During the holiday period, many of our compatriots choose beautiful Italy as a holiday destination. For those who are no longer surprised by the bustle of the eternal city of Rome and the shopping of Milan, our selection of the most cozy Italian cities on the seashore.
Probably, each of us has ever dreamed of spending, if not life, then at least a vacation in a quiet village on the seashore, drinking coffee and tasting wine in local restaurants, listening to the voices of seagulls and the sound of the surf.
Let's choose!
(Total 10 photos)
Vernazza is considered the most organic, beautiful and picturesque town of the Italian “five lands” (Cinque Terre) of Liguria. Today, just over a thousand people live here, so Vernazza is also one of the quietest towns, and only calm Manarola can compete with it. Against the background of multi-colored multi-story tower houses, the older medieval walls of galleries, palaces, a monastery and, of course, the castle, whose low walls once protected the peace of local residents from pirate raids, catch your eye. On the narrow streets of Vernazza, going down to the sea at steep angles, at almost every step you can see boats “parked” near houses as natural as the cars parked in our courtyards at the entrances look.
Portofino is a resort on the Ligurian coast. It is surrounded by hills covered with olive trees. From the windows of the observation cable car, the entire town is visible at a glance. Guy De Maupassant loved to be here, who wrote about Portofino: “This green bay in the kingdom of harmony and peace contrasts so much with all the vain worries of our life.” It has everything: untouched nature and magnificent beaches, architectural monuments and expensive shops. The former fishing village has turned into an amazing resort that world celebrities love to visit.
Atrani is a small town on the west coast of Italy, in the Campania region, province of Salerno. Atrani carefully preserves its medieval origins and, with its picturesque alleys, arches, courtyards, squares and stairs, looks like a festive Christmas decoration washed by the sea. During the Amalfi Republic, the most noble families lived in this town. The coronation and burial of the doges took place here. Atrani is located just 700 meters from Amalfi, in a natural amphitheater surrounded by huge, soaring cliffs. The center of Atrani is located away from the noisy roads of the coast, as only local residents are allowed to enter the city: this helps to maintain a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in the city.
Positano is one of the most famous resorts in southern Italy, located on the shores of the Gulf of Salerno, on the Amalfi Coast. The beauty of the local landscapes made Positano a Mecca for artists back in the 19th century. The town is scattered across three small valleys, sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. Characteristic colorful houses climb the steep mountain slopes. From almost anywhere in the town there is a magnificent view of the sea. Positano has been known since Roman times. According to legend, it was founded by the god of the sea himself, Neptune (Poseidon). The Galli islets off the coast of Positano are mentioned in the Odyssey - according to Homer, this is where the Sirens lived. Since the Middle Ages, the town has preserved watchtowers built to protect against Saracen pirates.
Ravello is a city of music with romantic gardens, cool alleys and medieval architecture. In the 11th – 13th centuries, at the invitation of wealthy merchants, Arab architects came to Ravello and erected luxurious palaces here. To this day, Ravello has retained the charm of an ancient village. Ravello's rich culture is closely linked to its musical heritage. Wagner often vacationed here, in love with this place, which inspired him to write many of his famous works. Every year in the summer a symphonic music festival named after him is held here. From the slopes of the terrace on which Ravello is located, magnificent views of the Amalfi Coast open up.
Manarola is a small fishing town in Liguria, northern Italy. The city is located on a cliff overlooking the wild coastline of the Ligurian Sea. It is also one of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre. Manarola is the oldest and one of the smallest cities of the famous five. In the center of the town is the Church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338. In the western part there is a small harbor, and in the east there is a square where local residents often gather to discuss any important issues. Although there is no beach, it is a good place for snorkeling and exploring caves and rock crevices. A special staircase was built to descend to the water. The main industry here is traditionally fishing and winemaking. Even during the Roman Empire, the local wine was valued for its excellent taste.
Sorrento has always been known as a prestigious holiday destination: Roman patricians built villas in the vicinity of the city, and Emperor Tiberius himself settled on the nearby island of Capri. Sorrento is located on steep cliffs of volcanic tuff, plunging into the Gulf of Naples. Piazza Tasso can be called the heart of Sorrento. It is from here that the main shopping street, Via Corso, begins, famous for its restaurants, shops and clubs. Sorrento has two ports - Marina Piccola and Marina Grande. Every morning, sea rockets depart from Marina Grande to the islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida and the neighboring cities of Positano and Amalfi.
40 kilometers from Genoa is the small town of Rapallo. There are many historical monuments here - ancient cathedrals and churches, the oldest is considered to be the church of St. Gervasio and Protasio, which is mentioned in ancient manuscripts of the 6th century. Rapallo is a very clean, noble and cozy city. Hemingway liked to stay in one of the best hotels of the 19th century, located on a high bank near the port. Every day snow-white yachts moor to the shores of Rapallo.
Lerici is a bizarre mixture of buildings, small coves and rocky cliffs that jut into the sparkling sea. This is a favorite holiday destination for residents of the northern part of Italy, as here you can enjoy a quiet, comfortable holiday away from the crowds of foreign tourists. The main attraction of the town is the ancient medieval castle.
10. Castigliocello
Castiglioncello is a small town in the province of Livorno, located on a cape washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is surrounded by pine and oak forests, as well as picturesque hills that literally break off and fall down, forming cliffs, small bays and cozy coves with charming beaches. The ancient Romans and Etruscans, and later the Medici during the Renaissance, could not pass by the beauty of these lands. Recently, Castiglioncello has become famous as a resort town, where Marcello Mastroianni and Luchino Visconti once built their villas. The town allows you to lead a calm and measured lifestyle, eliminating unnecessary fuss and noise. Castiglioncello is a secluded resort for the elite. Mass tourism is an unwritten taboo here. Therefore, Castiglioncello attracts many creative people, including artists who founded a commune here.
Italy is one of the most popular countries among tourists. The beauty, history and culture of this country will not leave anyone indifferent. But Italy is not only Rome, Venice, and Milan. There are thousands more picturesque small towns and villages that amaze with their varied landscapes and architecture. There are no crowds of tourists here, there is only real flavor that will help you feel the spirit of true Italy.
LifeGuide has selected 20 of the brightest, most interesting and colorful towns in Italy, where you can feel the true taste of this country.
1. Burano. An island quarter in Venice, famous for its brightly colored houses.
2. Como. Located in the foothills of the Italian Alps and off the shores of picturesque Lake Como.
3. San Quirico d'Orcia. A charming town in Tuscany with beautiful vineyards. 
4. Sorrento. Quite a famous resort in Italy with beautiful beaches, architecture and nature.
5. Pitigliano. It is also called “little Jerusalem”, thanks to many monuments of Jewish culture.
6. Lipari. This volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea is famous for its very clean and clear water around the islet.
7. Portofino. A fishing town with a population of just 500 people, it is one of the most picturesque ports in the country.
8. Manarola. This very colorful city is located on the rocks near the Ligurian Sea.
9. Urbino. This small town is home to the palace of the Dukes of Urbino, with a gallery containing one of the world's most important collections of Renaissance paintings. 
10. Riomaggiore. The village was founded at the beginning of the 13th century and is famous for its amazing wine. Car traffic is prohibited here. 
11. Burgos. This wonderful village with wonderful views and landscapes is located in the Sardinia region.
12. Horta San Junio. A small and cozy city lies on the shores of Lake Orto. And opposite the city on the island there is another San Junio.
13. Verona. This is probably the most famous place on this list. Verona is Paris's main rival for the title of the most romantic city in the world. 
14. Positano. In this city, tourists can expect crystal clear seas, a calm atmosphere and beautiful sandy beaches.
15. Alborabello. The commune is famous for its unique trulli structures (see photo), included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
16. Misurina. A small village located by the lake of the same name and at the foot of three peaks. 
Everyone knows Rome or Florence, and first of all, when visiting Italy, tourists mostly go to one of these cities. Undoubtedly, they are beautiful. But in Italy there are many less “hyped” and beautiful places that, nevertheless, would be worth visiting at least once in your life.
The local population simply calls it “Reggio”. It was the city of Reggio Emilia, in the region of Emilia Romagna, that was born: in the “Hall of the Tricolore” (“Salade l Tricolore”) the three colors of the national flag of Italy were first approved.
Tourists should visit numerous city squares, including the main Cathedral Square (Piazza Duomo) and St. Prospero Square (Piazza San Prospero) with a church in his honor. Among other attractions, the City Theater deserves special attention, where orchestral concerts are conducted under the direction of the most famous conductors from around the world.
How to get there: There are bus and railway stations in the city. The railway station is located east of the old town. Trains arrive here from Milan (about 1.5 hours), Bologna (40-50 minutes), Piacenza (50 minutes - 1 hour), Modena (15 minutes) and Parma (15 minutes).
Ferrara
During the reign of Ercole I d'Este, one of the most generous (after the Medici family, of course) Italian patrons of art in the late 15th century and early 16th century, (Ferrara), now located in the Emilia Romagna region, has become a major cultural center of the country, especially distinguished in the field of musical and visual arts. The most representative building of the ancient city today is the Estense Castle (Castello Estense) or the Castle of St. Michael. But don't overlook the fact that there are real works of art scattered throughout Ferrara: from the Diamond Palace, which houses the National Art Gallery, to the Romanesque Cathedral. 
How to get there: Trains going from Florence to Bologna and Venice pass through the railway station. Accordingly, it takes about 30 minutes to get to Bolgni, 2-3 hours to Florence, 1.5-2 hours to Venice, 1 hour 15 minutes to Ravenna. ACFT buses no. 1, 2 and 9 go to the center of Ferrara from the station.
Bologna
One of the most ancient universities in Europe operates in the city of Bologna. Bologna is called the "city of towers" because of its twenty defensive medieval towers.
- We recommend this article:
And also “Red Bologna” because of the special color of all its buildings and “Fat Bologna” for its unusually delicious cuisine. A tourist here should definitely visit the building of the City Municipality (Palazzo Comunale), which houses the collection of Civil Art (arte Civica) with paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Also noteworthy is the Morandi Museum (Museo Morandi) with works by Giorgio Morandi, who was born here; The main square (Piazza Maggiore) with the Basilica of San Petronio (one of the largest churches in the world) and the Town Hall. 
How to get there:
- by plane. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (Aeroporto Guglielmo Marconi di Bologna) is located 6 km from the city center. Every day from 6:00 to 24:00 a bus runs on the route “Airport - Bologna Center - Railway Station”. The total travel time from the airport to the station is 20 minutes.
- by train. This is probably the most convenient way, since one of the largest railway junctions in the country is located in Bologna (1.5 km north of the central Piazza Maggiore). From here you can reach any major Italian city without transfers. So, the journey to Florence will be only 40 minutes - 1 hour, to Venice - 1.5 hours, to Milan, Turin or Rome it will take at least 2 hours, and to Naples - at least 4 hours.
Arezzo
The city of Arezzo in Tuscany is one of the most significant cities of the ancient Etruscans, in which many historical monuments have been preserved: just look at the beautiful Central Square (Piazza Grande), tropezoidal in shape, with the Bishop's Palace (Palazzo Vescovile) (the residence of the bishops, restored in the middle of the 13th century) and the palace of Palazzo Cofani-Brizzolari. Arezzo has a large number of different churches. For example, the Cathedral of San Donato (Cattedraledi San Donato); Basilica of San Francesco (Basilica di San Francesco) in Tuscan-Gothic style; Basilica of San Domenico (Basilica di San Domenico), construction of which began in 1275 and ended at the beginning of the 14th century. The last church is famous for its unique nave with a crucifix from 1265/1268 by the famous Florentine painter Cimabue.
How to get there:
- by plane. The nearest airports are in Florence and Pisa.
- by train. From Florence to Arezzo you can travel by train in 30 minutes, from Rome in 2.5 hours. The station is located in the city center.
- by bus. Intercity buses will bring you here from almost any town in Italy.
Lucca
Famous for its perfectly preserved city walls, Tuscan Lucca has every right to be proud of the house of Giacomo Puccini, the great composer’s birthplace, which was re-opened to the public in 2011. 
Neither the magnificent Piazza dell’Anfiteatro with the Basilica of San Ferdinando nor the beautiful Cathedral of San Martino will disappoint tourists.
How to get there:
- by train. The Florence – Pisa – Viareggio railway line runs through Lucca. Therefore, it is most convenient to travel here from Pisa (30 minutes) and Florence (1.5-2 hours), through Pistoia (45 minutes) and Prato (1 hour).
Sienna
In addition, Siena is home to one of the most famous squares in Italy - the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. The square faces the imposing Palazzo Pubblico with the Torre del Mangia (lit. “tower of the glutton”). Twice a year (July 2 and August 16), perhaps the most famous horse race in Italy, the Palio di Siena, takes place on the square. 
How to get there:
- by plane. 9 km from Siena is the Ampugnano airport, which receives flights from Olbia, Vienna and Munich. High-speed shuttles go from here to Piazza Gramsci. Many travelers fly to Florence or Pisa, and from there take a bus or train to Siena. Buses also leave twice a day from Siena to Bologna airport (2.5 hours).
- by train. Direct trains go to Siena from Florence, and trains also depart regularly from Empoli. Siena railway station is 2 km from its historical center - this is a 5-minute journey by bus. From the station to the center to Piazza del Sale there are buses No. 3, 8, 10, 17, 77, and in the opposite direction - No. 17. But, if you are not too burdened with luggage, you can go through this the journey takes 30-40 minutes on foot.
- by bus. Intercity bus service in Italy is quite developed, so you can easily get to Siena by bus from Florence (1 hour 20 minutes), Rome (3 hours) or other cities.
Urbino
In the Marche region there is a small town (Urbino) in which one of the most ancient universities in Europe is located. In addition, the city is famous for its rich Renaissance heritage, especially the period 1444-1482, when Urbino was ruled by Duke Federico da Montefeltro. 
The most important building of the city located on a hill is the ducal palace Palazzo Ducale. In the mid-15th century, it was built by the Florentine Masodi Bartolomeo, commissioned by Duke Federico III da Montefeltro. 
How to get there:
- by bus. There is no train station in Urbino, so you can only come here by car or by bus from Pesaro (where there is already a railway connection). The journey from Pesaro lasts about an hour; up to 15 buses leave for Urbino per day.
- by car. Urbino is reached by the S423 motorway from Pesaro and the S73B motorway, which exits from the SS3 road to Rome. It is worth keeping in mind that tourists are not allowed inside the city walls by car, so you will have to leave the car in a parking lot nearby and from there get to the city center by bus or taxi.
Orvieto
Orvieto is one of the most spectacular places in Europe, as it sits on the flat top of a large volcanic tuff hill in the Umbria region. The city's main attraction is its cathedral (Duomo), similar to Siena's with a striped façade of white travertine and black basalt.
It is also interesting that under Orvieto there is a real underground labyrinth. Caves and tunnels are equipped under the city as a way to save residents in the event of a siege.
How to get there:
- by train. You can drive to Orvieto from Rome in an hour, or in one and a half to two hours from Florence. There is a funicular leading directly from the station to the city.
Viterbo
A special feature of the city of Viterbo in the Lazio region is its historical center, surrounded by almost perfectly preserved medieval walls dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. The main attraction of Viterbo is the beautiful Palace of the Popes (Palazzodei Papi). The Cathedral of St. Lorenzo (Cattedraledi S.Lorenzo) with the sarcophagus of Pope Giovanni XXI (Giovanni XXI) is another important monument of the city.
Other places worth noting include the City Hall (Palazzo Comunale) from the early 1460s, the City Hall (PalazzodelPodestà) from 1264 and the Prefecture building (Palazzodella Prefettura), rebuilt in 1771, in the central square of the Popular Vote (Piazza del Plebiscito).
How to get there:
- by train. Every half hour, trains depart from Rome to Viterbo, arriving in an hour and a half. At the railway stations of Viterbo, Porta Romana and Porta Fiorentina, there are information desks where you can get tourist information on any question that interests you.
Chieti
Chieti is one of the most ancient cities in Italy, located in the Abruzzo region. According to legend, Chieti was founded in 1181 BC. ancient Greek hero Achilles. In addition to this fact, tourists will be interested in the Gothic cathedral, rebuilt in 1069, as well as the National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo “Villa Frigerj”.
There is a direct Prontobus service to Chieti. Gets there in 4 hours. 🇮🇹↙️ SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Italy presents a wonderful combination of history, art, architecture, natural beauty and culinary wonders. There are few places on the planet that have such a wide variety of different landscapes, traditions and cultural richness, with each area offering something completely unique to visitors. I present to your attention the most beautiful cities in Italy that are definitely worth visiting during your trip.
Cinque Terre
Made up of five coastal towns, Cinque Terre is a wonderful example of natural beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow, winding roads, the Cinque Terre offers visitors breathtaking scenery and a unique world, along with excellent wine and plentiful seafood. 
Verona
A center of culture and opera, Verona is as charming as its more famous neighbor Venice. Lovers flock to the balcony of Shakespeare's hapless heroine Juliet, while history buffs can explore the ancient sites of Arena di Verona, Arco di Gavi and the Roman Theatre. Verona is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. 
Cities of the Amalfi Coast
Stretching 50 kilometers along the coastline, Amalfi is a very popular holiday destination. The coast offers a variety of holiday options, from the expensive but beautiful Positano, to the pinnacle of Ravello and the medieval beautiful town of Salerno. 
Sienna
Siena is not often visited by tourists, but nevertheless, it is a truly beautiful Tuscan city. With a beautiful cathedral and a tangled network of rustic alleys, Siena is the perfect Italian city for a relaxing trip. 
Naples
A historic city located next to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, Naples is the third largest and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy after Milan and Rome. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Naples has a rich culture and history that can be explored endlessly. You can read about the sights of Naples in a separate article. 
Milan
Milan is the beating heart of Italian business and one of the richest and most expensive cities in Europe. Despite its industrial roots, Milan has a lot to offer in terms of culture, architecture and gastronomy. Here you will find a number of the most famous attractions of Italy. 
Cities of Lake Garda
One of the three most famous lakes in Italy, Lake Garda is home to many beautiful towns on its shores, each rich in history, natural scenery and gastronomy. Sirmione, Salo, Limone and Bardolino are especially popular among tourists.
Venice
A must-see for any visitor to the Italian peninsula, the water city of Venice is an architectural marvel that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. It is best to enjoy the beauty of the city outside of the high season, when there are not many tourists. Venice's main attractions include Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge and the world famous canals with gondoliers. 
Florence
Set in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, Florence is another very popular destination for art lovers from all over the world. As a true center of culture, the city is home to some of the most famous works of art, architecture and sculpture in the world. Among the most beautiful cities in Italy, Florence has always occupied a special position. 
The most beautiful city in Italy - Rome
One of the most famous cities in the world, Rome combines modernity with ancient history in its own unique style. Head straight to the center and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Rome, experience the culture and stunning beauty of the Eternal City. Must-see sites include the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel and many beautiful squares and fountains.
In continuation, read also about 8 alternative cities in Italy that are definitely worth visiting outside the famous Big Four.
Distant and beautiful Italy has always captivated and attracted people. The center of education, enlightenment and development of the arts in Europe, which influenced all neighboring states. In addition to the beautiful landscapes, each of the Italian cities preserves its own piece of common heritage in the form of magnificent buildings and monuments. The following are the most beautiful cities in Italy, which a traveler should definitely visit!
1. Rome
No one will argue that Rome is the most beautiful city in Italy. The capital of the once powerful Roman Empire still attracts the attention of tourists from different parts of the world. The “City on Seven Hills” has many unique cultural heritage sites. Over the centuries, Rome has been transformed several times. Here you can see the famous Colosseum amphitheater, in the arena of which gladiators and wild animals fought; the luxurious Pantheon temple, the abode of the ancient Roman gods; as well as many medieval cathedrals and churches that show the development of Catholicism. For example, St. Peter's Basilica is the largest Catholic church in Europe. In addition, guests of the city can admire the majestic fountains: the Trevi Fountain, the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Turtle Fountain, which are incredibly beautiful.
2. Venice
It would be unforgivable not to include Venice, which has always been an amazing and unusually romantic place, on the list of the most beautiful cities in Italy. The city on the islands of the Venetian Lagoon is familiar to everyone with its canals, houses on stilts and leisurely gondoliers moving along the canals. The main “street” of the city is the Grand Canal, depicted in most images of the city on the water. Venice is famous not only for its seasonal floods, but also for its magnificent, exquisite architecture. One only has to look at the Doge's Palace or St. Mark's Basilica to understand how different and interesting styles were mixed in the local culture. Of the many beautiful bridges in Venice, I would like to highlight the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, which are not only ancient, but also the most significant monuments of the city. The island of Burano with its bright, colorful houses is extremely popular among tourists.
3. Naples
The majestic port of Naples, located at the foot of the famous volcano Vesuvius, is not only the most beautiful city in Italy, but also one of the most famous and popular among tourists. This location made Naples one of the most popular motifs of many Italian artists. In addition to beautiful natural panoramas, Naples boasts remarkable architectural monuments. Extremely important cultural centers are the National Museum and the National Art Gallery, which contain works by Caravaggio, El Greco or Raphael, and the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, which houses finds from the excavations of Pompeii. The Castel dell'Ovo, or egg castle, is widely known and is a very unusual fortress. In addition, the city has a huge number of Gothic cathedrals, churches and Christian monasteries.
4. Florence
Florence can easily be called the cultural capital of the past. This is an incredibly picturesque Italian city on the Arno River, which showed the world the talents of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci, Dante and Donatello and many other outstanding personalities. Walking along the local streets, a traveler feels their rich past. Among the special architectural advantages of the city are the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which amazes with its scope and detail, the Church of Santa Maria Novella, as well as numerous palaces. Architectural ensembles such as Palazzo Strozzi, Palazzo Pitti or Bargello simply cannot fail to make a strong impression. It was here that the residences of aristocrats and monarchs were located. Florence is also rich in various museums. Thus, the Uffizi Gallery contains outstanding works of art from paintings and icons to frescoes and sculptures.
5. Genoa
Genoa is the largest seaport and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, famous for its incredible landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Thousands of travelers come here every year to stroll through Piazza Ferrari, climb the famous Lanterna lighthouse or visit the enormous Cathedral of St. Lawrence. These are indeed unique attractions, but beautiful Genoa contains much more interesting objects! Lovers of luxury architecture will be impressed by the ensemble of Palazzi dei Rolli palaces, where representatives of the ruling dynasties previously lived. Being a port city, Genoa also has a maritime attraction. In the Bay of San Fruttuoso there is a two-meter high statue of Christ from the Abyss, which stands right at the bottom. Installed in honor of the fallen divers, it has been one of the hallmarks of Genoa for half a century.
6. Siena
Speaking about historical monuments, it is impossible not to mention the beautiful Italian city of Siena. This city, whose name dates back to the Etruscan or Gaul tribes, contains a huge number of magnificent buildings. It’s not for nothing that UNESCO included Siena on the World Heritage List, because there really is something to admire here! This is a whole fairy-tale country of medieval castles and cathedrals! Just look at the church of St. Clement and Siena Cathedral! These are magnificent examples of Gothic architecture, which is imbued with the spirit of Catholicism. The entire Old Town area is one of Italy's most important tourist gems. Siena is a city of students: many universities and cultural monuments make the city a haven for students and tourists.
7. Bologna
Bologna is the oldest university center in Europe. The first university appeared here back in 1088, turning the course of life and development towards education and enlightenment. Bologna can be called, without exaggeration, the most prosperous city in Italy to live in, since the level of income of the population and the quality of life here are high. Cultural traditions and values are another of the city’s riches. The main squares of Bologna are Piazza Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. Opera lovers will be delighted, because the country-famous Teatro Communale di Bologna opera house is located here. Immortal works of both Italian and other classics come to life on its stage. While traveling through this beautiful city, tourists can also admire the Gothic palaces of Palazzo di Re Enzo and Palazzo del Podestà, the unfinished Basilica of San Petronio or the ensemble of churches of Santo Stefano.
8. Palermo
The main city of the island of Sicily certainly attracts the eye with its beauty. It is located on the shore of an endless sea with quiet bays and high hills. A place worthy of a painter's brush. Palermo is home to almost three hundred different Catholic churches! Many of them are made according to the Gothic canons, others represent the local version of the baroque that was once popular in Europe. Some buildings, like the Royal Palace, were built over many decades, so they absorbed the characteristic features of several styles at once. The city has many beautiful squares, such as Piazza Pretoria with its magnificent fountain. This is an ideal place for a walk, both during the day and during the day. In Palermo there is a local underground cemetery called the Catacombs of the Capuchins and receives significant attention from tourists.
9. Arezzo
The beautiful city of Arezzo is located in a picturesque area of Italy: in the upper reaches of the Arno River and surrounded by rugged mountains. The central square of Arezzo is the heart of the old town, which preserves the memory of a solid past. The architectural heritage includes the Cathedral, which was built on the site of a small early Christian church. This is a huge structure that was built over several centuries, and its age since its completion is more than 500 years! The city also has museums for the artist Vasari and the famous poet Petrarch, which once served as homes for these prominent figures. Among the modern attractions, one can note the UnoAErre jewelry museum, which presents a rich collection of exhibits made of precious metals and stones.
10. Perugia
Perugia is a very beautiful city in Italy, where different cultures and art styles have merged. Here you can easily find buildings from the time of the first Etruscans, as well as many luxurious Gothic cathedrals and even works from the Baroque period. Walking through this small but pleasant town, you can see the powerful temple of the Knights Templar - the Church of San Bevignate, walk past the ancient Maggiore Fountain and admire the richly decorated Church of San Bernardino. And in the Chapel of San Severo, lovers of painting and fine arts will find a fresco on which the artists Raphael and Perugino alternately worked. This quiet and picturesque Italian town annually attracts a huge number of visitors who want to join the local history.
11. Ragusa
Sunny Sicily has always attracted tourists with its friendly weather and beautiful views. It is worth noting that nature on this island really did its best, creating a unique place. Beautiful green hills, river terraces and harmonious stone buildings in the Sicilian Baroque style make the city of Ragusa one of the most beautiful in Italy. Most of the local cultural and historical monuments are various churches. The most significant are the Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista and the Church of San Francesco all'Immacolata. These are truly majestic buildings that are imbued with the spirit of antiquity and inspire respect in anyone who approaches them. Despite the rapid industrial development, this town carefully preserves and preserves its rich past.
12. Urbino
I didn’t want to complete the list of the most beautiful cities in Italy without mentioning Urbino. It is located among picturesque green hills and mountains. This city dates back to the Renaissance, so its cultural heritage cannot fail to impress. Connoisseurs of painting and sculpture will find extraordinary inspiration here, because local churches were painted by such great masters as Raphael and Uccello. In this regard, the local Cathedral, which boasts a rich collection of works by great painters, especially stands out. The skill of ancient architects and artists can also be seen in the churches of San Domenico and San Spirito. The crowning achievement of Renaissance architecture is the Castle of the Dukes of Urbino: a monumental building that today houses the National Gallery of the Marche. It is no coincidence that this building is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
