With so many Italy UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit, holidaymakers are often presented with a daunting buffet of choice when planning their Italian travel. Thankfully, we can help you narrow your selection and make the decision process a little easier.
Today, we’ve got a list of the top Italy UNESCO World Heritage Sites to help you select the finest destinations for your next Italy multi-centre holiday. In this travel blog, we’re going to showcase the world-renowned Italy holiday destinations that are a must-see for any Australian traveller.
By the end of this blog, you’ll have a firm idea of Italy’s finest holiday destinations and the places that truly deserve to be called “UNESCO World Heritage Sites”.
1. Venice and its Lagoon
Once a maritime power in the 10th century, the city of Venice now distinguishes itself with exceptional architecture, giving the appearance of a city floating upon water.
Built upon a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, the people of Venice travel through the city by boat, making their way through winding canals.
Made up of around 100 small islands, Venice is an extraordinary city that has leveraged nature to create something spectacular.
Due to Venice’s close relationship with its lagoon, there are numerous fishing villages that take advantage of this symbiosis. Venice is also home to several culturally important landmarks that have further raised its profile as the iconic city we know today, including:
- Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square)
- Saint Mark’s Basilica (also known as the Golden Basilica)
- Doge’s Palace
- Rialto Bridge
Venice stands as an architectural marvel, sitting in a lagoon surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. With its extraordinary construction, Venice is well deserving of the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. This is one destination that needs to be on the itinerary of your next Italy multi-centre holiday.
2. Historic Centre of Rome
If you’re searching for the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites Italy has to offer, then Rome is an unmissable location. As the capital of Italy, the centre of Rome is proudly listed as one of the best Italian World Heritage Sites.
Dating back to ancient times, Rome is dense with historic monuments that have been carefully preserved. You’ll discover some of the world’s most famous monuments and historic artefacts in this historic city, such as:
- Rome Colosseum
- St Peter’s Basilica at Vatican City
- Roman Forum
- The Pantheon
- Trajan’s Column
- Column of Marcus Aurelius
Each of these cherished monuments have been inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Due to the density of ancient structures, the entire historic centre of Rome is listed as World Heritage Site.
With several archaeological sites dotted around Rome, and its plethora of preserved historical monuments, the capital of Italy is an essential addition to any Italy multi-centre holiday.
3. Piazza dei Miracoli (Piazza del Duomo) in Pisa
Across the green lawn of Piazza dei Miracoli stand four awe-inspiring works of architecture. The four medieval structures that have earned Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli a place in the history books are as follows:
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Pisa Cathedral
- Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery)
- Pisa Baptistry
These four religious marble monuments have often been cited as the “centre of European medieval art”. Also known as the “Square of Miracles”, these historically significant structures stand as exquisite examples of monumental art in Italy.
Dating back to the 11th and 14th centuries, this architectural complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
As an outstanding example of medieval architecture, Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli is a must-visit location when travelling on your Italy multi-centre holiday.
4. Archaeological Areas of Pompeii
In 79 AD, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius preserved an ancient civilization in layers of volcanic ash and rock.
The ancient Roman town of Pompeii was once a town of around 25,000 before this tragedy struck, which immortalised the town in ash, thus providing a vivid snapshot of ancient society that archaeologists still study today.
As archaeologists continue to excavate the site of Pompeii, more is learned about Italy’s vivid past and this early Roman town.
Situated near Naples, this Roman town from a time long-forgot is an astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Site destination. If you’re curious about ancient Roman civilisations, then Pompeii is an ideal Italy multi-centre holiday destination for you.
5. Historic Centre of Florence
As early as 1982, the historic centre of Florence was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the very first Italian locations to be listed.
Florence stands as the home of the Renaissance, a focal point of Italian culture. At the centre of Florence, you’ll find vibrant art museums alongside marvellous architecture that dates back as far as the 13th century.
Art museums feature the work of master artists, perfectly preserved, centuries later, such as:
- Giotto
- Filippo Brunelleschi
- Sandro Botticelli
- Michelangelo
The themes of the Renaissance are pervasive throughout the city and its influence can even be seen in the architecture. We recommend seeing:
- Florence Cathedral: Santa Maria di Fiore
- Basilica di Santa Croce
- Uffizi Gallery
- Pitti Palace
Since being founded in 59 BC, Florence has continued to flourish over the years, giving birth to some of the most influential art figures, as well as a refined culture that has turned the city into a living museum. Florence is a city full of historical artefacts to admire and the city remains as one of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit on your next Italy multi-centre holiday.
Get in Touch
If you have enjoyed our selection of Italy UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be sure to follow Bellarome Italian Adventures across social media to get the latest Italian holiday news and travel recommendations first:
Twitter: @bellarome1
Facebook: @bellarome
Google +: google.com/+Bellarome1/
Instagram: @bellarome1
Alternatively, if you’re interested in visiting any of the places mentioned in our blogs, you can reach us via our online form or contact us directly at 61 2 9056 7018.
