♠ Posted by monyreachraksmey in Top Cities,Travels
1 Colosseum
For travelers making their way through
Italy, the Colosseum is a must see. This huge Amphitheater is the largest of
its kind ever built by the Roman Empire and has remained a model for sports
facilities right up to modern times. Today the structure stands in stark
contrast to the modern development that surrounds it, and is a prominent
reminder of ancient times and the extensive history of Rome.
2 Venice Canals
Venice Canals
A gondola
ride through the canals of Venice is a tradition that travelers have been
participating in for centuries. Venice is a city of islands and the canals have
long been, in many ways, the city's streets. Lining the canals are the old
buildings which have remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years,
adding to the romantic charm. The Grand Canal is the most famous of these
waterways and one of the most photographed sites in Venice.
3 Pompeii
Pompeii
Below the rumbling volcano of Mt Vesuvius
stand the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city preserved in time by the
eruption in A.D. 79. Excavations have revealed the remains of houses, markets,
baths, temples, theaters, streets scarred by the tracks of chariots, and human
remains. Visitors can tour the site, walk along the old streets,
4 Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is actually just
one of many attractions in the city of Pisa, but its fame, gained from its
flaw, is world renown. Work began on the tower in the 1100s and the sinking,
which led to the lean, began by the time the tower reached the third story.
Prior to restoration work in the 1990s, it was predicted to topple over by the
year 2000. Today, visitors can climb up the stairs of the tower for a fabulous
view over the city. The Leaning Tower, also known as La Torre Pendete, stands
on the Piazza del Duomo.
5 Lake Como
Lake Como
Lake Como
is one of Italy's most scenic areas, surrounded by mountains and lined by small
picturesque towns. Traditionally a haunt of the wealthy, the lake has many old
opulent villas and palaces. Around the lake are resort communities and an 11th
century abbey. The mild climate is also a draw for tourists, with
characteristics similar to that of the Mediterranean.
6 Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, is a stunning stretch of coastline along the Sorrentine Peninsula.
Hillside towns are built precariously along the steep mountains that cascade
down to the sea. One of the main towns along here is Positano, but the entire
area is popular with tourists.
7 Florence Duomo Santa Maria del
Fiore
Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore
Regarded
as one of the finest cathedrals in the world, the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore,
or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, dominates the Florence skyline. The
cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, with the most famous
piece being the extraordinary dome, completed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1434.
The Belfry, standing 82 meters, can be climbed. A total of 414 steps lead up to
a viewing platform with fantastic views of the city.
8 Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, which translates as
"Five Villages", is a lovely coastal region with steep oceanside
cliffs and hills. The picturesque villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza,
Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore can be reached by several means, but are
only joined to each other by a scenic narrow road through the hillside, or
walking trails. Many travelers choose to hike between villages to truly enjoy
the landscape. The small towns have maintained a feel of old world fishing
villages and offer a sense of remoteness.
9 Vatican City
Vatican City
The
Vatican is home to some of the world's most priceless art and art collections.
Beyond the obvious sites of St Peter's Basilica and St Peter's square, the
Vatican is home to countless attractions. The famous Sistine Chapel displays
wall and ceiling paintings by Michelangelo and many of other of Italy's most
famous artists.
10 Roman Forum
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum may require a little
imagination to understand exactly what this area once looked like. However, its
historical significance as the heart of the Roman Empire cannot be overstated.
Pillars, partial structures, and foundations of former temples, market halls,
courts, and public buildings pay tribute to Ancient Rome, which stood here for
a thousand years.
11 St Mark's Basilica
St Mark's Basilica
One of
the most important tourist sites in Venice is St Mark's Basilica. Most visitors
wandering around Venice will find themselves in the famous square, Piazza San
Marco, in front of the basilica, looking at the main west facing facade. The
cathedral contains a vast treasure of artworks, but the building itself is also
a work of art, with a mix of architectural styles.
12 Pantheon
Pantheon
The Pantheon, an exceptionally well
preserved remnant from Roman times, reveals the incredible architectural
achievements of the Roman Empire. The precise proportions of the building, with
the height equal to the diameter, and a single beam of light penetrating the
room from the top of the dome, give the room a unique character. Italian Kings
and other great Italian influencers are buried in the Pantheon.
