Italy is home to some of the most beautiful old cities in the country. Take a look at our tours led by passionate, experienced guides if you are looking to see the most beautiful old cities in Italy.
It’s not only the countryside that is beautiful in Italy, but also many cities. They are not only stunning but also incredibly interesting, with lots of history, art, and ruins.
We were unable to limit it to 10, but here are 10 of the most stunning (and fascinating!) cities in Italy. Italy’s most beautiful cities. (Notabene: We’ve only considered cities with at least 75,000 inhabitants for this post. We guarantee that a visit to any of these cities will change your life.
Verona
Verona is more than just the place where William Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet. It’s also a beautiful and vibrant city with lots to see and do. Verona offers a wealth of sightseeing options, including ancient Roman ruins and an impressively preserved arena. It’s also one of the most romantic cities in Italy, and it’s not hard to see why!
Venice
Why is Venice considered one of the most beautiful cities on the planet? Let’s count the ways. There is Venice’s beautiful architecture. (Learn more about Venetian symbolism by visiting our blog on how “read” Venice’s palaces. Its beautiful churches and the stunning St. Mark’s Square are just a few of its many highlights. The beauty of Venice is its canal-based architecture. There is no traffic, buses, or exhaust and the only sound you hear is the water lapping. If you want to enjoy Venice’s peaceful side, go in autumn, or even winter when there is a mist hanging over the city. Learn more about how to travel to Venice in the off-season.
Bologna
Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna is one of our favorite regions in Italy. (To find out why we love it so much, check our guide Emilia-Romagna). Bologna is also breathtakingly beautiful. There are many things to do in Bologna. Enjoy the academic atmosphere in Bologna, the oldest university in Europe, and enjoy the delicious food at local trattorie. Don’t forget to take fun photos with Bologna’s leaning tower (not just in Pisa). There’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Rome
Rome is the biggest city in Italy. It has 2,500 years of history, innumerable churches and ruins, and art museums. Rome is compact and beautiful despite its size. You could spend a month in Rome’s historic center and still not see everything. There are many places to visit in Italy, and that is true. It would be a crime to visit Rome when you are visiting Italy to see its most beautiful cities and spots. That would be a crime! Our guides to Rome will give you a deeper look at what to see and where to go in Rome.
Naples
Naples is often criticized for its chaotic and gritty nature. It is known as bella Napoli because of its beauty and charm. It’s bittersweet yet beautiful to see the beautiful decay of Naples’ magnificent palaces and medieval castles. There is so much to see and do in Naples, from the world-famous cuisine to the exploration of its underground to the top-notch museums that showcase the best art and archaeology of Italy. Here are 9 reasons to not skip Naples. But the real essence of Naples’ bellezza is its energy. This is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
Florence
You’ll be amazed at the inspiration Florence has given so many writers and artists. Florence is a delight for the eyes with its cobblestone streets and graceful buildings. This is just outside. You’ll find even more beauty inside these buildings, including Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia and masterpieces by Raphael Titian, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio in the Uffizi. Learn more about the 10 must-see sights in Florence.
Lecce
It is worth visiting the cathedral of Lecce. Piazza del Duomo, one of Italy’s most stunning squares, is a Baroque masterpiece that makes it seem like a beautiful cloister.
Lecce, home to approximately 100,000 people, is the largest city in Puglia. It is also one of the most beautiful! Lecce’s Baroque, ornate architecture is unlike anything you see in Florence, Venice, or Bologna. You will find many interesting sights in the city, including a 16-century castle, an important church in Italy, and an amphitheater from the Roman era. For inspiration, check out our pictorial tour of Puglia if you are considering a trip.
Lucca
Lucca is a short train ride from Florence and has about 85,000 inhabitants. It features cobblestone streets, elegant palaces, and churches, as well as cobblestoned streets. There are also a number of Renaissance-era fortification walls that have been converted into walking and biking paths. It is also the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, a music lover. It’s difficult to find a better place for day trips from Florence.
Pisa
Pisa is the place to go if you want to capture what must be Italy’s most famous photo. Pisa is more than just that. Yes, the Leaning Tower looks spectacular in person. The medieval city is also home to a Duomo from the 11th century, full of beautiful art, elaborate Baptistery, as well as beautiful palaces.
Perugia
Perugia is the largest city in Umbria and also the capital of the region. It dates back to the Etruscans and the Umbrii. An Etruscan chamber tomb, arch, and well can still be visited. The National Museum of Umbrian Archaeology is a must-see for history buffs. It contains a variety of fascinating artifacts. The National Gallery of Umbria also contains artistic masterpieces, beautiful churches, buildings, elegant piazzas, and many more. It is one of our 6 favorite spots in Umbria. We recommend everyone to visit it at minimum once.
