Looking to find some of the best landmarks in Italy?
Then you’ve come to the right place, as these are the best Italy landmarks to check out while travelling across the country.
Italy is a country filled with history, there’s truly no better country to visit in search of landmarks, because it’s filled to the brim!
So, without further ado, here are the most famous landmarks in Italy.
15 Italy Landmarks to Add to Your Travel Plans in 2024
Italy has 59 UNESCO Sites, 20 regions and 46 cities to find landmarks in.
It can be pretty tricky to find the best ones, so all the hard work is done for you right here in this article.
These are the best landmarks in Italy, in order.
Italy Landmarks
1. Colosseum
The Colosseum is by far the most famous landmark in Italy.
It’s one of the new seven wonders of the world and attracts millions of tourists each year.
Seeing the Colosseum in real life is surreal.
Photos can’t do it justice, and there’s nothing like seeing it for yourself. Taking a Colosseum tour is a true bucket-list experience. Being able to walk where Roman gladiators walked thousands of years ago and visualising what happened in the Colosseum is incredible.
Lots of people visit Rome just to see the Colosseum, and it does not disappoint. It’s known all around the world, and even though it’s incredibly popular to visit, you still feel special seeing it in front of you.
2. Leaning Tower of Pisa
When it comes to famous Italian landmarks, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is world famous.
Everyone knows about the Leaning Tower of Pisa, I mean, have you not seen the photos of people pretending to hold it up?
It’s a universally agreed must-do when visiting Pisa. The tower itself was completed in 1399 and as you might have guessed, it wasn’t leaning originally.
But this only makes it more impressive!
How it hasn’t fallen over (yet) is amazing, and just like the Colosseum, seeing it in real life is so much better than looking at pictures. But of course, you need to take that picture when you visit.
Click here to get skip-the-line tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Pisa Cathedral!
3. Florence Cathedral
The Florence Cathedral, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, and that’s the perfect word to describe it: a masterpiece.
The Cathedral began to be constructed in 1296, so it’s not quite as old as many of the other landmarks in Italy, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful.
Visiting the cathedral is great, but one of the best parts about it is the breathtaking views from the top of the dome. You get a beautiful view all over Florence and its picturesque streets – it’s a view straight out of a dream.
In terms of the Florence Cathedral itself, it’s got coloured marble in between all of the Gothic architectural features, which makes it pretty unique compared to other cathedrals like the one in Milan which is also on this list, but not quite yet.
Book your guided tour here!
4. Pantheon
There could be an entire post simply dedicated to landmarks in Rome, but one of the most famous is the Pantheon.
The Pantheon is a church from Ancient Rome, but the one that stands now isn’t the original.
It’s actually the third version, as the other two were burnt down – third time lucky!
The Pantheon is a beautiful building- inside and out. It used to be free to enter but it now costs 5 EUR to go inside, which is still worth it.
Inside are lots of statues and memorials, which are stunning, but the best part is the building itself – the roof and the columns and the flooring and the walls’ décor all come together to make the Pantheon one of the best landmarks in Italy.
Book your guided tour with skip-the-line entry.
5. Uffizi Gallery
Let’s head back to Florence for the Uffizi Gallery, which is another of the best Italian landmarks. Stepping into the Uffizi Gallery in Florence is like stepping into a time machine.
The Renaissance period is perfectly captured by the artwork on show in the Uffizi Gallery, which is why it gets more than 2 million annual visitors.
Even if you aren’t into art, being surrounded by the work of Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, will make you appreciate how talented they all were. They’re some of the most famous artists in history for a reason!
Visiting the gallery is a truly mesmerising experience. The building itself is also pretty cool, it’s kind of like a courtyard in the middle.
Get your entry ticket and skip the line!
6. Trevi Fountain
Making the third appearance for Rome on this list is the Trevi Fountain.
It would be impossible not to include the most famous fountain in the world on a list of Italian landmarks.
Seeing the Trevi Fountain in real life will take your breath away, as it’s so much bigger than everyone thinks! Even after reading this, it will still be bigger than you think.
The attention to detail is incredible, and it’s clear to see why it’s so popular.
When you visit, make sure to face away from the fountain throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the fountain and make a wish. It’s the only fountain in Rome where making a wish actually counts- important to know when heading to Rome for the first time so you don’t waste your wishes!
An extra special experience is to discover the Trevi fountain with a guide and explore the archaeological site underground!
7. Siena Cathedral
Italy is filled with beautiful cathedrals, like the Florence Cathedral mentioned earlier, and the Siena Cathedral is another great example.
As its name suggests, it’s in Siena, a city in Tuscany, between Rome and Florence, so it’s a great stopping point if you are visiting the two.
Siena’s colours are black and white, which is symbolised through the colour of the marble on the cathedral. It’s your typical Gothic-style cathedral and it’s pretty impressive to look at. The inside is beautiful too, and the library is a highlight. And like any good cathedral, the view from the bell tower is phenomenal too.
Get your Siena Cathedral Complex pass with an audio guide here!
8. Duomo di Milano
Continuing the theme of cathedrals is the Duomo di Milano in Milan, perhaps one of the most well-known landmarks in Italy.
When you picture Gothic architecture, you probably think of the cathedral in Barcelona, or this one in Milan.
The Duomo di Milano took nearly 6 centuries to complete, which is pretty mindblowing considering the Colosseum only took between 7 and 8 years to build!
Seeing the cathedral is amazing, the stained glass windows are some of the best in the world, and if you go inside the Duomo di Milano, there’s a colourful glare if the sun is shining.
You can climb up to the rooftop of the cathedral and walk amongst the spires, which is nice to have a difference from simply going up a bell tower. And yes, the views are unreal.
Entrance tickets to Milan’s cathedral sell out fast. Click here to secure your entry (including the tower).
9. Rialto Bridge
Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world, and you could argue that the canals of Venice are a landmark by themselves, but the most famous sight in Venice (aside from the canals) is of course, the Rialto Bridge.
There are two great ways to admire the beauty of the bridge. You can walk over the bridge and see it up close and personal, or you can take a canal tour of Venice and get a wonderful view of the bridge.
Venice is designed to be seen from the canals, so it’s the best angle to look at it from. Rialto Bridge is the epitome of what Venice has to offer.
If you want to immortalise your experience, why not book a professional photography experience in front of the Rialto Bridge?
10. Castel Sant’Angelo
It’s been a little while without mentioning Rome, so we’re heading back to the Italian capital for the Castel Sant’Angelo.
When you think of Rome and all the historical buildings in the city, a castle isn’t exactly top of the list, but it makes for an incredible visit.
The castle is from the century 200 AD, so it’s one of the oldest “castles” in the world, but it’s now described as more of a rotunda due to its circular shape. But visiting the castle is great, it’s got a lot of history inside to take in and see, such as Hadrian’s Tomb.
It’s also said to be haunted, so it’s a common stop along Rome night tours and ghost tours of the city.
11. Royal Palace of Naples
Italy used to have a monarchy until 1946, after World War 2, but the palaces remain across the country, and they’re some of the best landmarks in the country without a doubt.
There are palaces in Turin, Milan, Rome and Naples, and Naples is by far the most impressive. It’s another building on this list which is pretty both outside and in.
The Grand Staircase of Honor is the perfect greeting when you walk into the palace. Like most palaces around the world, you can visit the treasury too which is filled with, well, treasure. Swords, crowns, medals, coins, everything a Royal family should own, is there for you to see.
Save time by booking your entrance tickets in advance.
12. Pompeii
Although Pompeii is a fallen city, it’s still one of the best landmarks in Italy.
Walking around the streets of Pompeii is a unique feeling. Picturing and imagining what the streets used to be like before the city was destroyed by the volcano is touching, to say the least.
Pompeii is also really easy to get to, whether you’re going to Pompeii from Rome, Naples or pretty much anywhere in Italy, it’s an easy place to reach.
When in Pompeii, it’s best to take a guided tour so you know what you are looking at. It can be hard to figure out what the ruins once were, but once you are told, it’s easy to visualise it.
Pompeii tours I recommend:
This Pompeii trip from Rome with lunch and a professional guide.
This guided half-day Pompeii tour from Naples.
This entrance ticket and guided tour of Pompeii with an archaeologist (no hotel pickup).
13. St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is technically in Vatican City and not in Italy, but if you want to visit the smallest country in the world, you’re going to do so during a trip to Rome.
St. Peter’s Basilica is the biggest church in the world and when you go inside, you can tell. The ceiling is so high up!
You can also sense the significance of the church as it’s the home of Catholicism as the Pope lives in the Vatican.
Going up the dome of the basilica takes a few hundred steps but it offers the best view over the Vatican and Rome.
It’s a pinch-yourself moment when you take in the views, especially at sunrise and sunset. It costs to go up to the dome but entering the basilica is free and you could easily spend an hour taking in all of the details of the interior.
Book your St. Peter’s Basilica tour here!
14. Ponte Vecchio
Another famous bridge in Italy is the Ponte Vecchio. The medieval stone bridge crosses over the Arno River, and dates back to 1345.
It’s most famous for the shops built along it, a common sight in medieval times, but in the modern world, it’s very rare to see this. Originally, these shops were butchers and tanners, but today, they are jewellery, art, and souvenir shops.
To get the best view of the bridge, head to the adjacent bridge Ponte Santa Trinità and you will be able to see the bridge and all of its shops. It’s pretty cool!
15. Doge’s Palace
Last but not least of these landmarks in Italy is Doge’s Palace in Venice. It was the residence of the Doge, the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice, and also housed the government, courtrooms, and prisons, so it’s a building with a lot of history.
It’s right on the water too so it’s quite the scene to look at. And just like the bridge, the best way to view it is from the water. It’s a very unique building, it’s a mix of a few different styles of architecture, but they blend nicely together and the contrast in light colours and the darker colours of the tower works well too.
Get your skip-the-line entry ticket here.
Italy Landmarks: FAQ
What is a famous landmark in Italy?
A famous landmark in Italy is the Colosseum in Rome, an iconic symbol of ancient Roman engineering and gladiatorial battles, attracting millions of visitors each year.
What is a natural landmark of Italy?
A famous natural landmark of Italy is the Dolomites, known for their stunning mountain peaks, offering breathtaking views for hikers, and a snowy paradise for skiers in the winter.
How many landmarks does Italy have?
Italy is home to countless landmarks, including over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting its rich history, art, architecture, and natural beauty across the country.
What are 3 major landmarks in Italy?
Three major landmarks in Italy include the Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Florence Cathedral, though there are many more than 3 major landmarks in the country.
Italy Landmarks | Final Thoughts
And there you have it, a complete list of the best landmarks in Italy.
Having so many extraordinary landmarks in one country is unbelievable, and anyone visiting Italy is very lucky to have the opportunity to see them all.
The Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Florence Cathedral; the list goes on.
Visiting Italy is one of the best trips you will take in your life, no doubt about it, and visiting these landmarks in Italy will leave you with plenty of memories along the way.
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