Whether you are looking to spend a weekend away or an entire week, there are plenty of gorgeous cities in Italy to choose from. From the ancient town of Rome to the coastal city of Naples, there is something for everyone.
Siena
Located in Tuscany, Siena is a beautiful city that is filled with history, culture, and architecture. Its medieval streets are perfect for walking and enjoying the many attractions. Besides, the city is also famous for its local cuisine, which includes a variety of delicious dishes.
The Basilica of San Domenico is a great church that is especially famous for its beautiful frescoes. The baptistery also features an unfinished facade dating back to the second half of the 14th century. In the interior, you will find important works, such as the famous baptismal font.
Aside from churches, Siena also has many museums. The Piccolomini Library is a treasure trove for art fans. The library was commissioned by the Archbishop as early as 1492 and contains artistic paintings by Pinturicchio. The Museum of the Town Hall has many original marble sculptures. The Museum of the Cathedral, which is next to the Cathedral, displays a great collection of religious art.
Siena is also known for its Palio horse race. The Palio takes place twice a year.
Lecce
Known as the "Florence of the South", Lecce is an amazing city in Italy. It is situated on the Salentine Peninsula of Puglia. It has a charming historic center with a mix of architecture from various eras. Lecce is a perfect destination for those who love art and history.
There is a wealth of historic attractions and museums in Lecce. The city has been nicknamed the "Florence of the South" because of the many buildings constructed in Lecce stone. The city also boasts a Roman amphitheater that was built during the Roman Empire.
The city is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. It is a beautiful place to walk and cycle. The city also features a 16th century castle.
The city is also home to the Giardini Pubblici Giuseppe Garibaldi, a beautiful public park. The park is also home to the Pinacoteca art gallery, which features many important artworks.
The city is also known for its delicious food. It has many small back streets, which makes it easy to explore on foot. It is also home to many cathedrals and palaces.
Bergamo
Located in the foothills of the Alps, Bergamo is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. With its medieval feel, pastel-coloured architecture and Venetian walls, the city has an enchanting charm. It's also a perfect destination for a day trip from Milan.
The ancient city of Bergamo has not changed much since the Middle Ages. In fact, the city was once under the control of the Venetians, who made sure it never fell to enemy hands.
Today, Bergamo is a major business and commercial hub. Visitors can explore the town's many historical landmarks and museums. Among these is the Duomo di Bergamo, which is a must-see. The cathedral has a grand interior with beautiful frescoes. It is also home to the Angelo Mai library, which features an impressive collection of old books.
The city's old town is small but full of interesting sights. It is home to the Contarini fountain, which is surrounded by mysterious sphinxes. You can also climb the Campanone bell tower to take in the city's 360 degree views.
Catania
Located in Sicily, Catania is a historic town full of architecture, culture, and events. This city was a major powerhouse in the Renaissance period. In fact, UNESCO has deemed it a World Heritage site. Catania has seen invasions and changes over the centuries, but the people of Catania continue to demonstrate hospitality and peace.
The most obvious thing to do in Catania is check out the city's impressive cathedral. The Santi Ambrogio e Andrea Church features high-baroque marble work.
Another great thing to do is check out the Valle dei Templi archaeological park. This park contains a number of temples and necropolises. It's one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Italy.
The Sistine Chapel is another of Catania's attractions. This church contains Michelangelo's religious frescoes. It also features a bramante spiral staircase.
Catania has an incredible street food scene. It's not hard to find good food at any time of day. It's also worth checking out the nightlife. The city is well-connected to other towns in the area.
The city is a good base for exploring other beautiful Italian cities. The capital of Italy, Rome, is only a few hours away by train. Similarly, Catania is a short distance from the port of Messina. There is also a bus network that is a good way to get around eastern Sicily.
Cagliari
Located in the southernmost part of Sardinia, Cagliari is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. This port city oozes amazing architecture and is filled with historical sites. It also offers plenty of activities and outstanding landscapes.
The main tourist attraction in Cagliari is the Palazzo Ducale, a 14th century castle. It was once the royal residence of the Sardinian rulers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a museum displaying the best Renaissance masterpieces. The palatial complex also features antique shops and art vendors.
Besides the castle, Cagliari is also home to a handful of historic districts. These include Il Castello, one of the city's four main historic districts.
Il Castello is located on a hill above the city and features the most important landmarks in the city. The district is divided into two protective towers and a Museum of Archaeology. It also contains several civil and religious institutions. It is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful walk.
Another attraction in Cagliari is the Basilica di Sant'Anna, which was built in the 14th century. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and features three ornate arches on its front facade. The church also features religious decorations and a series of beautiful altars.
Naples
Located in southern Italy, Naples is a lively city with lots of things to do. It is also one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Naples is surrounded by the sea, the hills, and Mount Vesuvius. In addition to the attractions, Naples also has a lively food market, which is great for eating a variety of different types of food.
One of the most famous streets in Naples is Via San Gregorio Armeno. This street is famous for its nativity scene. Also, there is a large Leonardo da Vinci mural in the Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie.
You can also climb the Asinelli tower to enjoy some stunning views. It is located near the Fontana di Nettuno.
You can also check out the Archeological Museum, which is very interesting. The Valle dei Templi is an archaeological park that has necropolises and temples. The city of Pompeii is also nearby. This ancient city is a great place to visit on a day trip.
You can also go on a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast. Capri is an island that is also available for a day trip.
Urbino
Located in the Marche region of Italy, Urbino is a picturesque hideout of renaissance art. The town was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998. The town's history dates back to Roman times, when it was a village called Urvinum Mataurense. However, in the 15th century, Urbino took off as a major powerhouse in the Renaissance.
Urbino is the home of one of the most significant Renaissance painting collections in the world. It is also home to Michelangelo's religious frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. The town is also known for its annual carnival. The festival attracts up to 500,000 people.
The main attraction of Urbino is the Palazzo Ducale. The palace, which was built in the mid-1400s, is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture. The palace is surrounded by a park. It is also home to the National Gallery of Marche. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another major attraction of Urbino is the Renaissance Square. The square was redesigned after an earthquake in 1789. The square contains the Palazzo Ducale, the Ducal Palace, and the Dome of Urbino. The dome is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta.
Bolzano
Located in the Italian Alps, Bolzano is the capital of South Tyrol and a popular holiday destination. It has a humid subtropical climate. The city also enjoys a rich culture that blends German, Austrian and Italian influences. It is a wonderful destination to explore.
Bolzano is a charming town with historical sites, museums, and churches. It also boasts a scenic location, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding region.
The city is home to the Valle dei Templi archaeological park. It features necropolises, temples, and sanctuaries. The park also contains works of art, including a world-famous ice mummy.
Another highlight is the Pio-Clementino Museum. It is home to nearly two million well-curated pieces. It also features the Bramante spiral staircase.
Mercantile Museum of Bolzano is home to a collection of artifacts that depict the history of the trade fairs. It is located near the Bolzano Cathedral.
Bolzano is also home to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. It features the Otzi exhibit. The museum also features flora, fauna, and geology collections from South Tyrol.