How often do you find yourself looking for the most scenic viewpoints when traveling to a new place? Luckily, in Italy, you do not need to look hard. There are countless sights to stop and stare in this beautiful country. In particular, there are 9 spots that will absolutely take your breath away.
1. The Colosseum, Rome
History lover or not, the Colosseum absolutely needs to be on your list of places to visit. Six million people visit this monument annually! Come here to marvel at the immortal ruins of the Roman empire.
Interested in visiting the museums in Italy? Check out my top 9 museum recommendations for the art lovers!
You may find it strange to walk into this old place (kind of like going through the pages of a history book). But, as you stand on the ramparts high above, and look down the amphitheater to the arena, you can imagine the gladiators fighting to their deaths eons ago. Stop for a minute and look at the stones as you walk through the passageways. And be awed by the fact that these structures were built over 2000 years ago.
Before you visit, make sure you book the required tickets ahead of time at your preferred time slot. This is now required at the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.
2. Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, Rome
Next up, just a few steps from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. Even history unenthusiasts (see what I did there?) will be glad to check out this heart of the Roman empire with ruins of temples, government builds and city squares strewn about. Here, you can see roman columns from many structures still standing today. Walk around to see temples decorated with elaborate facades of various Roman gods.
Legend has it that the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were abandoned as infants by the Tiber river. Per this legend, a she-wolf nurtured them on the slopes of the Palatine.
Afterwards, head over to the Palatine hill. This used to be the home of the Roman emperors (Augustus, Tiberius and Domitian) as well as the affluent Romans. There are views to behold pretty much everywhere you look.
Then, walk over to the Farnese Gardens for spectacular viewpoint of the Circus Maximus and the Roman forum from a higher vantage point with the city of Rome beyond.
3. Top of the Spanish Steps, Rome
Why are the steps called the Spanish steps? In fact, the French financed the building of these steps and the church, but the name “Spanish steps” came from the presence of the Spanish embassy at the lower piazza (Piazza della Spagna, or Spain).
On the top of the stairs, you can visit the Trinità dei Monti church, or opt for a perfect photo op there instead. Or you can also settle down on the steps for a spot of al fresco lunch.
Here, I spent a good 10 minutes people-watching and marveling at the genius of the architects.
Next to the church is an apartment building where renowned English poet John Keats used to live. It has now been converted to the Keats-Shelley Memorial house that you can visit.
4. Florence Cathedral Dome, Florence
Arguably, the most famous spot to visit in Florence is the Duomo (or Florence Cathedral). It was built over two centuries from 1296 to 1436. This dome is a feat of engineering by architect Filippo Brunelleschi, as it was made without scaffolding. Climb to the top of the dome for a closer look at Vasari’s fresco The Last Judgement.
Climb up steep stairs to get to the top of the Florence Cathedral Dome
Once you reach the top, you can walk around the perimeter of the dome, and get 360 degree views of the city below. The red-tiled rooftops are especially beautiful from this vantage point.
Even though you can enter the Florence Cathedral without a ticket (but expect long lines), you will need to book one to go to the top of the dome. You can also opt for the Firenze Card which will allow you priority entry. It is especially helpful if you intend to visit multiple museums, churches and monuments in Florence within a few days.
5. Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence
On the south side of the Arno river, you can view Florence from afar and get beautiful panoramic pictures. Piazzale Michelangelo is named after the famed Renaissance sculptor, Michelangelo and houses a bronze replica of the David statue (the original marble statue is in the Accademia Gallery.
Plan to go right before sunset for views both in the daylight and after dark. After twilight, you will be rewarded with fairy tale views thanks to the twinkling lights from the city.
6. Palazzo Vecchio Arnolfo tower, Florence
Chances are, the Palazzo Vecchio is already in your travel list for Florence (and for good reason!). While exploring this museum, don’t forget to check out the Arnolfo tower. This tower gets its name from its architect, Arnolfo di Cambop and stands tall at 312 feet. Here, you can also see the two bell chambers and a prison cell in which Cosimo il Vecchio was imprisoned.
Climb its 233 steps to the top to get sweeping views of the Florence city in all directions. In fact, the view looking out to the Florence Cathedral alone makes the hike up absolutely worthwhile!
Installed in 1667, the clock on the tower (visible from the piazza outside Palazzo Vecchio) still functions today.
7. Boboli Gardens, Florence
Easily one of my favorite spots in Italy are the Boboli Gardens. This landscaped spot is situated directly behind Pitti Palace and is a few minutes of walking distance from Ponte Vecchio across the Arno river. The Medici family who lived in the Pitti Palace while governing Florence established these gardens. This vast green expanse is adorned with ancient and Renaissance statues, and is somewhat of an open air museum. Enjoy the decorations here such as the grottos, (eg. Bernardo Buontalenti’s), fountains (eg. the Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Ocean) and statues (eg. statues of Jupiter, Apollo and Ceres).
8. Bardini Gardens, Florence
A few hundred feet away from the Boboli Gardens are the relatively low key Bardini Gardens. This garden is a steep, terraced hillside with views for days. When you reach the top of the hill, you will see the Belvedere Terrace and a pair of baroque statues. The view on one side is the Florence Cathedral dome and the tower of Palazzo Vecchio. And on the other side is Piazzale Michelangelo. Can it get any better than this?
9. The Grand Canal from Ponte dell'Accademia, Venice
Venice has breath-taking views awaiting every nook and corner. But perhaps the most beautiful ones are from the bridges over the Grand Canal from where you can see views of the city on both sides of the water. In particular, the viewpoint from atop the Ponte dell’Accademia bridge of the Grand Canal is especially breath-taking.
If Venice is on your itinerary, be sure to check out what to do for 36 hours in Venice!
This bridge is less famous than the Rialto and the Bridge of Sighs. But from here, you can see the Basilica of Santa Maria and the wide expanse of the Venetian canals.
There is also another way of taking in this view if you are short on time. Jump on the Vaporetto (Waterbus) 1 line which will take you around the Grand canal. As you depart the Accademia stop, pull out your camera for this vista point from the Vaporetto for a lower vantage point than the bridge.
While in Venice, be sure to stay overnight and enjoy these 25 fun experiences while you’re there!
10. Palazzo Publico tower, Siena
Next up is a medieval gem tucked deep within the Tuscan countryside. If you are planning to travel from Florence to Rome (or vice versa), consider making a stop at the beautiful city of Siena. The historic center here was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head over to the sprawling Piazza del Campo (Campo Square) in the center, and spend time perusing the various restaurants, souvenir vendors and the Gaia fountain.
Afterwards, head up to the top of tall Torre del Mangi (Mangia Tower) for a panoramic viewpoint of the city. At 334 ft, this tower literally towers over all other structures in the center of Siena.
Did I cover your favorite sights from Italy? What are your favorite spots? Let me know in a comment below.
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