17 Famous Italy Landmarks You Need to See in Your Lifetime

If you take a look at anyone’s travel bucket list, you’re likely going to find at least one or two Italy landmarks on there – not only because there are so many to choose from, but because among them are some of the most historic sites in the world. 

Here are just some of the incredible sights you can discover across the country. Why not see them in style on a premium Insight Vacations tour to Italy?

17 must-see Italy landmarks 

1. The Pantheon, Rome 

Found in the magical historic center of Rome (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Pantheon was first built by Marcus Agrippa around 27 BCE as a temple, believed to have been dedicated to the 12 Roman gods –  its name is derived from the Greek words pan, meaning “all,” and theos, meaning “gods”. 

The building features a rotunda with a massive domed ceiling (the largest of its kind when it was built) and an oculus which has no covering, which lets light (and sometimes rain!) in. It was completely rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD, but its new purpose remains something of a mystery – it’s known that Hadrian sometimes held court there. 

The Pantheon is still the only ancient Roman building that has remained relatively intact throughout its history. Around 609 AD the Pantheon was converted to Christianity (the first Roman pagan temple to be consecrated as a Christian church), as the Basilica is still a church where Christian worship takes place today – so make sure to stay quiet and respectful when you visit. 

2. The Colosseum, Rome  

One of the most famous Italy landmarks (if not its biggest icon), the Colosseum hasn’t lost any momentum since it was built around 70 AD – it was the set for the Gladiator II movie released nearly 2,000 years later in 2024. 

Construction of the Colosseum was started in 72 AD Emperor Vespasian as a gift to the Roman people, but he died before it was completed in 80 AD – an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 people (mostly Jewish slaves, overseen by Roman engineers and craftsmen) were employed in the construction of the Colosseum. 

What was the Colosseum used for? When it opened, the Colosseum was officially known as the Flavian Amphitheater, and it kicked off with 100 days of games including gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights. It had a good 4 centuries, but then fell into disrepair and was even used as a source of building materials, leading to around two-thirds of the grand building to be destroyed. 

The ancient ruins now attract over 7 million visitors each year, making the Colosseum one of the most visited landmarks in the world. 

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3. The Trevi Fountain, Rome 

Though the Trevi Fountain was only built in the 1700s, like most Italy landmarks it’s still intertwined with Roman history. It was built on top of an ancient Roman water source, Aqua Virgo, and the fountain is made from the very same material as the Colosseum, travertine stone.  

Its name is a reference to its location; you can find the Trevi Fountain at the convergence of three roads (‘tre vie’ in Italian). Its architect, Nicola Salvi, died before he could see his vision completed. 

The legend is that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand you’re guaranteed a safe return to Rome in the future, a second coin will see you find romance, and a third guarantees a Roman wedding. With around $3,000 thrown into the fountain by wishing tourists every day, since 2006 a charity called Caritas has collected the coins to fund food and social programs worldwide. 

4. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa

What is now an architectural marvel actually began as an architectural mistake, which didn’t stop the Leaning Tower of Pisa from becoming one of the most famous Italy landmarks. Back in the 12th century, the city of Pisa was prospering and wanted to show it with the construction of new, impressive buildings. Part of this was a new bell tower, set to be the tallest at the time it was built.  

Why is the Leaning Tower of Pisa leaning? The combination of the tower’s shallow, heavy foundation and the soft soil on which it was built meant the tower never got past the fourth storey – which ought to have been foreseen as the name Pisa derives from the Greek word for ‘marshy land’. One side began to sink, and it was too late to offset despite attempts (by the time the fourth storey was constructed, the arches on the south side were a full two inches taller than those on the north). Construction was paused for almost a century until the final storeys were built, eventually reaching 8 floors. 

You can climb both sides of the tower (there’s a discrepancy of around 3 steps between the north and south), and don’t worry – its structural integrity is constantly monitored.  

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5. The Sistine Chapel, Vatican City  

5 million people visit the Sistine Chapel every year, usually in tandem with visiting the Vatican (the chapel is found in the Vatican Palace). Erected between 1473-81, the chapel’s exterior is comparatively plain, once you step inside you’re surrounded by frescoes painted by Renaissance legends from floor to ceiling. Who painted the Sistine Chapel? Many people would answer Michelangelo, and while the most famous of the Sistine Chapel’s frescoes is Michelangelo’s ceiling (collectively known as the Sistine Ceiling), which took him four years to complete covering 12,000 square feet, many artists had a hand in painting the Sistine Chapel. 

6. The Spanish Steps, Rome

Despite their name, the Spanish Steps were commissioned by a French diplomat and built by a pair of Italian architects (Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi) between 1723 and 1725. The name only came about because the steps connect the Spanish Embassy above to the Spanish Square below. Made up of 135 steps up 29 meters, it’s considered the widest and longest staircase of Europe – though as of 2019 visitors are no longer allowed to sit on the Spanish Steps. You’ll have to stroll up them instead! 

7. The Uffizi Gallery, Florence 

The origins of the Uffizi Gallery, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are slightly less exciting than you might expect – it was originally built in the 16th century as administrative offices (or ‘uffizi’) for the Florentine magistrates. Gradually, its upper floors were converted into a museum to display the Medici family’s extensive collection of art, who were ruling at the time. Visitors can take in an extraordinary collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, with works by some of the most celebrated artists in history – most notably, Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’.  

8. The Greek Theater, Sicily 

Just around an hour’s drive from Sicily’s harbour city Messina you’ll find the hilltop town of Taormina, home to one of the most impressive outdoor theaters. The Greek-Roman theater is the second-largest theatre of Greek origins in Sicily (the largest being Syracuse). Built in 3 BCE by the Greeks, the theater was then modified by the Romans in a restoration that took nearly a decade. The views from the theater’s seats are unparalleled, making this one of the most striking Italy landmarks.  

9. The Roman Forum, Rome 

The Roman Forum could be considered the public center of Rome, which began around 7 BCE as a marketplace as well as a place for public meetings, criminal trials and even gladiatorial fights. Later, under the Roman empire the Roman Forum became a center for religious and secular spectacles and ceremonies. Though years of weather, earthquakes, and even architects robbing the site of columns and stones, the Roman Forum is still an impressive spectacle. 

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10. The Ponte Vecchio, Florence 

Ponte Vecchio is not only Florence’s oldest bridge, but also the only bridge in the city to survive World War II unscathed. The bridge crosses the Arno River and was built by Taddeo Gaddi in 1345 using segmental arches. For hundreds of years in the Medeival times, merchants like butchers, fish-sellers and leather artisans traded along the bridge. In the 1590s, in a bid to elevate the tone of the bridge the Grand Duke ousted the merchants, inviting goldsmiths and jewellers to set up shop in their place – and they’re still there today! 

11. The Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence 

Found high on the hills south of the Florence’s historic center, sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo offers the best panoramic views of the city. Michelangelo didn’t have anything to do with designing the square, but it was built in his honor in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi when Florence was the capital of Italy. A must-visit when in Florence for its breathtaking views, the square is also home to a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David. 

12. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City 

St. Peter’s Basilica is the most important of the four major basilicas in Rome, which makes it the most important Catholic Church on Earth. Its construction began in 1506 and was only completed in 1615, with several Renaissance architects (including Michelangelo) working on the magnificent building. The Renaissance-style church is a major pilgrimage site (particularly during Jubilee years) and a key part of Rome’s skyline – as the tallest dome in the world, you can’t miss it. Look out for the paintings inside, which aren’t actually paintings at all but mosaics! If you look close enough, you’ll be able to see the individual glass squares. 

13. The Rialto Bridge, Venice 

The oldest bridge in Venice is a must-see when in the Floating City. Ponte di Rialto is a stone arch bridge crossing the famous Grand Canal, built in the late 16th century. Designed and built by Antonio da Ponte and his nephew, Antonio Contino, after winning a design competition in the city, it’s now considered one of the prime architectural and engineering achievements of the Renaissance and one of the top Italy landmarks. Until the 1850s the Rialto Bridge was the only fixed canal crossing – the only other way for pedestrians to cross was by gondola ferries.    

14. The Doge’s Palace, Venice

After St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace is Venice’s second-most popular attraction. Despite suffering three devastating fires over the years (in 1483, 1574, and again in 1577). During the Venetian Republic, the doges (Italian for ‘dukes’) were the elected leaders of the former Venetian republic. The palace was built around a courtyard, and was the government center for the Venetian Republic for many centuries.  

The first palace was built in 814, but due to fire damage the current building was constructed in the early 14th century. Its unique architecture is a blend of Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance influences. 

15. The Palazzo Vecchio, Florence 

The center of Florence, Palazzo Vecchio (‘Old Palace’ in Italian) is a 14th century palace famous for its association with the Medici family. When it was completed in 1322 the palace served as the seat of Florence’s governing body (and still does today!). Historically, Palazzo Vecchio’s bell was the main method of communicating important news and events, from meetings to possible attacks.  

Duke Cosimo I began a renovation on the palace in 1540, who employed the artist Vasari to paint a series of frescos. Now the palace houses a collection of artwork and sculptures from celebrated artists like Donatello, Bronzino and Michelangelo.  

16. Milan Cathedral, Milan   

Good things take time, and it took 6 centuries to built the Milan Duomo from 1386 until 1965 – but as it’s Milan’s most-visited site and one of the most famous Italy landmarks, we’d say it was worth it. Its construction led to the Milanese expression “lungh ‘me la fabrica del domm,” which roughly translates to “as long as building the Duomo”, for when there’s no end in sight.  

The Duomo is the largest church in Italy (since Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica, is technically another country), with 3,400 statues, 135 spires and 55 stained glass windows. Thousands of artists including Leonardo da Vinci were involved in the Gothic cathedral’s design over the years. On its rooftop you can see the Madonnina (‘little Madonna’), which is said to protect the city from evil spirits – no building in Milan can be taller than the Duomo’s Madonnina.  

17. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence 

With its huge dome, Santa Maria del Fiore is a key part of Florence’s skyline. Located on Piazza del Duomo the gothic cathedral was built at the end of the 13th century, designed by the architect and sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio. Standing at 90 meters tall, 90 meters wide, and 153 meters long, it’s one of the largest churches in the world. The name Santa Maria del Fiore translates as ‘Lady of the Flower’, alluding to Florence as the city of flowers – the external walls are also decorated with white, red and green marble with geometric figures and stylized flowers. Entry is free, but the Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sunday and during religious celebrations. 

See some of the most famous Italy landmarks for yourself on a premium Insight Vacations Italy tour.