Choose from 645 Fun Things to Do in Italy
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 645 listings.
Accademia Gallery
Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia is home to one of the world’s most impressive works of art: Michelangelo’s “David.” At 17 feet (5.2 meters) tall, the famous statue of the biblical hero is an overwhelming sight and a masterpiece of Renaissance art. Other works on display include 15th- and 16th-century paintings by the likes of Botticelli and Lippi, unfinished Michelangelo sculptures, and a museum of musical instruments. The Accademia was once Europe’s oldest drawing school; today it is Florence’s second-most visited museum, after the Uffizi Gallery.
The Basics
The Accademia Gallery is considered a must-see for visitors to Florence, so long entry lines are the norm. To avoid spending hours in line, consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance or opt for a private guided tour. “David” is unsurprisingly popular and set in one of the most crowded parts of the gallery—for the best photo ops, book a coveted, exclusive, early-access tour to be one of the first ones in the gallery and view “David” in relative peace. To maximize your time in Florence, choose a half- or full-day tour that visits both the Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery or also includes a city sightseeing tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Art and history lovers, especially those who admire Michelangelo, must not miss the Accademia Gallery.
- To be assured entry on the day you want to visit, book tickets or a tour in advance.
- Photography is not allowed inside the gallery.
- The gallery is closed on Mondays.
- Students from the EU and children under 18 years of age are eligible for reduced or free tickets.
How to Get There
The Accademia Gallery is located beside Piazza San Marco and is about a 15-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station. It’s not far from the Uffizi Gallery, which many tours visit in combination with the Accademia.
When to Get There
The Accademia Gallery is busy every month of the year, but especially so in the summer. It’s slightly less crowded in the late afternoon, but can still be impossible to visit without a reservation. Note that the gallery is closed on Mondays.
What Not to Miss at the Accademia Gallery
The scale of Michelangelo’s “David”—carved from a single block of Carrara marble—is enough to impress, but its fine details and expert carving of lifelike features make it a true masterpiece. Travelers spend most of their time admiring “David,” but those interested in Michelangelo’s life and other works should also see his unfinished “San Matteo” or “Prigioni,” or slaves, that adorn the main hallway. The plaster model of Giambologna’s “Rape of the Sabine Women” also shouldn’t be missed.
Address: Via Ricasoli 58, Florence, Tuscany 50125, Italy
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 8:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission: €10-14 per adult
From $ 21
Church of San Vidal
A short walk from the banks of the Grand Canal, the elegant Church of San Vidal is one of Venice’s lesser-visited churches, now best known as a concert venue. The church dates back as early as the 11th-century, but its remarkable classical façade is the result of a 17th-century reconstruction by architect Antonio Gaspari.
For most visitors, the main reason to visit is to attend one of the regular Baroque music concerts performed by the acclaimed Interpreti Veneziani ensemble, but additional highlights include impressive artworks by Piazzetta, Carpaccio and Pallegrini.
Practical Info
The Church of San Vidal is located close to the banks of the Grand Canal in San Marco, Venice, and is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5:30pm. There is no admission fee, although advance tickets are needed to attend a concert.
Address: Campiello San Vidal, Venezia, Italy
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm
From $ 39
Church of San Sisto
The Church of San Sisto is one of the oldest churches in Pisa, Italy and was built in the Middle Ages around the late 1000s in a Romanesque style. Despite several renovations throughout the centuries, the church you see today still looks very much like it did when it was first built. The facade is divided into three parts, each separated by pilaster strips. Arches and windows with metal bars can be seen on the upper part of the facade throughout the entire exterior of the church. Visitors will also see replica ceramic basins from the 10th to 11th centuries; the originals can be found in the St. Matthews Museum.
The interior of the Church of San Sisto is divided into three aisles by two rows of granite and marble pillars. The pillars are crowned by capitals from ancient buildings which were reused in the construction of this church. As Pisa was once a big naval power, you will also see a rudder and a mast from the 14th to 15th centuries in the church.
Practical Info
The Church of San Sisto is located at Piazza Francesco Buonamici. Take bus line 4 to the Pacinotti 2 bus stop and walk down Via Curtatone e Montanara for about 5 minutes.
Address: Piazza Francesco Buonamici, 1, Pisa, Italy
From $ 52
Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro
Many churches in Italy are built on older worship sites. What makes the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro in Milan different is that the old church was incorporated into the new one, both in design and name.
The original church on this site was dedicated to San Sitiro (Saint Satyrus), built in the 9th century. In the late 15th century, the church was also dedicated to Mary. The name "Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro" indicates that the new church was "staying with" (presso) the old one.
When the church got its additional dedication, it also got a bit of a redesign. The artist Bramante played a role in the renovation. One of the most interesting pieces of artwork at the church is Bramante's wonderful trompe l'oeil behind the altar; it looks like there's a series of columns that recedes into the distance, but it's just paint.
Practical Info
The Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro is near Milan's Duomo, and it's open Monday-Saturday from 9:30am-5:30pm, and on Sundays from 2pm-5:30pm. Admission is free.
Address: Via Torino, 17-19, Milano 20123, Italy
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm, Sun 2pm-5:30pm
From $ 73
Aci Castello
Set on the eastern coast of Sicily, Aci Castello (also known as Acicastello) is famous for its 11th-century Norman castle, which towers above the town and overlooks the dramatic lava-rock coastline. With beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, and a resort-town atmosphere, Aci Castello is a popular day trip from nearby Catania.
The Basics
The castle that gives Aci Castello its name was built by the Normans on the remains of a seventh-century fort. Today, the castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions along this stretch of coastline, sitting dramatically on a rock outcropping that juts into the sea.
The castle is home to the Civic Museum, which includes sections devoted to local paleontology, mineralogy, and archaeology. In addition to the historic castle, Aci Castello and the neighboring seaside town of Aci Trezzi offer some lovely beaches. Aci Castello is just north of Catania along the coast, and is an easy day trip from the city. For an especially memorable day, book a sailing tour from Catania to explore this area by sea.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Whether you’re taking a boat tour or exploring the town on foot, bring your swimsuit, because the beaches are so nice, you will want to take a dip.
- Don't forget a hat, sunblock, and plenty of water to stave off the heat.
- To take a boat tour, passengers must be agile enough to board and disembark, so travelers with limited mobility should confirm accessibility before booking.
- The castle is perched in a dramatic position that makes it quite photogenic, so be sure to bring your camera.
- A boat tour or beach trip to Aci Castello is a fun break for children, who also enjoy touring the austere castle.
How to Get to There
Aci Castello is located along the eastern coast of Sicily, which is known as the Cyclops Riviera. It is about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) north of Catania and 33 miles (53 kilometers) south of Taormina. It’s difficult to reach the town by public transportation, so opt for a tour by land or by boat that includes transportation.
When to Get There
Aci Castello is most crowded in summer, when Sicilians flock to its beaches to escape the heat. Late spring and early fall offer days that are warm enough to take a swim in the crystalline waters off the lava-rock coast without the hassle of large summer crowds.
The Legend of the Cyclops Riviera
Just off the coast, a number of faraglioni (sea stacks) jut out of the sea like soaring rock columns. These are known as the Isole dei Ciclopi, or Cyclops’ Islands. Legends abound about the Cyclops who are said to have lived along this stretch of coastline known as the Cyclops Riviera, and the islands are said to be boulders that the mythical creatures tossed into the sea.
Address: Aci Castello, Sicily, Italy
From $ 145
Agrigento Archaeological Museum
One of the most significant collections in Sicily, the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento displays hundreds of artifacts from the ancient Greek colony of Akragas that once inhabited the area. Akragas proved to be one of the most important settlements of ancient Greece, and the museum has some of the best preserved pieces of Greek art and architecture that exist outside of Greece.
The museum has a impressive amount of large statues from the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site the Valley of the Temples, some dating back to the 1st century. Its permanent collection consists largely of the items excavated when the site was first discovered. Thousands of artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, coins, and art, collectively tell the history of Akragas dating back to prehistory.
Exhibitions are organized in chronological and topographical order, so it’s easy to trace the steps of time from this ancient city to the present. The museum itself sits where the upper agora or town center of Akragas once stood. There’s also a panoramic view of the valley itself from the entrance to the museum.
Practical Info
The museum can be found on the Contrada San Nicola, just outside of Agrigento town. Exhibitions are divided into two complementary sections which give the nearby Valley of the Temples great context. Buses from town to the temples stop near the museum. It costs 8 Euros to enter and is open daily from 9 am to 1:30 pm, with hours until 7:30 pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Address: Contrada San Nicola, 12, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
Hours: Tues-Sat from 9am-7:30pm and Sun-Mon from 9am-1:30pm
Admission: 8€
From $ 58
Bigo
One of the most dominant features of Genoa's enormous port is something that looks a bit like a space probe sticking out of the water. That multi-pronged white structure that resembles a many-armed crane is called the “Bigo,” and it's Genoa's “panoramic elevator.”
Bigo was designed by noted local architect Renzo Piano, the same man who designed Genoa's aquarium, in 1992 for the anniversary of Columbus' journey to the New World. From one of the arms, an elevator cabin can be raised, and then it rotates 360 degrees to give you a complete view overlooking the city. An audio-guide in the elevator cabin helps you make sense of what you're seeing.
Not surprisingly, Bigo's design was influenced by the many huge cranes that seem to be always at work in Genoa's port, lifting goods on and off of the massive cargo ships in the harbor.
Practical Info
An adult ticket for the roughly 20-minute ride up and down is €4. Children ages 4-12 ride for €3, while children under 4 are free. Bigo's operating schedule varies quite a bit by month, although it opens at 10am Tuesday-Sunday from March-October, closing anywhere from 5pm to 11pm depending on the season, and on Mondays it's only open for a few hours in the afternoons. During the rest of the year, it's open on weekends and holidays starting at 10am.
Address: Porto Antico, Genoa, Italy
Admission: Adults: €4; Children: €3
From $ 17
Church of St Irene (Chiesa di Sant'Irene)
Lecce’s Church of St. Irene was built between 1591 and 1639 for the Theatines and dedicated to the city’s patron saint. The church is not far from the Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Croce in Lecce’s city center.
The facade of the church features a statue of Saint Irene, sculpted in the early 18th century. Above that statue is Lecce’s emblem - a shelf-wolf and an oak tree. Artwork worth noting inside the church includes a number of beautiful altarpieces. A particularly large altar dedicated to Saint Cajetan dates from the late 17th century, and two other altarpieces date from the mid-17th century - including one to Saint Irene.
Some walking tours of Lecce include a stop in the Church of St. Irene, though many will make passing reference to the church from the outside.
Practical Info
Originally, there was a monastery built along with the church. The monastery was eventually closed and would become government offices and a school before its current incarnation, a venue for special exhibits.
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele II 11, Lecce, Italy
Hours: Daily 7:30-11am and 4-6pm
From $ 203
Church of St Maria Assunta (Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta)
On the island of Torcello in the Venetian lagoon sits one of the most important churches in Venice - the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Torcello itself is the site of one of the earliest settlements on the Venetian islands, so it has enormous historical importance. The cathedral itself is one of the oldest structures in Venice.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta dates from the 7th century, although most of what you see today was built in the 9th, 11th, 12th and 14th centuries. The 11th- and 12th-century renovations in the Byzantine style include some stunning mosaic pieces on the interior walls in what’s called the Byzantine-Ravennate school. If you’ve visited St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and liked the colorful mosaics there, then you’ll love seeing the mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta—in the same style, but older.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta dates from the 7th century, although most of what you see today was built in the 9th, 11th, 12th and 14th centuries. The 11th- and 12th-century renovations in the Byzantine style include some stunning mosaic pieces on the interior walls in what’s called the Byzantine-Ravennate school. If you’ve visited St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and liked the colorful mosaics there, then you’ll love seeing the mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta—in the same style, but older.
Practical Info:
There’s not much to do or see on Torcello, so follow the path from the
vaporetto dock all the way to the end, where you’ll find the cathedral.
It’s open March–October from 10:30am–6pm, and November–February from
10am–5pm. Admission is €5 (€8 if you also want to visit the accompanying
museum). You can also climb into the bell tower for views over the
lagoon.
Address: Campo San Donato, 11, Venice, Province of Venice 30141, Italy
From $ 23
Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola
By Rome's standards, the Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola seems like it isn't very old at all – only consecrated in 1722 – but that's because prior to 1650, it was a private church.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola was the founder of the Society of Jesus – better known as Jesuits – and the original church on this site was built entirely by Jesuit labor in the 1560s on the foundation of an earlier building. That church, built as the private chapel for the Collegio Romano (the first Jesuit university), was expanded slightly in 1580, but by the early 1600s it was already too small for the number of students at the college. Construction on the current church was started in 1626, a mere four years after Saint Ignatius of Loyola was canonized, and it opened to the public in 1650.
The interior reflects the church's Baroque style with heavy ornamentation. There is gold decoration everywhere, enormous frescoes, and Jesuit iconography and stories depicted throughout. There's even an enormous trompe l'oeil ceiling, with an indication on the floor where to stand to get the best view.
Practical Info
The church is open Monday-Saturday from 7:30am-7pm (opens at 9am in August), and Sundays from 9am-7pm. There are guided tours you can take for free on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 3pm-6pm (they don't run in August). Admission is free, and donations are always welcome.
Address: Via del Caravita, 8a, Rome, Italy
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-7pm (opens at 9am in August);
Sun 9am-7pm
From $ 3
Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli
With its multi-colored marble façade and striking round windows, the small-yet-beautiful Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli is one of the most important examples of early Renaissance architecture in Venice. It’s also a highlight of the historic Cannaregio neighborhood along the Miracoli Canal.
The Basics
This early Renaissance church was built in the late 15th century to honor of a sacred icon of the Virgin Mary that was said to have performed a number of miracles. Renaissance architect Pietro Lombardo's use of polychrome marble, sculpted pilasters, and ornate reliefs lends a distinct grandeur to the exterior and interior, where the fabled icon still stands proudly on display.
Because of its architectural importance, it's best to visit Santa Maria dei Miracoli as part of a Venice art and architecture private tour. Many private walking tours stop also stop here, along with other famous sights like St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Art and architecture tours generally involve some walking, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli is mostly wheelchair accessible, although the main altar, by Pietro Lombardo, is located up a flight of steps.
- Filled with pretty squares and quiet backstreets, the surrounding neighborhood of Cannaregio is one of Venice's most delightful.
- If you’re planning to tour the interior of the church, be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
How to Get There
The Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli is located on the Miracoli Canal at Ponte dei Miracoli. Take vaporetto (water bus) line 1 or 2 from San Marco or the train station down the Grand Canal to the Rialto stop near the Rialto Bridge, then walk north along the Miracoli Canal.
When to Get There
Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and the city can be especially touristy in summer. Time your visit to late fall or early spring to enjoy the city without the crowds.
Holy Leftovers
It’s said that the pastel-colored marble used for the facade of Santa Maria dei Miracoli was taken from leftover construction materials after the completion of St. Mark's Basilica, also in Venice.
Address: Cannaregio, Venezia 6074, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 70
Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta)
Positano’s photogenic cascade of pastel-hued houses is striking, but one of the most remarkable details is the colorful tiled dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta). Lovely from the outside, the church is also an architectural delight within, and home to a 12th-century Byzantine-style icon of a Black Madonna and Child.
The Basics
Near the waterfront at the foot of town, the beautiful Church of Santa Maria Assunta is Positano’s most recognizable landmark. The church’s brightly painted majolica dome and soaring bell tower catch the eye for miles around, but it’s also worth a peek inside to see the grand archways, elaborate classical decoration, and the Byzantine icon from which Positano is said to have gotten its name. Beneath the church are the ruins of a Roman villa dating from the second century BC.
The church, one of the main attractions in Positano, is included in small-group Positano tours or Sorrento shore excursions to the Amalfi Coast. In addition to Positano, Amalfi Coast tours include stops in Amalfi and Ravello.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is Positano’s parish church, and a popular spot for exchanging vows on weekends.
- Positano is set on a steep cliffside, so tours require a bit of walking. Opt for comfortable shoes, and don't forget to wear sun protection.
- Photography is not allowed in the church.
- The church is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is located in the pedestrian-only center of Positano, along Italy's famed Amalfi Coast. You can reach the coast by ferry from Naples in the summer or by bus from Sorrento year-round. The more courageous can drive along the beautiful coastal highway.
When to Get There
The Amalfi Coast—especially its main towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello—get incredibly crowded during the summer, so it’s best to explore the sights along this stretch of coastline in the spring and fall.
The Black Madonna and Child
According to legend, Positano’s Black Madonna and Child was on a ship skirting the Italian coast when sailors heard the figure of Mary depicted on the icon saying, “Posa!” (“Put me down!”). The icon has been in Positano ever since, and the town’s name can be traced back to that legend.
Address: Via Marina Grande, Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
From $ 43
10 Corso Como
Overview
10 Corso Como is one of Milan's trendiest addresses. Home to the Galleria Carla Sozzani art gallery, it also houses an ultra popular café, a fashion boutique, a roof garden, a restaurant, and a tiny hotel. If you want to see and be seen in Italy’s capital of chic, there is no better place.
The Basics
To discover the glamour of Milanese fashionistas, a visit to this trendy hub of shopping and socializing is a must. Stop by while seeing the sights on a Milan Segway tour, or as part of a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. The avant-garde complex has continued to grow over the years since it was opened by Italian gallerist Carla Sozzani in a former garage in 1990. Today, there are 10 Corso Como concept stores in a number of cities worldwide, including New York and Seoul.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Those interested in art and fashion will especially love this gallery and shopping center space.
- 10 Corso Como is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The complex is often used as a venue for special events and fashion shows.
- The store and art gallery keep evening hours on Wednesday and Thursday.
How to Get There
Corso Como is set between Milan's historic city center and the Milano Porta Garibaldi train station, and is a short walk from the station.
When to Get There
The 10 Corso Como café is particularly popular for an evening cocktail (aperitivo). Though getting a table can be difficult, it's a great place to experience Milanese nightlife.
Sights on Corso Como
One of Milan's main thoroughfares, Corso Como has become a trendy area of Milan, home to the newly renovated Piazza Gae Aulenti, Eataly, Unicredit Tower (the tallest skyscraper in Italy), shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Address: Corso Como, 10, Milano 20154, Italy
Hours: Galleries & Shops: Daily 10:30am-7:30pm, Restaurant & Cafe: Daily 11am-1am
From $ 25
Church of Santa Maria del Popolo
Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is the most important church in Rome’s sweeping Piazza del Popolo. With a 17th-century facade designed by Bernini, chapels by Bramante and Raphael, and museum-quality art by Pinturicchio and Caravaggio, Santa Maria del Popolo is highlight on any tour of Roman art treasures, architecture, or Catholic sights.
The Basics
Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, one of three churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Piazza del Popolo, was rebuilt in the 15th century over a chapel erected in 1099. Gian Lorenzo Bernini reworked the facade in the 1650s, and stunning frescoes, mosaics, and paintings were added over the centuries to decorate the church and its ornate chapels.
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is a highlight of private and small-group tours focused on Rome’s artistic masterpieces of the 16th and 17th centuries, as it contains works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Carracci, and Bernini. Fans of author Dan Brown can join an Angels and Demons tour that visits Roman sites featured in his bestselling novel. Santa Maria del Popolo, one of Rome’s Augustinian basilicas, is also an important house of worship and included in most tours of the city’s Catholic landmarks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you are visiting the basilica as part of a walking tour.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside the church.
- As in all of Rome’s churches, modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter.
- The basilica is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is located on Piazza del Popolo, one of the most important squares in Rome. You can reach the square by taking Metro line A and getting off at the Flaminio stop.
When to Get There
The cool and quiet interior of the church is a welcome respite from the heat and crowds in Piazza del Popolo in the summer, though the church closes for a few hours starting around midday on weekdays and Sundays (open all day Saturday). Tourists are not allowed to enter when Mass is being celebrated, so check the schedule carefully before planning your visit.
Angels and Demons in Rome
Rome was the setting of Dan Brown’s bestselling novel Angels and Demons, published in 2000 and inspired by the secret society known as the Illuminati. The book casts a number of Rome’s most important historic sights as plot points or backdrops for the mystery. Included are the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Address: Piazza del Popolo, 12, Rome, Province of Rome 00187, Italy
From $ 6
Bioparco
Yes, Rome has a zoo. It is a zoological garden with more than 1,000 animals located on the original site of the Villa Borghese. Open since 1911, it began as a place to collect and display animals in danger of extinction. Paths winding through the park allow visitors to observe lions, elephants, tigers, monkeys, and giraffes, among others. There is also a small barnyard area with goats, pigs, cows, and other livestock. Most notably the bio-park is home to a rare Kleinmann’s tortoise, which was rescued from a smuggler's suitcase in 2005.
Bioparco has been renovated and renamed from its original construction to illustrate its commitment to ecological practices and scientific knowledge. There is a small lake with seating to relax as well as a children’s area. All in all there are more than 200 species on the 17 hectares of zoo land here. It is one of Europe’s oldest zoos still in operation.
Practical Info
Bioparco is located on Viale del Giardino Zoologico at the Villa Borghese estate. It is easily accessed on foot from the Spanish Steps or Piazza del Popolo. The nearest metro stop is Spagna. Open from 9:30 am to 5 pm, it costs 15 euros to enter.
Address: Viale del Giardino Zoologico, 20, Roma, Italy
Hours: Open daily from 9:30 am - 5 pm. Extended hours to 6 or 7 pm during summer months.
Admission: 15 EUR for adults, 12 EUR for children
From $ 45
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
The name “San Luigi dei Francesi” means Saint Louis of the French, and this church is France's national church in Rome.
It was built in the 1500s at the instruction of a Cardinal in the Medici family who would later become Pope Clement VII. Catherine de Medici had married the French king, contributed to the church's construction, and donated the land on which the church was built – further cementing the French connection. The Church of San Luigi dei Francesi occupies the site of a former church, Santa Maria, which was owned by the Medici family. It was begun in 1518 and consecrated in 1589. The interior is
all Baroque ornamentation, so there's no shortage of stuff to see, but the biggest attraction inside is the series of three St. Matthew paintings by Caravaggio. These paintings were commissioned for the church, so it's a great chance to see artwork in its original home rather than an art museum.
Practical Info
San Luigi dei Francesi is located near Piazza Navona and open Friday-Wednesday 10am-12:30pm and 3pm-7pm, Thursdays 10am-12:30pm. The church is free to enter, but you'll want to bring some coins to light up the fabulous Caravaggio paintings.
Address: Via Santa Giovanna d'Arco 5, Rome, Italy
Hours: Fri-Wed 10am-12:30pm, 3pm-7pm;
Thurs 10am-12:30pm
From $ 52
Aeolian Islands
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Aeolian Islands comprise eight small volcanic islands off the northeastern coast of Sicily. Famous for beautiful coastlines and beaches, active volcanoes and mud baths, pretty resort towns, and leisurely pace, this archipelago is a popular day trip destination.
The Basics
The Aeolian Islands are popular during summer, when their beaches and fishing villages fill with tourists. The largest island, Lipari, is the main transportation hub for boats and ferries to the other islands. A few of the islands, such as Stromboli, still have active volcanoes. You can visit the islands on a day trip from Sicily by boat tour, or on a helicopter tour that includes Mt. Etna or Taormina.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring your swimsuit, whether you’re taking a boat tour or exploring the islands on foot, as the beaches are some of Sicily’s best for sunbathing and swimming.
- Remember a hat, sunblock, and plenty of water when visiting the islands.
- Passengers must be agile enough to board and disembark on boat tours, so those with limited mobility should confirm accessibility.
- A boat or helicopter tour to the Aeolian Islands is a fun break for kids.
How to Get There
The Aeolian Islands are situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northern coast of Sicily and can be reached by ferry from Milazzo, or by private boat or helicopter tour from a number of ports and cities along the Sicilian coast.
When to Get There
The archipelago is famously crowded in summer, when Italian and European sun worshippers flock to its beaches. Late spring and early fall offer a more peaceful experience, because crowds are smaller but the days are still warm enough for visitors to swim or sunbathe.
The Eight Islands of the Aeolian Archipelago
The largest island is Lipari, where there is a permanent population of more than 10,000 people and a number of towns and fishing villages. Salina, Vulcano, and Panarea also have permanent residents and services, including transportation and accommodations. The smallest islands of Filicudi, Alicudi, and Basiluzzo are little more than islets with pretty coastlines and views.
Address: Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
From $ 93
Abbey of Sant'Antimo (Abbazia di Sant'Antimo)
One of Tuscany’s most beautiful sights, the Abbey of Sant'Antimo (Abbazia di Sant'Antimo) is a 12th-century Romanesque church and monastery set deep in the rolling olive groves outside the hilltown of Montalcino in the Val d'Orcia. The abbey is a popular stop during wine tours or day trips through the Tuscan countryside.
The Basics
Constructed of cream-colored travertine, the oldest of the abbey’s chapels is believed to have been founded by the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, though its apse, frescoed radial chapels, and cloisters were completed centuries later. The Romanesque facade is carved with figures of the Apostles, while the stately bell tower is decorated in Lombard style. Thanks to its proximity to the Via Francigena pilgrimage route between France and Rome, Sant'Antimo was one of the most powerful Benedictine abbeys in Tuscany before Pope Pius II closed it in 1462. During its deconsecrated years, the church was used as a wine cellar and a cow shed, becoming an active place of worship again only in 1992.
The Sant'Antimo Abbey is a popular stop on day trips to Tuscany from Rome, Florence, and Siena that explore the countryside surrounding Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza, and San Quirico d'Orcia. One-day sightseeing tours generally include lunch with a tasting of local Brunello di Montalcino wine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Like most Italian churches and monasteries, the abbey requires modest clothing covering shoulders and knees to enter.
- The rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia and wooded slopes of Monte Amiata comprise one of the most picturesque corners of Italy, so be sure to bring your camera.
- The abbey is accessible to wheelchair users, but if your visit is part of a wine tour, wineries may not be. Check in advance.
How to Get There
The abbey is near Castelnuovo dell’Abate, 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) south of Montalcino. There is no public transportation directly to the abbey, so the most convenient way to visit is by joining a small-group or private tour that includes transportation.
When to Get There
The abbey is open for visits daily year-round. The Val d'Orcia is particularly beautiful in the late spring and early fall, when the countryside is lush and green.
Gregorian Chants
The Abbey of Sant'Antimo was once famous for the daily Mass sung in Gregorian chant by the resident Benedictines, but the monks have left the complex and now Mass is exclusively spoken.
Address: Località Sant’Antimo, Montalcino, Tuscany 53024, Italy
From $ 162
Church of Immaculate Conception
The Church of Immaculate Conception is a unique church in Rome, Italy. The church's full name is Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, and it was commissioned in the early 1600s by Pope Urban VIII whose brother was a Capuchin friar. When the church was completed, the monks who moved here took with them the exhumed bodies from their old church. The monks then began transforming bones of these deceased monks, as well as the bones of poor Romans and other deceased, into works of art. The church attracts visitors because of this interesting crypt underneath the church where you can see entire walls covered in bones.
In some places you will also see entire skeletons of monks that were left intact and dressed in Franciscan robes. In other sections of the crypt, you'll see picture frames made of bones, walls covered in skulls, and other elaborate designs. Inside the chapel you will see several works of art including St. Michael the Archangel, Christ Mocked, Transfiguration, Nativity, St. Francis in Meditation, and several paintings of saints. The church also has a small museum.
Practical Info
The Church of Immaculate Conception is located at Via Veneto 27. Opening hours are 9am to 7pm daily except December 25th, January 1st, and Easter Sunday. Admission is 8 euros.
Address: Via Veneto 27, Rome, Italy
Hours: Open 9am to 7pm daily except December 25th, January 1st, and Easter Sunday
Admission: 8 euros
From $ 52
Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone
As a 17th century Baroque church facing Piazza Navona, the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone stands in one of the busiest areas of the in Rome’s historic city center — yet it remains a peaceful sanctuary and renowned Roman church. History tells us that the Early Christian Saint Agnes was martyred on site here in the ancient stadium built by Emperor Domitian. The structure itself was built in 1652 and meant to act as a personal chapel for the family of Pope Innocent X, who lived in the palazzo just beside it. Today it remains a beautiful chapel, known for its frescoed ceilings, many fine sculptures and altars, and impressive marble work. It is also a shrine to Saint Agnes, with her skull still on display to visitors and her body buried in the catacombs. The church’s architecture is characterized by its massive dome, Corinthian columns, and Greek cross plan.
Practical Info
The church is located in Piazza Navona at the heart of Rome, just behind the famous Bernini fountain ‘The Four Rivers.’ It is open during daylight hours daily, but is closed on Mondays. It is free to enter.
Address: Via di Santa Maria dell'Anima, 30/A, Rome 00186, Italy
From $ 21