Choose from 645 Fun Things to Do in Italy
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La Turbie
Perched on a hilltop looking down over the Cote d’Azur and just minutes from the border of Monaco, La Turbie makes a worthwhile detour for those en-route to Monte Carlo. With its narrow paved streets and stone-brick archways, the small village offers an authentic slice of old Provence, and its baroque church and medieval buildings make for a pleasant walking tour.
The undisputed star attraction of La Turbie is the striking Tropaeum Alpium or ‘Trophy of the Alps’, a grand 35-meter-tall monument that looms over the town and was built by the Romans in 7 BC. North of the Tropaeum, walking trails run up into the surrounding hills and offer impressive lookouts over the Mediterranean coast below, with views spanning Cap Ferrat, Antibes and as far as Vintimille bay in Italy.
Practical Info
La Turbie is located on the Cote d’Azur on France’s southeast coast, close to the border of Monaco.
Address: La Turbie, Cote d’Azur, France
From $ 104
Lake Misurina
Just over 106 miles north of Venice, high up in the Dolomites, sits a large natural lake that contributed to Olympic speed skating history. With its handful of hotels lining its shores, clear, fresh air and mountain backdrop, Lake Misurina is the spot to go to if you're looking for a scenic getaway from the canal city of Venice.
The lake is near the 1956 Winter Olympics host city of Cortina d'Ampezzo and served as the site of the last Olympic speed skating events that were held on natural ice. A 1.6-mile path runs around the lake, which has a maximum depth of 16 feet. Each of the several hotels on the lake offer views of the spectacular mountains. Behind each of the hotels on the lake are the spectacular mountain views.
Practical Info
Lake Misurina is accessible via public transit from Venice, but the easiest (and fastest) way to get there is by renting a car or booking a private tour that includes direct transportation. While you're in the area, don't miss a stop in the ski resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo to see how the town’s Germanic influences combine with Italian heritage.
Address: Venice, Italy
From $ 179
Orsanmichele Church and Museum (Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele)
In a city known for its Renaissance architecture, the Gothic-style Orsanmichele Church and Museum is a standout. With ornate doors and windows, some of the oldest stained glass in Florence, and statues by Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, Della Robbia, Nanni di Banco, and Donatello, this little-known landmark is worth a visit.
The Basics
Built in the 14th century as a grain market, Orsanmichele was later converted into a church. Each of Florence’s powerful trade guilds was commissioned to provide a statue of its patron saint to fill the niches in the exterior walls, which now hold replicas; most of the originals are housed in the museum upstairs, where you can also see the building’s Gothic wooden vaulting and decorative brickwork. The fresco-bedecked interior holds two treasures: an ornate marble tabernacle by Andrea Orcagna and a Madonna and Child by Bernardo Daddi, believed to have healing powers.
Orsanmichele Church and Museum is located in the heart of Florence's historic center and included in many walking or Segway city tours along with skip-the-line access to the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Duomo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A walking tour of Florence covers a lot of ground, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- The church and museum are not accessible to wheelchairs.
- The windows of the upper-floor museum are perfect for snapping pictures of Florence from above.
- Photography without flash is allowed in the church and museum.
- Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees should be worn to enter the church.
How to Get There
Orsanmichele is located in the largely pedestrian center of Florence, between Via dell’Arte della Lana and Via dei Calzaiuoli, about halfway between Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo. The main Santa Maria Novella train station is a short walk away.
When to Get There
Though the church is open daily, the museum is only open on Mondays and Saturdays, so time your visit well if you would like to see the original statues in the museum.
The Statues of Orsanmichele
The church’s original statues are now in the Orsanmichele Museum to protect them from erosion and damage, with the exception of two works by Donatello: Saint George and its niche are a short walk away in the National Museum of Bargello, and Saint Louis of Toulouse is in the nearby Basilica di Santa Croce Museum.
Address: Via dell’Arte della Lana, Florence, Tuscany 50123, Italy
From $ 3
Ortygia
The city of Syracuse on the eastern coast of Sicily is partly located on an island called Ortygia, where much of the city’s history can be found. The island figures into Greek mythology as the place where the Greek goddess Leto gave birth to Artemis, and its name comes from the ancient Greek word for quail; Leto's sister is said to have turned into a quail and become the island when she fell into the sea.
There are two islands that connect the island with mainland Sicily, and most of the city of Syracuse is on the mainland. Among the sights in the historic city on Ortygia are its seventh-century cathedral and the Fountain of Arethuse.
Practical Info
The island of Ortygia is only about one mile long and a half-mile wide, so it's most easily explored on foot.
Address: Ortygia, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
From $ 28
La Pieta
Among the many masterpieces inside St. Peter's Basilica, Michelangelo's majestic and moving La Pietà is perhaps the crown jewel. This remarkable life-size sculpture of the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Christ blends classical ideals of beauty with startling naturalism and is among the world’s most important works of art.
The Basics
Michelangelo carved La Pietà from a single block of Carrara marble in the late 1490s, and it is the only work the artist signed. Created as a funeral monument for the French cardinal Jean de Bilhères, the statue was moved to its current location in St. Peter’s Basilica in the 18th century. After being damaged by a vandal in 1972, La Pietà was placed behind a protective glass screen.
Choose an early entrance or skip-the-line tour of St. Peter's Basilica to benefit from the knowledge of a guide and avoid a long wait to enter this popular sight. Tours of the basilica are often combined with a visit to St. Peter’s Dome or the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, where more of Michelangelo's works can be seen. Extended Vatican tours may also include the Vatican Gardens, Necropolis, and Bramante’s Staircase.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to La Pietà is a must for art enthusiasts.
- You must pass through a security check to access St. Peter’s Basilica, and items like pocket knives, corkscrews, and umbrellas are not allowed.
- The dress code in the basilica requires covered shoulders and knees.
- The basilica and the chapel where La Pietà is displayed are accessible to wheelchairs.
- Photography is allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica, though the glare from the protective glass makes it hard to get a good snapshot of the famous sculpture.
How to Get There
St. Peter’s Basilica is located on St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano. La Pietà stands in the first chapel on the right when you enter the basilica.
When to Get There
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most popular attractions in Rome and crowded most of the year. Early morning is the best time to visit to beat the crowds and enjoy the beauty of the largest church in the world and the art inside virtually to yourself.
Highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica
In addition to Michelangelo’s stunning masterpiece, the basilica is home to a number of important works of art. Be sure to admire Bernini’s ornate Papal altar and baldacchino, as well as his equestrian statue of Constantine. The interior of the church is covered with over 100,000 square feet (9,290 square meters) of mosaics, much of which reproduce famous Renaissance paintings, including Raphael’s Transfiguration. Another work of note is the funerary monument dedicated to Clement XIII, created by Canova at the end of the 18th century and famous for its meticulously sculpted lions.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, Rome 00165, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
La Spezia Cruise Port
A busy Mediterranean naval port in northern Italy, the La Spezia cruise port offers cruisers access to three of the country’s top destinations: Pisa, Florence, and the must-see chain of five cliffside villages known as the Cinque Terre. Cruise passengers also utilize La Spezia as a jumping-off point to other highlights in Piedmont and Liguria. Even if you don’t plan to venture out of town, La Spezia, backed by mountains and home to several museums and a castle, has plenty to offer for a day in port.
The Basics
Cruise visitors have a number of day trip options from the cruise terminal. Many La Spezia shore excursions head to nearby Portovenere before arriving in the Cinque Terre by ferry for a day of hiking through areas of Riomaggiore and Vernazza. Others traveler further afield to Tuscany to visit cities such as Lucca (46 miles or 75 km away), with its palatial Guinigi Tower; Pisa (48 miles or 77 km away), with its famous Leaning Tower; and Florence (93 miles or 48 km away), known for its array of Renaissance art. A wine-tasting tour through Chianti also makes a great shore excursion tour to the Tuscan countryside.
Alternatively, some cruise passengers choose to stay in La Spezia, where most of the highlights are within walking distance of each other. Choose a city walking tour to see San Giorgio Castle (Castello di San Giorgio), only a half-mile west of the port; the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Santa Maria Assunta), full of artwork; and the Amedeo Lia Museum (Museo Civico Amedeo Lia), a fine arts destination housing paintings by Tintoretto, Titian, and others from the 13th to 17th centuries. Finish up your city tour at the waterfront Technical Naval Museum (Museo Tecnico Navale).
The Basics
Cruise visitors have a number of day trip options from the cruise terminal. Many La Spezia shore excursions head to nearby Portovenere before arriving in the Cinque Terre by ferry for a day of hiking through areas of Riomaggiore and Vernazza. Others traveler further afield to Tuscany to visit cities such as Lucca (46 miles or 75 km away), with its palatial Guinigi Tower; Pisa (48 miles or 77 km away), with its famous Leaning Tower; and Florence (93 miles or 48 km away), known for its array of Renaissance art. A wine-tasting tour through Chianti also makes a great shore excursion tour to the Tuscan countryside.
Alternatively, some cruise passengers choose to stay in La Spezia, where most of the highlights are within walking distance of each other. Choose a city walking tour to see San Giorgio Castle (Castello di San Giorgio), only a half-mile west of the port; the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Santa Maria Assunta), full of artwork; and the Amedeo Lia Museum (Museo Civico Amedeo Lia), a fine arts destination housing paintings by Tintoretto, Titian, and others from the 13th to 17th centuries. Finish up your city tour at the waterfront Technical Naval Museum (Museo Tecnico Navale).
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to La Spezia From the Cruise Port
La Spezia cruises dock at Molo Garibaldi, just 1.5 miles (2 km) from the city center. Once off the cruise ship, walk to the Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici) across from the base of the pier, and you’ll be in town. Alternatively, take a shuttle bus or a taxi for the short journey. The La Spezia Centrale railway station, situated in the Piazza Medaglie d’Oro, offers service to Pisa and the Cinque Terre with trains running a couple times an hour. Ferries also run from La Spezia’s ferry terminal, about a 20-minute walk from the cruise dock, to Portovenere and the Cinque Terre.
Port Information
The currency in Italy is the euro, and the language is Italian. La Spezia is compact, so you should easily find free WiFi, ATMs, and tourist information.
- Shore excursion tours include port pickup and drop-off so you don’t have to worry about missing sailing times.
- Most La Spezia shore excursions are full-day trips lasting about nine hours.
- Opt for a private tour to customize your experience in port and choose the cities you’d like to visit.
How to Get to La Spezia From the Cruise Port
La Spezia cruises dock at Molo Garibaldi, just 1.5 miles (2 km) from the city center. Once off the cruise ship, walk to the Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici) across from the base of the pier, and you’ll be in town. Alternatively, take a shuttle bus or a taxi for the short journey. The La Spezia Centrale railway station, situated in the Piazza Medaglie d’Oro, offers service to Pisa and the Cinque Terre with trains running a couple times an hour. Ferries also run from La Spezia’s ferry terminal, about a 20-minute walk from the cruise dock, to Portovenere and the Cinque Terre.
Port Information
The currency in Italy is the euro, and the language is Italian. La Spezia is compact, so you should easily find free WiFi, ATMs, and tourist information.
Address: La Spezia, Piedmont & Liguria, Italy
From $ 170
La Morra
The town of La Morra in Piedmont is in the same wine-producing area as Barolo, although it's far less well known.
La Morra is about 30 miles southeast of Turin, and even borders Barolo and Alba. Like those towns, La Morra has long been heralded for the nebbiolo grapes that cover the hillsides and get turned into expensive wines.
It's a larger town than Barolo, with more than 2,500 residents, so there's more of an historic center to explore. There are also paths that wind out of the center and through the vineyards surrounding the town.
Practical Info
La Morra is easiest to reach from Turin if you have a rental car. You can get there by public transportation – taking a train to Bra and then a bus to La Morra – but it's a much longer journey. If you're already staying in Alba or other towns in the area, there are local buses you can take.
Address: La Morra, CN 12064, Italy
From $ 319
Monreale
Overlooking the Golden Valley (Conca d’Oro) on top of Mons Regalis, the medieval village of Monreale earns a spot on the travel map for its magnificent mosaic-filled cathedral, built by William II and completed in 1184. The grand Duomo, considered to be one of the best examples of Norman architecture in Sicily, is filled with mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament, covering some 68,889 square feet (6,400 square meters) of the interior.
Beside the cathedral is the abbey cloister, built around the same time as the church and expanded in the 1300s. This portion of the structure is best known for its 200-plus intricate double columns decorated in glass mosaic. Each column’s capital depicts a different aspect of medieval Sicily.
Practical Info
To avoid the worst of the tour bus crowds, plan your visit to the Duomo in the early morning or late afternoon. While only a short drive from Palermo, parking in Monreale can be difficult to find, so it’s better to take the bus from Piazza Indipendenza.
Address: Monreale, Italy
From $ 64
Orvieto Duomo
Orvieto’s magnificent cathedral (duomo) can be seen from miles around, its soaring facade and spires towering high above the rooftops of the clifftop town. Once you get closer, you can take in its intricate external mosaics and stonework, rose window, bronze doors, and sumptuous Signorelli frescoes inside.
The Basics
Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo di Orvieto) is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Italy, begun in the early 1200s based on a design by Arnolfo di Cambio, who also designed Florence’s duomo. The original plan was Romanesque, but was transformed into the more fashionable Italian Gothic over the centuries; the facade designed by Sienese sculptor and architect Lorenzo Maitani is one of the great architectural masterpieces of its time, covered with splendid mosaics and bas-reliefs and crowned by Orcagna’s 14th-century rose window. Inside, the main nave has the same stark stripes of white travertine and gray basalt stone as the external walls, but the apse is richly frescoed, as are the Chapel of the Corporal and the Chapel of the Madonna of San Brizio, the latter decorated by Signorelli’s masterful Apocalypse and the Last Judgment fresco cycle.
Orvieto is just over an hour outside Rome, and a popular day trip along with nearby Cività di Bagnoregio and Assisi. Join a walking tour of Orvieto that includes an in-depth visit of the Cathedral, or zip around the medieval center on an electric bike. The entrance to Orvieto’s popular underground tour is just across the square from the duomo, so you can easily pair a visit to the town’s most famous above-ground attraction with a tour of its warren of underground tunnels and caves.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Modest attire is required to enter the church, so be sure to cover your shoulders and knees.
- Walking tours of the duomo and city of Orvieto cover quite a bit of ground; comfortable shoes are recommended.
- The cathedral is accessible via a secondary entrance to the left of the main staircase; the internal chapels are all accessible.
- Flash photography isn’t allowed inside the church.
How to Get There
The Orvieto Duomo is on Piazza Duomo in Orvieto’s pedestrian-only historic center and can only be reached on foot. You can reach Orvieto from Rome by car or train in just over an hour.
When to Get There
Orvieto’s two main celebrations—Festa della Palombella on Pentecost and Corpus Domini—center around celebrations, processions, and ceremonial games in the square just outside the duomo and are a particularly festive time to visit.
The Corporal of Bolsena
Orvieto’s impressive cathedral was built to house the Corporal of Bolsena. A corporal is a small square of cloth that holds the communion host and wine chalice during Mass, and in 1263 a host is said to have miraculously dripped blood onto the corporal below in the nearby town of Bolsena. The stained cloth, known as the Corporal of Bolsena, is now displayed in the duomo’s Chapel of the Corporal, and has been attracting pilgrims for almost 800 years.
Address: Piazza Duomo, Orvieto, Umbria 05108, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Quattro Canti
Some Italian piazzas are picturesque squares where locals stroll in the evenings, or watch their children play, or gossip with the neighbors. And sometimes, as is the case with Palermo’s Quattro Canti, they’re busy intersections.
Despite the fact that the Quattro Canti - also known as the Piazza Vigilena - is an intersection that’s often full of cars, it’s still one of the attractions visitors seek out in the city. This is largely because of the four buildings that sit at the four corners of the intersection - “quattro canti” means “four corners” - which are Baroque buildings dating from the early 17th century. The four buildings are almost identical, save for a few details.
Each of the four buildings is slightly curved, giving the piazza a rounded footprint, and there are statues in niches that represent the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the four patron saints of Palermo. Each building is connected to a different Palermo neighborhood, and the patron saint on that building is the patron of that neighborhood.
Despite the fact that the Quattro Canti - also known as the Piazza Vigilena - is an intersection that’s often full of cars, it’s still one of the attractions visitors seek out in the city. This is largely because of the four buildings that sit at the four corners of the intersection - “quattro canti” means “four corners” - which are Baroque buildings dating from the early 17th century. The four buildings are almost identical, save for a few details.
Each of the four buildings is slightly curved, giving the piazza a rounded footprint, and there are statues in niches that represent the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the four patron saints of Palermo. Each building is connected to a different Palermo neighborhood, and the patron saint on that building is the patron of that neighborhood.
Practical Info
Unfortunately, since the Quattro Canti is more traffic-clogged
crossroads than piazza these days, the buildings themselves are not as
beautiful as they once were - and admiring the facades under the grime
can be tough with cars whizzing by. Still, the Quattro Canti is at the
heart of old Palermo, so you’ll pass through it often - just try to
imagine what it used to be like, before the automobile.
Address: Via Maqueda, Palermo 90133, Italy
From $ 23
Oratory of Santa Cecilia (Oratorio Di Santa Cecilia)
Tucked away in Via Zamboni Portico, just moments from the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore, the Oratory of Santa Cecilia (Oratorio Di Santa Cecilia) hides a wealth of artistic treasures behind its simple façade.
The Romanesque church was built as a family chapel for Bologna Lord Giovanni II Bentivoglio, and is most renowned for its exquisite series of frescos. Dating back to 1505, the frescos showcase the mastery of some of Bologna’s most important Renaissance artists, including Lorenzo Costa, Francesco Francia, Amico Aspertini and Raffaello Sanzio. Stretching over ten panels, the elaborate scenes depict the life of Saint Cecilia and her husband Valentine, while the church’s main altarpiece was so impressive, it’s now on display in the National Art Gallery of Bologna.
Practical Info
The Oratory of Santa Cecilia is located on Via Zamboni in central Bologna and is open daily from 10am to 1pm, and 2pm to 6pm (October to May) or 3pm-7pm (June to September). Admission is free.
Address: Via Zamboni, 15, Bologna, Italy
Hours: Oct-May 10am-1pm, 2-6pm; June-Sept 10am-1pm, 3-7pm
From $ 83
Montecassino Abbey (Abbazia di Montecassino)
The Abbey of Montecassino is one of the most famous abbeys on earth, due in part to its rich history of destruction and recovery. This incredible mountain monastery was founded by Saint Benedict in 529 and served as a reminder to locals and travelers alike of the power or prayer.
Today, thousands of religious pilgrims make their way to Motecassino Abbey, where they take part in holy services, wander the cloisters and absorb the beauty of the abbey’s golden mosaics. A museum on the grounds showcases paintings, manuscripts and historic texts, as well as the story of the abbey told through images.
Practical Info
The abbey is open daily from late March until November 1 from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. From November 1 to March 21 it is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sundays and holidays from 8:45 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Services take place on Sundays and holidays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. Guided tours are available.
Address: Lazio, Italy
From $ 46
Quadrilatero d'Oro
The Quadrilatero d’Oro, or the Golden Rectangle, is the center of high fashion in Milan—a district filled with luxe boutiques, swanky bars, smart cafés, and cool restaurants. The windows boast the latest haute couture from high-end labels such as Chanel, Gucci, Armani, Versace, Valentino, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana.
The Basics
The Quadrilatero d’Oro is located just north of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and is a beautiful area to walk around. For those without the deep pockets for these high-fashion stores, the window displays alone are worth a gander and give visitors a taste of the high life. Book a tour of Milan’s fashion district to learn more about the industry and how the city came to be a center for style and design.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Quadrilatero d’Oro is a must-visit for fashionistas.
- Wear comfortable shoes as most of the district’s streets are cobbled.
- Along with high-end shops, you can also find cinemas, bookstores, cafés, and department stores in the area.
How to Get There
The Quadrilatero d’Oro is located in the center of Milan, at the crossroads of Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea, and Via Montenapoleone. To arrive by public transit, you can take the M3 metro line to Montenapoleone and walk three minutes down Via Montenapoleone. Alternatively, the district is a 15-minute walk from the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
When to Get There
Many of the shops in the Quadrilatero d’Oro are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 7:30pm and on Mondays from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. Shoppers can score great deals on haute couture during Italy’s two national sales periods, in January and July.
The History of the Golden Rectangle
The brands might be new, but the streets surrounding the Quadrilatero d’Oro have always been a place of high society. Interspersed among the haute couture boutiques are old mansions once owned by Milanese nobility. Today the Poldi Pezzoli and the Bagatti Valsecchi Palazzo are house-museums and the Palazzo Morando is home to the city’s fashion museum.
Address: Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni and Via della Spiga, Milan 20100, Italy
From $ 43
La Scala Opera (Teatro alla Scala)
Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s greatest opera houses, has hosted some of Italy’s most famous opera and other performances. Located in downtown Milan, this 18th-century theater and cultural landmark—magnificently restored in 2004—seats many of its 2,000 spectators in elegant boxes adorned with gold leaf and red velvet.
The Basics
La Scala is an impressive sight whether or not you’re an opera or ballet aficionado. The building’s exterior may not be as remarkable as Milan’s Duomo, just a stone’s throw away, but a tour of its opulent interior is a must for any music lover. Along with the Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, La Scala is one of the most popular attractions in Milan, so booking a skip-the-line tour is a must. Consider joining a small-group walking tour of Milan’s highlights with an expert guide to avoid long entry waits and to learn first-hand about the iconic sights’ fascinating history. If you would like to take a full tour of La Scala, you must visit with an official tour guide. These theater tours also include a visit to La Scala Museum, which houses a collection of costumes and set designs, musical instruments, portraits of actors and musicians, and an archive. Of course, nothing beats seeing a La Scala concert, ballet, or opera, including beloved works by Rossini, Puccini, and Verdi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Without a performance ticket or guided theater tour, you can see the inside of the theater only by visiting La Scala Museum, which includes a quick peek into the auditorium through the third-level boxes when there is no rehearsal or performance.
- Purchase performance tickets in advance to ensure a seat.
- The theater and museum are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though the guided theater tour is not.
- Large bags and backpacks must be checked into the cloakroom.
How to Get There
La Scala is located on Piazza della Scala in the heart of downtown Milan, just on the other side of the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II from the Duomo. The tram line 1 and yellow metro line both stop near the theater.
When to Get There
The La Scala performance calendar runs year-round. Theater tours are held on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons when there is no rehearsal or performance scheduled. The museum is open daily from 9am to 5:30pm with a few holiday and other closures; see the website for details.
The “Staircase Theater”
The word scala means “staircase” in Italian, but Teatro alla Scala was so named because it was built on the site where the Church of Santa Maria alla Scala once stood.
Address: Piazza della Scala, Milan 20121, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Oltrarno
The historic and happening Oltrarno, which sits on the opposite side of the Arno River from the Duomo, the Uffizi, and the Accademia, is one of Florence’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Home to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, the quarter is also known for its artisan workshops, restaurants and wine bars, and nightlife.
The Basics
In addition to the Medici’s magnificent Palazzo Pitti, there are a number of other important sights in the Oltrarno, including Brunelleschi’s Santo Spirito Basilica and the church of Santa Maria del Carmine (home to the Brancacci Chapel, frescoed by Filippino Lippi). One of the most memorable views in Florence is from Piazzale Michelangelo, a scenic square set in the hills above this bustling neighborhood, where crowds gather each evening to watch the sunset.
The best way to enjoy both the culture and cuisine of the Oltrarno is by joining a walking tour that explores its attractions and culinary scene. Many tours of the Oltrarno include highlights paired with food or wine tastings, often scheduled for sunset to enjoy the view over Florence. Another interesting option is a private tour that visits the neighborhood’s artisans and workshops, where you can learn about the local handicrafts firsthand.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Walking tours of the Oltrarno are mostly outdoors, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat in summer.
- You will be doing a considerable amount of walking to explore the neighborhood, so choose comfortable footwear.
- Churches require modest attire that covers knees and shoulders.
- Some churches and monuments in the Oltrarno are not accessible to wheelchairs, and much of the historic center is paved with cobblestones.
How to Get There
The Oltrarno is located just across the Arno River from the Uffizi Gallery; to reach this historic neighborhood, simply walk across the famous Ponte Vecchio.
When to Get There
Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy, and even the quiet Oltrarno can be crowded in the high-season summer months. Plan your tour for the spring or fall, when the weather is mild but the streets are less overrun.
Piazzale Michelangelo: The Best View in Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo, set on a hillside in the Oltrarno, is the most famous scenic overlook in Florence, offering sweeping views over the city’s rooftops. From this 19th-century square, the panorama stretches from the Ponte Vecchio to the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, across the Duomo and bell tower, and to the Tuscan hills beyond.
Address: Italy
From $ 16
La Reggia Designer Outlet
Shopping is a popular pastime in Italy, for tourists and Italians alike, but don't be fooled into thinking the Italians are always paying top prices for designer duds. They're often shopping at outlet malls, too. Near Naples, the outlet mall of choice is La Reggia Designer Outlet.
La Reggia is located just south of Caserta, near the town of Marcianise, roughly 30 miles north of Naples. The outlet is designed like a modern outdoor mall, with arcades lined with shops on both sides. There are more than 100 shops in all at La Reggia, featuring discounts of 30 to 70 percent off retail prices.
You'll find Italian, European, American and many other international brands, including Armani, Diesel, Camper, Guess, Michael Kors, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Replay, Timberland and Valentino.
Practical Info
La Reggia is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday until 11 p.m. There are €10 shuttle buses that connect Naples with the outlets, departing from Piazza Municipio daily starting at 9:30 a.m. If you drive, there's free parking available. There is also a playground for the kids, a tailoring service and free Wi-Fi.
Address: Strada Provinciale 336 Sannitica, Marcianise, Italy
Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-10 p.m.;
Sat-Sun until 11 p.m.
From $ 14
La Triennale Museum
La Triennale Museum explores the history of Italian design, highlighting innovative works in furniture and industrial design, architecture, and decorative arts. Fittingly located in Milan (Italy’s design capital), the museum lies within the Palazzo dell’Arte—a venue originally built for the Triennale decorative arts show.
The Basics
One of the Palazzo dell’Arte’s best-known exhibitions, La Triennale Museum is a fascinating collection of everyday objects made to resemble art, and vice versa. Also in the same building is the Design Library (with thousands of books, magazines, and photographs available for reference) and the Teatro dell'Arte (a performance space for music, theater, and dance).
The MilanoCard and Milan Pass include free or discounted admission to the museum, along with other city highlights such as La Scala and the Duomo terraces. Many hop-on hop-off city bus tours stop at La Triennale Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Triennale Museum is a must-see for design and architecture fans.
- A café, a pizzeria, and a restaurant with a Michelin-starred chef are located on-site.
- The entire museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- There is free Wi-Fi on-site.
How to Get There
La Triennale is located in the middle of Parco Sempione, the largest park in central Milan, between Sforzesco Castle (Castello Sforzesco) and the Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace). To get there by public transit, take the red or green metro line to Cadorna or city bus 61 to the Triennale stop.
When to Get There
The Triennale Museum is one of Milan’s more popular museums, so try to visit first thing in the morning or in the evening (it stays open until 8:30pm). If you happen to be in town during the Triennale event, which occurs every three years, a visit is highly recommended. The next Triennale is in 2019 and runs from March to September.
Design is Everywhere
From the building’s architecture and the exhibitions on display to the chairs at the café, everything at La Triennale revolves around design. Upon entry, one of the first things visitors see is a suspended bridge with overhead lighting. The on-site Agora Theatre, designed completely in wood from the cedars of Lebanon, hosts design-related events and performances.
Address: Viale Emilio Alemagna, Milan 20121, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Montalcino
The pretty Tuscan hill town of Montalcino is about 25 miles southeast of Siena, and perhaps best known for its exceptional Brunello di Montalcino wine.
The founding of Montalcino is closely associated with the nearby Abbey of Sant'Antimo – the monks likely established a church on this hill in the 9th century as they were establishing their monastery. The medieval walls (dating from the 13th century) still surround part of the city, and the 14th century fortress still occupies the summit of the hill. Many of the buildings in Montalcino date from the 13th-14th centuries.
As you might expect from a wine-producing town, many of the slopes of the hills surrounding Montalcino are covered in vineyards. The famous Brunello di Montalcino is made from local sangiovese grapes, and is responsible for much of the economic growth of the town in recent decades. Montalcino and another wine-producing town nearby, Montepulciano, are great day trips in Tuscany for wine lovers.
Address: Montalcino, Italy
From $ 162
Quartiere Spagnoli
With a warren of narrow alleyways and roughly cobblestoned streets, crammed with small stores, barber’s shops and dimly lit bars, the Quartiere Spagnoli is one of Naples’ most atmospheric local districts. Built to house troops during the Spanish occupation, the historic quarter might be somewhat rundown these days, but it still buzzes with life, with colorful laundry flapping from the balconies, residents sipping espresso on their doorsteps and motorbikes juddering by at all hours of the day and night.
Despite earning itself a rather unsavory reputation in recent years due to an abundance of petty crime and pickpocketing, the Quartiere Spagnoli is still one of Naples’ most characteristic areas and makes a unique addition to a tour itinerary. As well as offering a unique glimpse into everyday life in the city, it’s home to landmarks like the Baroque church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the 18th-century Palazzo Serra di Cassano.
Practical Info
The Quartiere Spagnoli is located to the west of Via Toledo in central Naples.
Address: Quartieri Spagnoli, Naples, Italy
From $ 81
La Martorana
The church known most commonly as “La Martorana” is an architectural example of Sicily’s changing allegiances over the centuries. The facade alone features three different architectural styles.
The Martorana (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio is the official name) dates back to 1141. You can no longer see the original Norman facade, but you can still see the typical Norman red dome from the exterior. Thankfully, once you’re inside the church, the original 12th century mosaics still shine in all their Byzantine glory. These mosaics are the highlight of a visit to La Martorana, and if you want to see them at their best, go first thing in the morning.
Back outside the church, you’ll notice that over the old Norman facade there is now a Baroque facade and a Romanesque bell tower. After the church was completed in the mid-12th century, it was later given to a Benedictine nun by the name of Eloisa Martorana - hence the church’s nickname - in the 1190s so she could establish a convent there. The convent flourished through the 19th century, and it was under the direction of the nuns that many of the architectural changes were made. By the early 1900s, the convent was no more - Mussolini gave the church to the Greek Orthodox in Palermo in 1935.
The Martorana (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio is the official name) dates back to 1141. You can no longer see the original Norman facade, but you can still see the typical Norman red dome from the exterior. Thankfully, once you’re inside the church, the original 12th century mosaics still shine in all their Byzantine glory. These mosaics are the highlight of a visit to La Martorana, and if you want to see them at their best, go first thing in the morning.
Back outside the church, you’ll notice that over the old Norman facade there is now a Baroque facade and a Romanesque bell tower. After the church was completed in the mid-12th century, it was later given to a Benedictine nun by the name of Eloisa Martorana - hence the church’s nickname - in the 1190s so she could establish a convent there. The convent flourished through the 19th century, and it was under the direction of the nuns that many of the architectural changes were made. By the early 1900s, the convent was no more - Mussolini gave the church to the Greek Orthodox in Palermo in 1935.
Practical Info
Browsing through the pastry shops in Palermo, you may find the name
“Martorana” on the realistically-sculpted marzipan fruits. The nuns of
La Martorana were famous for their marzipan, and the name is still used
on the marzipan treats made in Palermo.
Address: Piazza Bellini, 3, Palermo, Italy
From $ 32