10 Of the most beautiful cities in Italy
Italy has some of the most beautiful old towns in the world. If you want to go beyond the usual tourist routes and see them in a whole new light, take a look at some of our tours led by passionate and professional guides. Not only is it the beautiful countryside in Italy, but so are many cities! Italy's cities are not only stunning, but also incredibly enchanting, full of art, history, ancient ruins and more. It was difficult for us to keep to just 10, but here are 10 of Italy's most beautiful and interesting cities. (Nota bene: For this post, we only considered cities with a population of 75,000 or more!). Trust us: visiting one of them will be a life changing experience!
Veronese
Verona is not only the place where William Shakespeare setup Romeo and Juliet, but it is also a beautiful city with so many things to do and see! From ancient Roman ruins (including an incredibly well-preserved arena) to medieval castles, from stunning squares to historic churches, Verona is full of sightseeing opportunities. And oh yes, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. And every bit as romantic as you'd expect!
Venice
What makes Venice one of the most beautiful cities in the world? Let us count how... Venice's unique and lovely architecture (learn the secrets of Venetian symbolism in our blog on how to "read" Venice's palaces!), its beautiful churches, and of course the show-stopping St. Mark's There is a square.
But what really makes Venice beautiful is that it is built entirely on canals, so there's no traffic or bus exhaust, and all you'll hear along the many canals is the lapping of the water! To make the most of Venice's serene side, consider going in the fall or winter when a beautiful mist hangs over the city. Read our guide to Venice travel in the low season for more information.
Bologna
Bologna is one of Italy's favorite regions, Emilia-Romagna
To love why check it out). Bologna is also downright beautiful. And there's a lot to do here. From soaking up the academic atmosphere (Bologna is home to Europe's oldest university), to enjoying the region's great cuisine in a local trattoria, to taking fun photos with Bologna's leaning towers (not just Pisa! ), there is something for everyone in this buzzing city.
Rome
Rome is the largest city in Italy and may be the most fascinating, with 2,500 years of history and countless archaeological sites, art galleries, churches and monuments! Despite Rome's relatively small and beautiful historic center, you can't spend a month exploring the city and seeing everything.
And yes, there are many places to see in Italy. But to come to Italy in search of the most beautiful sights and cities... Why not visit Rome? Well, that would be a crime! For a more in-depth look at what to see and what to do in Rome, check out our various guides to Rome.
Neapolitan
Naples often gets a bad rap – yes, the city is a bit “messy” and a lot more chaotic than other cities in Italy. But there's a reason people call it Bella Napoli. There is something bittersweet and beautiful about the decay of Naples' elegant palaces and medieval castles.
And there's plenty to do, from enjoying the city's world-famous food to exploring eerie underground to seeing some of Italy's most important art and archeology in Naples' top-notch museums. But the energy here is the real heart of Belleza in Naples, something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Florence
One visit to Florence and you will understand why it has inspired so many artists and writers! With elegant buildings, cobbled streets, and show-stoppers like the Palazzo Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, Florence is a feast for the eyes. And that is if you are walking around outside! Inside the building, more beauties await, from Michelangelo's David at the Accademia to masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and the Uffizi.
Lecce
With around 100,000 inhabitants, Lecce is one of the largest towns in the Puglia region. It's also one of the prettiest! With its splendid Baroque architecture, Lecce couldn't look more different from Florence, Venice or Bologna. And as you explore the city, you'll find one interesting sight: a 16th-century castle, one of Italy's most important churches, and an ancient Roman amphitheater.
Luca
Located a short train ride outside Florence, beautiful Lucca offers a ring of cobbled streets and elegant palaces, elaborate churches and Renaissance-era fortification walls that are home to around 85,000 inhabitants. For music lovers, it is also the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini. If you're looking for it, it's hard to find a better place than Lucca.
Pisa
If you want to get what has to be Italy's most iconic photos, Pisa is your place. But Pisa has so much more than that. Yes, the Leaning Tower is spectacular - even more so in person than in photos. But the medieval town also boasts an 11th-century Duomo filled with ornate art, an elaborate baptistery, and a beautiful palace.
Peru
Perugia, the largest city in Umbria (and the capital of the region), dates back to Umbrian and Etruscan times. You can still visit the Etruscan chamber tombs, wells, and arches. History buffs won't want to miss the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria, which contains a number of amazing artifacts. The National Gallery of Umbria has artistic masterpieces, important churches, beautiful buildings, elegant squares and more! As one of them, we recommend everyone to visit at least once.