the historic literary cafes and the Hotel Savoy.
- With its lively merry-go-round and street performers, Piazza della Repubblica is a fun stop for kids.
- Most tours of the historic center of Florence and Piazza della Repubblica are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- The wide and flat public square is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
How to Get There
Piazza della Repubblica is located in the historic city center of Florence, just a short stroll down the Via Roma pedestrian thoroughfare from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo).
When to Get There
The square is a lively spot to visit year-round, but during the winter holidays many of the shops and businesses surrounding the square are decorated with abundant fairy lights, making it especially magical at night.
The Cafes of Piazza della Repubblica
At the end of the 19th century, the literary cafes lining Piazza della Repubblica became a meeting place for Florentine scholars, writers, and artists. Many of these spots are still open more than a century later; among the most famous are Giubbe Rosse and Gilli.
Address: Florence, Tuscany, Italy, Italy
From $ 3
Piazza Caricamento
One of Genoa's main public squares "“ the Piazza Caricamento "“ is located along its famous waterfront.
Whether you're in Genoa because you're on a cruise or you're simply visiting this historic city on your own, you'll no doubt spend plenty of time at the city's waterfront. The port is Italy's largest, so there's always lots going on, which makes the placement of the Piazza Caricamento particularly good for anyone who likes people-watching.
The piazza sits across from the pier on which the Genoa Aquarium sits, and extends underneath a road overpass away from the harbor. The 13th-century Palazzo San Giorgio sits on the piazza's southern end.
Practical Info
Piazza Caricamento is a popular meeting point for many guided tours, and there's a tourist information office located in the square.
Address: Genoa, Italy
From $ 17
Piazza Unità d'Italia
Trieste's magnificent Piazza Unità d'Italia (Unity of Italy Square, also known as Piazza Grande), facing the Adriatic Sea, is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. This large open space"”the largest seafront square in Europe"”lined with sumptuous 19th- and 20th-century palaces and historic cafes, is the very heart of the city.
The Basics
The palaces around Trieste's main square now house City Hall, the headquarters of the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and the prefecture. There are also a number of literary cafes on the square"”most famously the Caffè degli Specchi, dating from 1839 and a favorite haunt of Joyce, Kafka, and Italo Svevo"”and the elegant 18th-century Fountain of the Four Continents in the center.
For an in-depth exploration of the square, join a private tour to discover Trieste that also hits nearby highlights like the Castle of San Giusto and Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The center of Trieste is compact, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes if joining a walking tour.
- Since the square is closed to traffic, it's a relaxing spot for a stroll with kids.
- As one of the main ports for coffee imports in Europe, Trieste has a strong coffee culture, and the square is crowded with vibrant cafes.
- Piazza Unità d'Italia is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Trieste is located in northern Italy, just across the border from Slovenia, and makes an easy day trip from Venice. Centrally located Piazza Unita d'Italia is a short walk from the train station.
When to Get There
The best time of day to visit the square is after sunset, when it twinkles with lights and offers lovely views over the Gulf of Trieste. The square hosts a pretty Christmas market in December.
The Square as Concert Hall
Piazza Unità d'Italia has been a venue for a number of large rock concerts, including international acts like Iron Maiden and Green Day as well as Italian stars including Franco Battiato.
Address: Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, Trieste, Italy
From $ 207
Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale)
Some cemeteries are like small cities, such as the Monumental Cemetery in Milan. It's the second-largest cemetery in Milan, and its paths are adorned with a fantastic array of sculptural tombs.
Milan's Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale in Italian) was opened in 1866, originally built to consolidate the large number of smaller cemeteries around the city. Two new and very large cemeteries were created: one for the wealthy (Cimitero Monumentale) and one for everyone else (Cimitero Maggiore). Because it has been the final resting place for so many wealthy and famous people over the years, the tombs and mausoleums are often works of art.
Argentina's Eva Peron was secretly buried in this Milan cemetery until 1971 because of anti-Peron sentiments in her home country, and Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi was buried here for about a month before his body was moved. Today, the main draw for non-Italian visitors is the way the cemetery resembles an outdoor sculpture garden.
Practical Info
The cemetery's main entrance is through a building called the "Famedio," part memorial chapel and part mausoleum for famous graves. Cimitero Monumentale is open Tuesday-Sunday from 8am-6pm. Guided tours are free, but must be booked in advance. Admission is also free.
Address: Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, Milano 20154, Italy
Hours: Tue-Sun 8am-6pm
From $ 25
Marina Grande
Sorrento's tiny fishing village of Marina Grande is known for its colorful wooden boats bobbing in the harbor, and local fishermen still mend their nets by hand just steps from sunbathers along the beach. At the heart of Marina Grande is the Church of Sant'Anna, dedicated to the town's patron saint, and a shore lined with small, family-run restaurants serving fresh Mediterranean fish and seafood.
The Basics
Connected to the historic center of Sorrento by a stone staircase, Marina Grande is best explored on foot. Escape the crowds in central Sorrento for a few hours at a waterfront restaurant or on the volcanic sand beach. Located adjacent to bustling Marina Piccola where ferries and cruise ships dock, Marina Grande has a rustic charm that seems worlds away from the busy port next door.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ferries and private boat tours depart from Marina Piccola, just to the east along the Sorrento Coast. To get from one port to the other, go uphill to the center of Sorrento and back down the cliff on foot or by bus on the other side.
- For visitors with limited mobility, taking a taxi or private transfer from the center of Sorrento to Marina Grande is the best option as the walk is steep and the public buses are not always accessible.
- A few hours in Marina Grande provides a perfect break for kids, who love to watch the fishing boats come and go and play on the adjacent beach.
How to Get to There
From Piazza Vittoria in central Sorrento, walk along the lane that skirts Hotel Bellevue Syrene to the stairs that lead downhill to Marina Grande. Buses also connect Piazza Tasso in Sorrento with Marina Grande.
When to Get There
Italy's southern coastline is very crowded in summer, so visiting in the slower spring or fall months is strongly recommended. Visit the Church of Sant'Anna on the Sunday after her Saint's Day (July 26) to participate in the festivities with song, dance, and fireworks; on other nights of the year, the sunset over the water is festive enough.
Marina Piccola in Sorrento
The Marina Grande fishing village is adjacent to Sorrento's Marina Piccola, the main transportation hub for ferries to and from the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri, and other destinations in Campania. Take the ferry for a day trip to Capri to see the Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto; during the summer months, ferries also run to Positano and Amalfi, where you can catch a local bus up to Ravello. To visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, take the Circumvesuviana train from the station in central Sorrento.
Address: Sorrento, Campania 80073, Italy
From $ 80