Famous monuments in Italy to discover on your Italian escape

To celebrate International Day for Monuments and Sites this 18th April, we’ve collated a handful of monuments in Italy most beloved by people around the world, including us! From famous monuments you’ll already know to lesser-known sites waiting to be unearthed, read on to be inspired for your next Italian escape. 

Possibly the most famous of all monuments in Italy, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is an attraction millions of people flock to every year. Surprisingly, the bell tower wasn’t intended to lean when construction began in 1173. Workers noticed the uneven settling after the third story was completed. Fortunately for the tower – and tourists who seek to take fun photos today – war broke out between city-states, meaning the tower settled into its leaning shape for almost a century. Its leaning tendencies were a blessing in disguise as it prevented an early collapse.  

Visit this spectacular site on our Tuscan Treats and Italian Indulgence tours. 

Seemingly plucked from the pages of a fairytale, Alberobello is an Italian commune located in the heart of Bari. A UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique collection of trulli, it’s been named one of I Borghi più belli d’Italia - the most beautiful villages of Italy. The trulli (small round buildings with cone-shaped roofs) were first constructed as temporary sheds and given to forty peasant families in the early 16th century to begin a settlement. Today, residents opt to live in the city over this enchanting town, paving way for a tranquil atmosphere where locals and tourists alike can enjoy unique shops, cafés and accommodations. 

Traverse this small town and commune with us on our Secrets of Puglia tour. 

The white-washed medieval city called Matera is a beautiful sight to behold – whether you’re standing within its winding pathways or overlooking the limestone buildings from a distance. The city’s jewel? The ancient town of Sassi di Matera. Its settlement is prehistoric and thought to be among the first human settlements of the area. Alongside this breathtaking piece of land lies the monasteries and churches of Matera. Widely accoladed by the World Monuments Fund, Matera Cathedral and her sisters are magnificent architectural masterpieces from the 13th century. 

Discover Matera, also unearthed on our Secrets of Puglia tour. 

Located in Piazza del Duomo, Florence Duomo (Duomo di Firenze) – also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) – is an astonishing Gothic cathedral you can’t help but be in awe of. During its time of consecration in 1436, it was the world’s largest church, able to shelter 30,000 Catholic worshippers. Leading the plethora of Florence monuments, this building is an ode to Rennaissance art, housing a collection of paintings and statues created by art masters of the time whilst also featuring an unfathomable dome which can be seen from afar.  

Bask in Florence Duomo’s presence on our Tuscan Treats and Italian Indulgence tours. 

Unless your knowledge of Ancient Greece spans to the shores of modern-day Italy, you may not know that Syracuse was once a Greek colony, declared favourite Greek city in the old world by Roman philosopher Cicero. Its rich history presides over the glittering waters of the Ionian Sea and is filled with dazzling fountains, bustling piazzas and enticing boutiques. Ancient temples are also sprinkled throughout the city, allowing its visitors to rewind the clock to a time of wonder, tradition and prestige.  

Explore Syracuse on our Splendours of Sicily tour. 

Years before the mighty Colosseum was built, Verona Arena made its presence known. The Roman Ampitheatre finished construction in 30 AD and became home to an astonishing array of famous shows and games – so famous, people from all over travelled to witness its revelry. With 30,000 seats, you can imagine the startling atmosphere Verona Arena created in the past. Today, this majestic Verona monument is home to astonishing opera performances and the annual Arena di Verona Festival. 

See this glorious piece of Roman history on our Alpine Escape: Germany, Austria and Italy or Italian Indulgence tour. 

Which Italian monument or site are you most intrigued to witness on your next European escape? Explore our Italy tours to discover more!