Interesting cities in Italy. The most beautiful cities in central Italy. Italy - list of the most interesting and beautiful cities

Italian cities traditionally lead the list of the most beautiful places that a traveler needs to visit. And these are not only the largest and most famous, because this country is rich in small colorful towns with picturesque streets and delicious regional cuisine. However, now we are talking about the main and most interesting Italian cities, which we present to you.

Rome

The former capital of an ancient civilization, Rome to this day is referred to as nothing more than the "eternal city".

Antique and modern, majestic and shabby, cozy and dazzling Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most beautiful cities in the world and Europe, absolutely must-see.

Florence

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region, which in turn is considered one of the most beautiful regions in Italy.

It was in Florence that the heyday of the Renaissance began, which later turned the ancient city into a real open-air museum.

Venice

Another Italian city-museum, which many consider the most beautiful city in the world.

Venice, standing on the water, dazzles and falls in love with tourists, who are many times more here than local residents.

Milan

The main city of northern Italy, one of the major capitals of the world of fashion, which every six months reveals to the world the main trends on its catwalks.

People come here to see the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, the very Duomo, and, of course, for a tourist run through the main boutiques of Milan, which is considered the capital of Italian fashion shopping.

Naples

For some, Naples is the dirtiest and most dangerous city in Italy, while others see only the good and call it the colorful gastronomic capital of the country. Here they cook the best Italian pizza, the best Italian coffee, people come here for a beach holiday and shopping in Neapolitan outlets.

Bologna

The main university city of Italy and the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region.

If you look at Bologna from a bird's eye view, it is a monochrome city with terracotta roofs that invites you to walk along its cozy colorful streets and have a good time on the terraces with a glass of lambrusco.

Pisa

15 minutes from the resort of Livorno or 1 by train from Florence - and you are in Pisa, where the very “leaning” tower is located.

Along with the square, the cathedral and the baptistery, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Verona

Verona, located in northern Italy between Milan and Venice, is not as rich in attractions as other major Italian cities of historical or cultural significance. Nevertheless, a romantic train stretches behind it, which attracts tourists here, because it was in Verona that Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet lived.

Also, Verona is often called "little Rome" for its picturesque streets, inviting travelers for a walk.

Turin

Along with Milan, Turin is considered one of the main cities of northern Italy, in addition, it is a major cultural center of the country. Turin has 15 royal residences included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In addition to lovers of history and architecture, the city attracts students and entrepreneurs, gourmets and lovers of active nightlife. In 2006 Turin was the host city of the Winter Olympics.

Genoa

Genoa is the main city of the Italian region of Liguria, a major Mediterranean port and one of the most controversial cities in Italy.

It is both beautiful and dangerous, combining ancient architecture and high crime rates in the old port area associated with a large number of migrants.

Perugia

The capital of the Umbria region, geographically Perugia is located in the very center of Italy and has no access to the sea. It is located halfway between Rome and Florence and is worth stopping by if you are traveling in Italy by car.

Perugia has many beautiful old churches and many tourists note that it bears little resemblance to other Italian cities. Perugia is one of the smallest metro cities in the world.

Bari

The capital of Puglia, Bari is located on the Adriatic Sea, so it is a major Italian resort.

Like all cities in southern Italy, Bari is famous for its delicious local cuisine, colorful streets and hospitable people.

Sienna

One of the main cities of Tuscany, Siena attracts tourists primarily with its well-preserved medieval center, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Siena's main attraction is the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo.

Catania

Catania does not often appear in the lists of interesting cities in Italy, and it is completely in vain. This Sicilian port is very rich in museums and architectural sights, offering all the possibilities for a beach holiday.

The landscape of Catania is adorned by Mount Etna, which is located less than 20 km from the city.

Palermo

The capital and main city of Sicily, Palermo is located on the north coast of the island.

There are almost three hundred churches in Palermo, beautiful squares, magnificent palazzos, beautiful city fountains and a lot of beautiful streets and gardens, which are so pleasant to walk along.

Lecce

Lecce, located in the Puglia region, is called the city of the Italian Baroque, as well as the "southern Florence".

It is small, but very beautiful, with a lot of architectural sights, among which the Basilica of Santa Croce stands out.

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Paris is recognized as the favorite city of TripAdvisor users from all over the world. However, the top ten most visited places on Earth included as many as three Italian cities - and here Italy is the undisputed leader. We present you a list of the most desirable destinations for any traveler.

Diverse, historical squares, archaeological sites, mountains of different heights and wonderful cuisine. Italy has everything, and this is known to tourists from all over the world who annually choose this country as their destination. But which places are the most popular among users of TripAdvisor, the largest travel review site?

The list of honors is headed by Paris, followed by New York and London. Italy, on the other hand, had the largest number of cities in the top ten: Rome ranked fourth in popularity, Venice ranked sixth, and Florence eighth.

These are the rankings Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards 2013(lit. Traveler's Choice 2013), which has been published for 5 years in a row and determines the most popular travel destinations among users of the TripAdvisor portal. Winners are selected based on the city's search frequency on the site and its ranking.

Interestingly, the Top 10 world tourist destinations included 8 European cities. After Paris, New York, London and Rome come Barcelona, ​​Venice, San Francisco, Florence, and Sydney, Australia. If we consider only the European rating, then there is also a place for Berlin, Istanbul and St. Petersburg.

As for only Italian cities, here the picture is as follows:

• On tenth place - the resort town of Cattolica, located on the border of the Riviera Romagnola (Emilia-Romagna) and the Marche region. By the way, 4 out of 10 Italian destinations are located in Emilia-Romagna.
• ninth the ski resort (Selva di Val Gardena) took the place.
  
  
• Emilia-Romagna again, and again the sea - Bellaria-Igea Marina is located on eighth rating line.
  
  
• Another resort of the Adriatic Riviera - Riccione - took seventh place.
  
  
• On sixth Bologna, with its arcades, red-brick buildings and rich cuisine, has established itself in this place.
  
  
• and the Gulf of Naples fifth place.
  
  
• Fourth the line belongs to the capital of fashion and.
  
  
• safely located on third place in the Italian ranking (and also entered the Top 10 of the global list).
  
  
• Slowly going under the water was on second place in Italy and fifth in the world.
  
  
• The gold medal of popularity among tourists went to

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 of picturesque small towns and villages that amaze with their diverse landscapes and architecture. There are no crowds of tourists here, there is only a real flavor that will help you feel the spirit of true Italy.

LifeGuide has selected 20 of the most vibrant, 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 on the shores of the picturesque Lake Como.

3. San Quirico d'Orcia. 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" due to the 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 island.

7. Portofino. A fishing town of just 500 people, 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 houses the Palace of the Dukes of Urbino with a gallery containing one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in the world.

10. Riomaggiore. The village was founded at the beginning of the 13th century and is known 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. Orta San Junio. A small and cozy town lies on the shores of Lake Orto. And opposite the city on the island stands another San Junio.

13. Verona. This is probably the most famous place on this list. Verona is the main rival of Paris for the status 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 the unique trulli structures (see photo), included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

16. Misurina. A small village located at the lake of the same name and at the foot of three peaks.

Italy belongs to the list of countries for which tourism is an important component of the economy. The industry brings significant income, as it satisfies the most diverse needs of the guests of the state. There is something to see for lovers of architecture and antiquity: from Rome to Florence, where unique sights of the past have been preserved.

Inveterate romantics without fail visit Venice and Verona. Fans of a serene holiday will easily choose one of the beaches of Positano. Gourmets and wine connoisseurs will appreciate the cuisine of Sorrento. Not the last role in the list is played by religious tourism, such as pilgrimages to the Vatican. Developed infrastructure helps to get to exotic places and enjoy comfort even in the conditions of provincial Italy.

Italy - list of the most interesting and beautiful cities

The best cities and resorts for holidays in Italy

Rome

All roads, as you know, lead to Rome - a city where history and modernity collided and were tightly intertwined. Here is the oldest European aqueduct, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, many iconic squares and more than nine hundred churches. Since ancient times, there has been a rather small area of ​​​​urban development, especially when compared with other capitals. Another feature is that it is good to come here at any time of the year.

Venice

The fact that Venice is slowly sinking into the water only adds to the popularity of the city. More than a hundred islands have become a single entity, and it is customary to move between them on gondolas or river buses. Numerous bridges and frescoes are the main attractions of the city, where every little thing is connected with an important stage in history. It also hosts the Venice Film Festival, a world-class status event.

Milan

Milan does not get tired of competing with the capital for the title of the most popular city in the country. In addition to architectural sights from the past, there are enough trends of the present. Milan is the center of high fashion. Both the shows of famous designers and simple shopping attract tourists every year. Theater La Scala has not lost ground for many decades. And football is the second religion for local and visiting fans.

Florence

Created as a cultural and commercial center, Florence continues to be so. At different times, prominent citizens of Italy lived and worked here: da Vinci, Galileo, Michelangelo, Dante and others. Galleries, cathedrals, palaces and squares are the main goals of tourist groups. They introduce you to the spirit of the city, which is quite cozy and green, given the density of buildings.

Sorrento

Another Italian city located on the coast. Its development was influenced by different peoples and countries, so there is enough color here. Visitors take with them porcelain figurines produced by a small manufactory, and liqueurs. Neapolitan music was born here and is popular all over the world. Seafood dishes and olives grown nearby are the hallmark of the region.

Verona

Verona owes its popularity primarily to Shakespeare. The fictional characters of his "Romeo and Juliet" made the city one of the romantic centers of the world. Another reason for the endless tourist flow is architecture. Several eras and styles coexist perfectly side by side. The streets are lined with ancient Roman and medieval buildings and monuments, as well as churches and palaces of later periods.

Positano

After World War II, many artists from different countries, including the USSR and Germany, moved here. They attracted the attention of the world community to the city. Sunny weather, mountainous scenery and long beaches make tourists come throughout the year. The commune is a great place for sedate rest: leisurely walks, a couple of hours on a sunbed and local cuisine.

Naples

The proximity of Naples to Vesuvius does not bother tourists at all. But the criminal situation on the streets is overgrown with legends and may scare away some potential guests of the city. Naples is the birthplace of special music and pizza. The neighborhood of modernity and architectural monuments of different periods is very noticeable here. The resulting contrast is the highlight of a region that advocates diversity.

Turin

The fourth most populous city in Italy. Several of the local palazzos and castles are included in the UNESCO heritage list. The Shroud of Christ is kept in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The museum of Egyptian culture stands out from the general ensemble, which, however, has become popular. Football occupies an important place in the life of the city, since the Juventus club is based in Turin.

Palermo

The Royal Palace of Palermo - a lot of styles brought together: the Arab approach, the work of Constantinople masters, the symbiosis of wood and stone, not to mention the uniqueness of the interior decoration. There are about three hundred churches, cathedrals and former monasteries in the city. They also belong to different eras. A gloomy but unique attraction is an underground cemetery with eight thousand graves.

Ischia

A small volcanic island located in the Gulf of Naples. Most of the sights here are natural, but there is an exception - an ancient fortress, rebuilt into an Aragonese castle. Tourists are more attracted to thermal springs, a medical resort that uses them, as well as sulfide silt mud, a botanical garden and volcanic emissions of water vapor.

Bologna

Despite the constant development and growth, Bologna has retained the atmosphere of the old city. The local university is one of the most respected in Europe. Tourists never bypass numerous squares with their arches, unique architecture and monuments. In the vicinity of the city there is a monumental cemetery, more like an object of art.

Genoa

The largest port in Italy is located in Genoa. Palazzi dei Rolli is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture is largely typical of a typical city in the north of the country. The surroundings are rich in interesting places. Here is the largest aquarium in Europe. And the marble tombstones of the Staglieno cemetery are no less valuable and majestic than the city monuments.

Cagliari

The historic center of Cagliari will not leave anyone indifferent. Along with architectural monuments, here you can find modern shops, cozy restaurants with local cuisine and wines. The archaeological museum will allow you to get acquainted with the history of the region. There is also a botanical garden and art festivals. The rest of the time, tourists spend mostly not on the beaches, if the weather allows.

Catania

Catania is located at the foot of Mount Etna. The city was built mainly in the Baroque style from dark volcanic stone. Cathedral Square is the heart of Catania. Wide and narrow streets diverge from it, where you can meet churches, fountains, statues and other beauties in a chaotic manner. The fish market is an addition to the local color that stands out from the general decor.

Syracuse

There are not many historical monuments in Syracuse. The most important of them can be bypassed in less than one day. These include Piazza Arcimede, the Cathedral of Syracuse, the Temple of Apollo, the Arethusa Fountain, the Grotticelli Necropolis, the Maniace Castle, the Gothic Theater and others. There are museums focused on different time layers. The city is also famous for its Drama Festival in May and June.

Pisa

It's not just a leaning tower. Numerous palaces, cathedrals and simpler buildings, decorated with frescoes, as well as galleries created during the heyday of the Medici family - this is the true face of the city. The local cuisine will test the taste buds of gourmets, as it is often spicy and aromatic. Pisa is quieter than other tourist centers. It is less crowded, but in demand.

Lucca

A city for those who like to follow not only all known tourist routes. In the middle of the plain of the Serka River, you can admire nature and sights and escape the hustle and bustle of megacities. A special pride of the locals is the Guinigi tower with its oaks growing directly on the upper platform. The fortress walls and fortifications are better preserved here than in any city in Italy.

Padua

The outskirts of Padua are a place of concentration of villas that once belonged to the Venetians. The city itself is a haven for the remains of St. Luke, the author of one of the Gospels. Astronomy lovers will be able to examine in detail the numerous frescoes on this subject. The palace and defensive redoubts are also perfectly preserved and accessible to the public. And the Botanical Garden of Padua is included in the list of UNESCO monuments.

Rimini

The city is considered the center of the Roman Riviera. Rimini has many beaches with rich entertainment programs and parks within walking distance. The cuisine is simple and colorful at the same time: Parma ham and mortadella sausage are beyond competition. Antiquity lovers can explore the ruins of the amphitheater or the arched bridge from the time of Tiberius. There are also churches here, one of which contains part of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Trieste

Outwardly, it looks quite modern, although some prints of past centuries have been preserved in it. Tourists are interested in the ruins of ancient Greek buildings, the tombs of contenders for the Spanish throne, several castles, one of which was built on the basis of a Venetian fortress. The beach of Trieste is divided for vacationers by gender, which is an exceptional case for Europe.

Lecce

The buildings in Lecce are invariably flashy. No matter what period of construction they belong to, there is something attractive in the architecture of the whole city. The ancient amphitheater does not stand idle: even now artists give performances in it. The Basilica of Santa Croce looks a little more modest, but the interior painting is amazing. Politeama Greco is an old theater with great sound. As for the cuisine: it is traditionally "poor", simple and satisfying.

San Gimignano

The development of San Gimignano largely stopped in the Middle Ages in terms of expansion and building density. Well-preserved walls and stone towers, from a distance looking like skyscrapers. There are fourteen of them in total, the highest reaching fifty meters. The historic center of the city is rich in frescoes and amazing buildings from different periods. And the local museum consists of ten galleries.

Salerno

A seaside town with a rich history. The mild climate allows you to relax on the sea almost all year round, albeit in different qualities. Indigenous people are hospitable and love to bargain. A whole street is dedicated to the sale of souvenirs and other shops. The sights are varied: numerous palaces, Mercatello Park, Minerva's garden, fragments of an ancient waterfall, the fortress of Areki and others.

Perugia

Picturesque city surrounded by greenery. The panorama of the area is impressive, but in fact the streets here are quite narrow. There is little architecture of historical value. Although there are churches built in different centuries. The wedding ring of the Virgin Mary is kept in St. Lawrence Cathedral. Many shops open throughout the city add to the noise. The locals love to hold festivals.

Sienna

The center of Siena is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The old town has been perfectly preserved, its narrow streets and cramped buildings are the face of the region. It is in Siena that the Palio festival is held - a horse racing competition in the square between the Sienese contradas. The event is divided into two dates. The school of painting of the same name, which has its own traditions, was born in the city.

Taormina

In Taormina, at every step you can find something amazing and ancient. Most of the churches were built between the 15th and 17th centuries. The Greek theatre, naumachium and odeon are well preserved, and the latter has geographical features of the location that distinguish it from similar structures. The squares, castles and towers are in a different state: some are fully functional, some are in need of reconstruction.

Bergamo

The city is divided into two halves: old and new. They are located at different heights and are connected by a funicular. There are many attractions in Bergamo: the fortress wall, the Colleoni Chapel, the Baptistery, the Covered Staircase, the City Palace and others. It is noteworthy that with such a rich and diverse collection of interesting objects, the city is not included in most tourist routes.

Cinque Terre

The association of five settlements received a common name - the Cinque Terre. Car traffic is almost completely prohibited here. In one of the villages it is allowed, but with restrictions. Among the must-see sights are the statue of Neptune, an impressive size, the Aurora Tower, the local confectionery and wine cooperative, the Capuchin monastery and the path of love. Walking between them is worth admiring the beauties of nature.

Vatican

The Vatican City State is the seat of the Pope. Pilgrims flock to the Holy See-ruled enclave from all over the world, regardless of religion. The main attractions are predictably connected with Catholicism: St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Library and others. The city is also interesting for its decoration and traditions. There are few residents here, and they have special passports.

In the holiday period that has begun, many of our compatriots choose beautiful Italy as a place to relax. 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 coziest 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 by the sea, drinking coffee and tasting wines in local restaurants, listening to the voices of seagulls and the sound of the surf.

Choose!

(Total 10 photos)

Vernazza is considered the most organic, beautiful and picturesque town of the Italian "five lands" (Cinque Terre) of Liguria. Today, a little 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 backdrop of multi-colored multi-storey tower houses, the older medieval walls of galleries, palaces, a monastery and, of course, a castle, whose low walls once guarded the peace of local residents from pirate raids, catch your eye. In the narrow streets of Vernazza, at steep angles going down to the sea, at almost every step you can see boats "parked" by the houses as naturally as the cars that stand in our yards 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 panoramic cable car, the whole town is visible at a glance. Guy De Maupassant liked to visit here, who wrote about Portofino: "This green bay in the realm of harmony and peace, so contrasts with all the vain anxieties 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 western coast of Italy, in the Campania region, in the province of Salerno. Atrani carefully preserves its medieval origin and with its picturesque lanes, arches, courtyards, squares and stairs, it looks like a festive Christmas scenery washed by the sea. During the time of 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 cliffs rising up. The center of Atrani is far 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 town.

Positano is one of the most famous resorts in southern Italy, located on 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 over three small valleys sandwiched between mountains and the sea. Characteristic colorful houses climb the steep mountain slopes. From almost anywhere in the town offers 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, Neptune (Poseidon). The islets of Galli off the coast of Positano are mentioned in the Odyssey - according to Homer, it was here that the sirens lived. From the Middle Ages, watchtowers built to protect against Saracen pirates have been preserved in the town.

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 built magnificent palaces here. To this day, Ravello has retained the charm of the ancient village. The rich culture of Ravello is closely linked to its musical heritage. Wagner often rested here, in love with this place, which inspired him to write many of his famous works. Every year in the summer, a festival of symphonic music named after him is held here. From the slopes of the terrace on which Ravello is located, magnificent landscapes 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 cities 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 locals 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 in the days of 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, breaking off into the Gulf of Naples. Tasso Square 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 leave from Marina Grande for the islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida and the neighboring cities of Positano and Amalfi.

The small town of Rapallo is located 40 kilometers from Genoa. There are many historical monuments here - ancient cathedrals and churches, the oldest is 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. In one of the best hotels of the 19th century, located on a high bank near the port, Hemingway liked to stay. Every day, snow-white yachts moor to the shores of Rapallo.

Lerici is a bizarre mixture of buildings, small coves and rocky cliffs that pierce the sparkling sea. This is a favorite vacation spot for residents of the northern part of Italy, as here you can enjoy a relaxing and comfortable stay away from the crowds of foreign tourists. The main attraction of the town is an old medieval castle.

10 Castiglioncello

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 rocks, small bays and cozy bays with charming beaches. Even the ancient Romans and Etruscans, and later the Medici in the Renaissance, could not pass by the beauty of these lands. Recently, Castiglioncello has become famous as a resort town, in which Marcello Mastroianni and Luchino Visconti 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 the commune here.