Italy travel guide: Travel tips, reviews, photos, & videos from real travelers.

Attractions

Category: Bridge
Florence, Italy, Europe
Magenta, Lombardy IT

Bridges have a unique, special meaning in this world. They imply connection and linking the gap between places, worlds and even people. And the Ponte Vecchio (Italian for Old Bridge) is no exception. Believed to have been built in the ancient Roman times, the first recorded mention of this bridge appears in a document dating back to 996 AD. That is an old bridge! Connecting two sides of the Arno River at its narrowest point, it’s considered Europe’s oldest stone-arch bridge and is a major attraction for tourists from all over the world. And it’s not just because of the bridge’s age, there are actually several shops selling anything from high priced jewelry and art to cheesy souvenirs scattered throughout this ancient structure. The only Florentine bridge to actually survive World War Two, Ponte Vecchio is a great place to take a break from a busy day of sight seeing or to share a romantic view of the city with that special someone.

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Category: Architectural Building
Florence, Italy, Europe
Piazza Del Duomo, 55 Red, Florence, Toscana 50122 IT

There’s something wrong with architects in this century. A house or structure built fifty years ago just looks old and disheveled in this day and age. So how does a building completed in the 1400’s still appear as structurally awe-inspiring and timeless as it was so many years ago? Well it helps if that building is in Florence and is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore – or the Duomo. Quite possibly the most famous piece of architecture in Florence, the structure was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296 in his typical Gothic style and was finally completed in 1436 with the massive dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. It is still one of the premiere tourist stops in Florence with thousands of eager visitors just waiting to walk through its massive doors every day. Located in the Historic Centre of Florence, the Duomo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains to this day the largest brick dome ever constructed. And the structure isn’t the only thing to brag about. The interior of the church features some of the most beautiful and famous paintings the world over including Dante and the Divine Comedy by Domenico di Michelino and The Last Judgement by Federigo Zuccaro.

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Category: Art Museum
Florence, Italy, Europe
Via Dei Neri, 86 Red, Florence, Toscana 50122 IT
Visiting Details
SPECIAL NOTE: Hours are from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday). Entrance fee is 6.50 Euros.

WARNING – Too much time spent inside the Uffizi could cause sensory overload, sore feet and an aching back Now don’t get the impression I’ve come to bury the Uffizi – nay- I’ve come to praise it! It’s just that there are so many floors, hallways and exhibits featuring classic painting after classic painting that it’s almost impossible to appreciate everything in a single visit. One of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world, the construction was begun by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 as offices for the Florentine magistrates of the time (the word Uffizi means “offices) and was eventually completed by Alfonso Parigi and Bernardo Buontalenti in 1581. Featuring some of the most gorgeous and well known paintings of all time like The Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci, The Doni Tondo by Michelangelo and Filippino Lippi’s Madonna and Child with Two Angels, the Uffizi is an absolute mandatory visit for anyone in or even near Florence. Just make sure to stretch out the old back and prepare for some sensory overload.

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Category: Observation Deck / Tower
Florence, Italy, Europe
Giotto's Tower, Florence, Toscana IT
Visiting Details
SPECIAL NOTE: There is a six Euro entrance fee to go into the tower.

There’s nothing quite like a good view – especially of Florence. Something about seeing this magical city in every possible direction is awe-inspiring. So for those who want one of the best views in the entire city, make sure to check out Giotto’s Tower located right next to the Duomo. Completed in 1387 under the careful guidance of Italian painter Giotto the tower is nearly 278 feet tall and forty five wide at the base. Composed of white marble and featuring delicately sculpted figures from Renaissance sculptor Donatello (not the Ninja Turtle) at the base, this historic campanile - or bell tower - gives visitors a unique view of the city and an up close and personal encounter with the adjacent dome of the magnificent Duomo. For those with the endurance and will power, take the 414 stairs all the way to the fourth level of the tower and peer out the lighted windows for a bird’s eye view of this phenomenal city. Make sure to bring a camera!

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Category: Garden
Florence, Italy, Europe
Piazza de' Pitti, 50125 Firenze, Firenze (Toscane), Italy‎ - 055 2651838‎, Florence, Toscana IT

It’s a well known fact that when men want to impress women they usually purchase some kind of flower; However - as if trying to show up men everywhere – some guy by the name of Cosimo I de’ Medici decided to build an entire garden for his lady. And not just a couple of Ficus trees and a rose patch - we’re talking grottos, statues, amphitheaters and even tiny lakes here. Setting the bar a little high, eh Medici? Joking aside, the Boboli Gardens – created for the lovely Eleonora di Toledo – is now a famous park in Florence full of lush landscapes, man made lakes and streams and a distinguished collection of sculptures dating back to the 16th to the 18th century. With an elaborately designed grotto in the courtyard and enough green scenery to make Al Gore’s eyes bleed, the Boboli Gardens is a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with friends or that special someone. Located behind the Piti Palace, the gardens provide an excellent view of Florence and create a relaxed environment that can be tough to find in the fast paced city. SPECIAL NOTE: With no natural waters source in the garden, a conduit was built from the Arno River to provide water for the garden’s elaborate irrigation system.

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Category: Ancient Ruins
Rome, Italy, Europe
Roman Forum, Rome, 00186 IT

What I wouldn’t give to be a fly on the wall at the Roman Forum. Well, they didn’t really have “walls” per se, so I guess I’d have to be a fly on the column or a fly on the toga. Seriously though, the Roman Forum is simply one of those “wow” locations one must visit when in Rome. Not only did it used to be the economic hub of this amazing ancient civilization, but it’s also considered to be the birthplace of Democracy. See, long before we had CSPAN or Capitol Hill, the Roman senate as well as the Republican government formed and met in this massive expanse. Occasionally referred to as Forum Magnum or just the Forum, this central area is located between Palatine hill and Capitoline hill just a stone’s throw away from the Colosseum. Essentially think of the Roman Forum like this: imagine if Times Square, Las Vegas and Washington D.C had a baby back in ancient Roman times. It was the center of everything in those days. Unfortunately, when the Roman Empire fell, the Forum became forgotten and buried – it was even used as a cattle pasture during the Middle Ages. Thankfully over the years many of the original structures have been excavated and refurbished. Although clearly not at their former glory, several structures including the arch of Titus and the arch of Septimius Severus are still in quite good shape. Visit the Roman Forum for a good idea of what life was really like back in ancient Roman times.

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Category: Ancient Ruins
Rome, Italy, Europe
The Colosseum, Rome, Lazio IT

For those visiting the Colosseum and expecting it to look similar to the version depicted in the Ridley Scott’s Oscar winning film Gladiator, please keep in mind – it was just a movie. Although the present day Colosseum doesn’t quite resemble the computer generated version created in the Russell Crowe film, the building standing today has quite a lot to admire. For one – it’s still standing (it’s survived many a earthquake and stone robbers)! Completed in 80 AD under the reign of Titus, the Colosseum is located just east of the Roman Forum and is a massive stadium/amphitheater capable of seating over 50,000 spectators during its prime. Long considered one of the greatest accomplishments in early Roman architecture and engineering, this epic structure still casts an imposing and awe-inspiring shadow upon all who see it. Back in the day it used to be used for such public spectacles like battle reenactments, gladiatorial games, animal hunts and – of course – good old fashioned executions. Thankfully those types of events aren’t held there today, and the Colosseum is currently a major tourist attraction drawing thousands of visits from all over the world hoping to gaze upon this feat of architecture and history.

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Category: Fountain
Rome, Italy, Europe
Trevi Fountain, Rome, Lazio 00187 IT

The Trevi Fountain is one of those historic sites that kinda catches people off guard. One second you’re walking down a typical cobblestone street in Rome entranced by the culture and people, and the next you’re face to face with this awe-inspiring masterwork of architecture, design and – of course - water. As the light from the sun plays masterfully off the flowing blue water and the pristine marble statues echo Rome’s history and culture, one can’t help but be overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. Extending about 85 feet high and about 65 feet wide, the Trevi is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1732, the fountain was actually completed some thirty years later in 1762. With an imposing central statue of Neptune – god of the sea – riding a shell shaped chariot and being pulled by galloping sea horses, the Trevi’s artistic prominence is obvious at first sight, but is rather intricate upon closer inspection. Also, legend holds that those who toss a coin into the fountain are ensured a return trip to Rome at some point in their life. Not sure if that really is a legend or just the most brilliant marketing scheme ever created. FUN FACT: On average 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain every day. The money is collected at night and is used to subsidize a supermarket for the poor and homeless in Rome.

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Category: Church / Cathedral
Italy, Europe
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, VA

It’s always tough to make grandiose claims about ancient European churches. They’re all old, they’re all beautiful and they all have thousands of years of history etched into the pews and walls. However, there is one church in particular that seems to trump them all: St. Peter’s Basilica. Located within the Vatican City, St. Peters has that largest interior structure of any Christian church in the entire world, holding up to some 60,000 people. Yeah, it’s big – but it’s also got a lot of history. It’s the burial site of Peter one Jesus’ twelve Apostles (the one who cut the ear off the Roman soldier) and is home to artwork and architecture from some of the most famous creators of the day including Michelangelo (not the Ninja Turtle). Serving as one of four major basilicas in Rome, the massive structure covers an area of just under 6 acres and provides a gorgeous backdrop for the Roman skyline. The inside ain’t too shabby either. Take one of the many tours throughout this massive church or just wonder around with nothing but curiosity as a guide, but make sure to adhere to the dress code (this is a place of worship after all). NO shorts, bare shoulders or miniskirts are allowed - and they’re serious.

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Category: Ancient Ruins
Rome, Italy, Europe
The Pantheon, Rome, Lazio IT

Here’s a tip for those ever stuck in the rain when in Rome. Don’t buy an umbrella! Instead, go check out the Pantheon – Not only is it a covered structure able to shield visitors from the Roman rain, but there’s also a large opening in the middle of the ceiling that allows for the rain to trickle through into the middle of this ancient structure. It’s a beautiful thing that can only be found in Rome. Speaking of beautiful things, the Pantheon (Greek for “Temple of all the gods”) was constructed in 126 AD during the reign of Hadrian and is often considered one of the best preserved buildings in the entire world. The oldest standing domed structure in all of Rome, the dome of the Pantheon has actually been copied by many famous Greek and Roman architects of the day as well as by Thomas Jefferson – who modeled his home Monticello and the Rotunda at the University of Virginia after it. And although much of the structure remains intact, traces of bronze throughout the building point to a large amount of the original bronze in the building being stolen over thousands of years. So, rain or shine, make sure to visit this perfectly preserved slice of history!

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