Italy is a country rich in history, art, culture and unique landscapes capable of offering something special in every place. Among the many wonders, however, stand out six destinations to see at least once in life.
“What is the most beautiful place in Italy” is a question that is impossible to answer. In fact, we could talk for hours and days about our extraordinarily diverse land, where history, art, culture and natural beauty are intertwined. Every region, every city and every corner has something to tell and a heritage to discover.
What to see in Italy at least once in a lifetime
The six selected destinations define which are the most beautiful trips that you can do at least once in your life. These destinations, although different from each other, share the ability to offer unforgettable experiences.
- Venice: A fairy tale on the water
Venice is a magical city, a labyrinth of canals, bridges and narrow alleys that fascinates and enchants every visitor. It is unique in the world.
Getting lost in the Venetian streets, climbing a gondola to move along the canals and visiting iconic places like St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge are must-see experiences.
To fully explore the City of Canals it is impossible to miss a gondola tour at sunset or not taste the Venetian cuisine in traditional bacari.
- Milan: the fashion capital
Milan is one of the places to visit in northern Italy. It’s dynamic and cosmopolitan, famous for its vibrant fashion scene. It is here that you will find the so-called Quadrilatero della Moda, an area in the center known for its concentration of high fashion boutiques, luxury jewelry stores, showrooms and studios of internationally famous designers. It extends approximately between four main streets: Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Corso Venezia.
The city is rich in history and culture. In addition to visiting the Duomo, one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic architecture, you can walk along the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, admire the masterpieces kept at the Pinacoteca di Brera or visit the Castello Sforzesco.
The walk on the Navigli has become almost a must. Here you will find a lively culinary and cultural scene, with open-air markets, trendy cafés and art galleries.
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- Cinque Terre: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Cinque Terre are a gem of the Italian coast, a stretch characterized by five picturesque colorful villages that cling to the cliffs overlooking the sea. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare offer wonderful views that open on the Ligurian Sea, spectacular hiking trails and an authentic and friendly atmosphere.
Visiting the main villages is not enough to say that you have explored the wonders of the territory. Why leave the area without enjoying the local cuisine? Among the many delicacies, Ligurian pesto and fresh fish dishes stand out.
- Florence: the cradle of the Renaissance
Florence is a city of art without equal, a real open-air museum. It is not by chance that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just stroll through the streets of the center to understand why and take a dip in the past.
At every corner, unique sceneries open up. This is the case of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, the Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio
Among the places not to be missed are the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti. From there, you can also reach the Boboli Gardens to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
To fully experience the city of Florence, you can stop at a Florentine trattoria to taste the ribollita, the tomato pappa and the Florentine.
- Rome: the Eternal City
Rome catapults back in time with its ancient monuments and cobblestone streets. However, the city mixes the ancient and modern, the sacred and profane.
Among the must-see attractions of the Eternal City are the Colosseum, the Imperial Fora and the Pantheon, silent witnesses to the greatness of the Roman Empire.
Walking through the cobbled streets of the centre of Rome you can reach the districts of Monti, Trastevere, San Lorenzo and Pigneto.
The list of the wonders of the capital is very long, but among those must-see places are Piazza Navona, Castel Sant’Angelo, Villa Borghese, the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Rome also has some of the strange places to visit in Italy, from the Crypt of the Capuchins that houses the remains of thousands of buried friars in Palazzo Zuccari characterized by monstrous jaws at the Casina delle Civette design halfway between a castle and a refuge.
The capital is also rich in gastronomy. Among the typical dishes and delicacies not to be missed there are carbonara, the cheese and pepper, amatriciana, supplì, artichokes giudia, tripe, coda alla vaccinara, saltimbocca. Delicious also the desserts such as maritozzo with cream, the roman frappe and the ricotta tart and sour cherries.
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- Amalfi Coast: A Paradise on the Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of the beautiful places to visit in Italy, one of the most fascinating coastal destinations that capture the view and the heart with its enchanting villages, the cliffs overlooking the sea and hidden beaches. Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Vietri sul Mare offer wonderful landscapes, winding streets and delicious cuisine based on local ingredients such as lemons, fish and olive oil.
You can have a privileged perspective of the Amalfi Coast by walking along the Path of the Gods, a panoramic path along the Lattari Mountains that offers breathtaking views of the coast.
Cooking as an integral part of the journey
Considering the gastronomy of each place as an integral part of a trip is very important because it offers a complete and authentic experience of the place visited.
When you travel, tasting local dishes allows you to live an engaging and rewarding experience that connects with the traditions and people of the place.
Finally, the flavors and scents of the dishes enjoyed during the trip are permanently etched in the memory, becoming an integral part of the most precious memories. It is not for nothing that the Italian cuisine is one of the best in the world.
Copertina : Unsplash