Italy is a dream destination for many travellers who love architecture. The country is full of stunning buildings, monuments, and landmarks that showcase the rich history and culture of this beautiful country.
In this blog post, we will take you on a tour of 12 architectural places that are a-must when visiting Italy. From ancient Rome to modern Milan, from medieval Siena to exotic Alberobello, you will discover some of the most amazing and unique structures that Italy has to offer.
No matter if you’re a fan of classical, Gothic, Renaissance, or baroque styles, you will find something to admire and inspire you in Italy.
12 architectural places that are a-must when visiting Italy
The Colosseum.
This iconic amphitheatre is the largest and most famous of its kind in the world. It was built by the Romans in the first century AD and could hold up to 80,000 spectators who watched gladiator fights, animal hunts, and other spectacles. The Colosseum is a symbol of the power and glory of ancient Rome, as well as a testament to its engineering and architectural skills.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa.
This famous tower is actually the bell tower of the cathedral of Pisa, and it’s known for its unintended tilt that started during its construction in the 12th century. The tower leans about 4 degrees from the vertical, which makes it a unique and fascinating sight. You can climb up the 294 steps to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
The Duomo of Florence.
This magnificent cathedral is one of the most impressive examples of Renaissance architecture in Italy. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and completed in the 15th century. The dome is the largest brick dome ever built and it dominates the skyline of Florence. The exterior is decorated with marble panels in different colours, while the interior is adorned with frescoes, stained glass windows, and sculptures.
The Vatican City.
This tiny city-state is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope. It’s also home to some of the most splendid and sacred buildings in Italy, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Here you can admire some of the finest artworks of Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and other master artists.
The Pantheon.
This ancient temple is one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome. It was built in the second century AD by Emperor Hadrian and dedicated to all the gods of Rome. The most remarkable feature of the Pantheon is its dome, which has a circular opening at the top that lets in natural light. The dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
The Trevi Fountain.
This baroque masterpiece is one of the most famous and beautiful fountains in Italy. It was designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762. It depicts Neptune, the god of the sea, surrounded by tritons, horses, and other sea creatures. The fountain is fed by an ancient aqueduct that brings water from a nearby spring. According to legend, if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will ensure your return to Rome.
The Rialto Bridge.
This elegant bridge is one of the landmarks of Venice, the city of canals. It was built in the 16th century by Antonio da Ponte and spans the Grand Canal, connecting two busy commercial districts. The bridge has a single arch that supports a row of shops and a pedestrian walkway. From here you can enjoy a stunning view of the canal and its gondolas.
The Milan Cathedral.
This Gothic masterpiece is one of the largest and most elaborate cathedrals in Italy. It took nearly six centuries to complete, from 1386 to 1965. The cathedral has a stunning facade with hundreds of spires, pinnacles, statues, and gargoyles. The interior is equally impressive, with five naves, stained glass windows, paintings, and relics. You can also visit the rooftop terrace and admire a close-up view of the spires and sculptures.
The Castel del Monte.
This mysterious castle is located in Apulia, in southern Italy. It was built by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century and has a unique octagonal shape that reflects his interest in mathematics and astronomy. The castle has eight towers, eight rooms on each floor, and eight windows on each wall. It’s also decorated with marble columns, mosaics, and sculptures that blend different styles and cultures.
The Pompeii Ruins.
This ancient city was buried by a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and preserved for centuries under ash and pumice. Today you can visit this archaeological site and see what life was like in Roman times. You can walk along the streets, enter houses, shops, temples, theatres, baths, and even see some of the bodies of the victims that were frozen in time.
The Piazza del Campo.
This medieval square is the heart of Siena, a charming city in Tuscany. It’s shaped like a shell and slopes gently towards the centre, where a fountain stands. The square is surrounded by elegant palaces and towers, and it’s the venue of the famous Palio, a horse race that takes place twice a year. The Palio is a thrilling and colourful event that attracts thousands of spectators and celebrates the city’s traditions and rivalries.
The Trulli of Alberobello.
These are peculiar houses that are found only in a small area of Apulia, in southern Italy. They have a conical shape and are made of limestone blocks without any mortar. They date back to the 16th century and were built by peasants as a way to avoid paying taxes. The roofs are often decorated with symbols and motifs that have religious or magical meanings. The Trulli of Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a charming attraction for visitors.
Final Capture
We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about the architectural wonders of Italy.
Italy is a country that never ceases to amaze and delight its visitors with its beauty and diversity. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, art, or nature, you will find it in Italy. And if you’re looking for architecture, you will find some of the most splendid and spectacular examples in the world. So don’t hesitate and book your trip to Italy today. You won’t regret it!
And if you’re curious about how Italy compares to other countries with great architecture, you might want to check out our other blog post about Barcelona architecture, where we explore the Catalan capital’s modernist marvels.
