Most viewed monuments in Italy: here are the top 30
Italy is a country rich in history, art and culture, and every year attracts millions of visitors from all over the world, fascinated by the timeless beauty of its monuments. From world-famous archaeological sites to majestic art galleries, Italian monuments offer a journey through centuries of civilisation and masterpieces. In this article, we explore the 30 most visited monuments in Italy in 2023, a journey that will take us from the ancient ruins of the Colosseum in Rome to the Renaissance marvels of Florence, passing by the evocative castles, art galleries and archaeological treasures that make Italy's cultural heritage unique. Each monument tells a story, be it that of ancient Rome, the Renaissance or the key moments of Italian unification, offering visitors an unforgettable experience between past and present.
1. Colosseum Archaeological Park
ROME
2. Pantheon
ROME
3. Uffizi Galleries
FLORENCE
It seems strange to think that the Colosseum, the majestic amphitheatre of gladiators and grandiose spectacles, was used in a much more 'domestic' way during the course of time. Yet, during the Middle Ages, the arena fell into disuse and was completely forgotten for centuries. Its majestic ruins were no longer seen as a symbol of imperial power, but rather as an abandoned space, so much so that ordinary people began to exploit it... as a place to cultivate land and picnic!
After the fall of the Roman Empire, maintenance of the Colosseum ceased, and nature began to take its space. Its ruins became a perfect place for the locals, who, over time, transformed it into a kind of large urban garden. The arches and corridors of the ancient arena offered shelter to shepherds, farmers and their livestock, who cultivated vegetables and raised cattle there.
Not only was the interior of the Colosseum transformed into vegetable gardens and vineyards, but some families even used the rooms and niches of the structure as temporary dwellings. The Colosseum became almost a small agricultural village within the city of Rome! Imagine walking through the ancient arches and seeing sheep and goats grazing where gladiators once fought deadly duels.
Besides farming, people also used the space for relaxation and picnics. With time, the Colosseum had become an open space, without the grandeur we attribute to it today. Local families would gather to eat in the shadow of its imposing walls, enjoying the tranquillity of a place that, centuries before, had been the scene of violence and incredible spectacles.
This curious transformation lasted until the Renaissance, when the historical importance of the Colosseum was rediscovered and the first attempts to restore it began. Until then, however, the Colosseum had lived a 'second life' as a rural and social space, showing how monuments can change function according to the needs of the times.
This anecdote makes us see the Colosseum in a completely different light: from an epic arena of antiquity to a simple garden for medieval Romans.
4. Pompeii
POMPEI
The Archaeological Park of Pompeii is one of the most important and best preserved archaeological sites of antiquity. Buried under a blanket of ash and lapilli by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii offers an extraordinary insight into Roman daily life. Excavations have unearthed dwellings, temples, theatres and mosaics that tell the story of life in the city at the time of the eruption. The paved streets, houses with their lively frescoes and well-preserved shops provide a real journey back in time. The baths and amphitheatres, as well as the numerous archaeological finds, offer a comprehensive insight into the structures and practices of Roman society. The Archaeological Park of Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to attract scholars and tourists from all over the world, eager to explore this extraordinary ancient site.
5. Florence Academy Gallery
FLORENCE
6. Castel Sant'Angelo
ROME
7. Egyptian Museum
TORINO, PIEDMONT
8. Royal Palace of Caserta
CASERTA, CAMPANIA
9. Villa Adriana and Villa d'Este
ROME, LATIUM
10. Vittoriano and Palazzo Venezia
ROME, LATIUM
The Vittoriano, also known as the Altar of the Fatherland, is a symbolic monument located in the heart of Rome, dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy. Built in the late 19th and early 20th century, the monument celebrates the unification of Italy and is characterised by imposing white marble sculptures, columns and the equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II. From the top of the monument there is a spectacular view of Rome. Besides being a place of great symbolic value, the Vittoriano houses the Museo del Risorgimento and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a tribute to the Italian soldiers who fell in the war.
Next to the Vittoriano is the Palazzo Venezia, a Renaissance palace that was once a papal residence and later an embassy seat. The palace is famous for having been Mussolini's headquarters during the Fascist regime, from whose balcony he made his speeches. Today, Palazzo Venezia houses a museum displaying a vast collection of sculptures, paintings and art objects from various eras, including Renaissance furniture, textiles and armour. The peaceful and charming inner garden offers a relaxing break in the centre of Rome. The combination of the Vittoriano and Palazzo Venezia creates an area rich in history and culture, attracting millions of tourists each year interested in art, Italian history and panoramic views of the Eternal City.
11. Royal Museums
TORINO, PIEDMONT
12. Bagello Museum
FLORENCE, TUSCANY
13. Borghese Gallery
ROME, LATIUM
14. Herculaneum Archaeological Park
NAPLES, CAMPANIA
The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum is one of the best preserved sites of antiquity, buried like Pompeii during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was covered by a thick layer of pyroclastic material that better preserved buildings, wooden objects and organic remains. Excavations have unearthed luxurious villas, baths, shops and mosaics. Visitors can explore well-preserved streets and admire frescoes and decorations that provide an extraordinary picture of everyday life at the time.
15.Archaeological Museum Naples
NAPLES, CAMPANIA
This museum is one of the most important in the world for classical art. Located in the heart of Naples, the National Archaeological Museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum and other cities destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius. Among the most famous collections are Pompeian mosaics, Greek and Roman statues, as well as the famous Farnese collection, which includes the 'Farnese Bull' and the 'Farnese Hercules'. The museum is also known for its Secret Cabinet, which houses erotic art from Pompeii and other parts of ancient Rome.
Paestum and Velia Archaeological Park
NAPLES, CAMPANIA
17. The Last Supper by Vinciano
milan, lombardy
Located in Milan, the Cenacolo Vinciano is known for housing one of the most famous masterpieces in art history: Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'. This fresco, painted between 1495 and 1498, depicts the Last Supper of Jesus with his apostles and is located in the refectory of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The work is famous for its innovative emotional representation and use of perspective, which creates extraordinary depth. The delicacy of the painting has required restoration work over the centuries, but it continues to attract thousands of visitors every year.
18. Brera Art Gallery
milan, lombardy
19. Royal Palace of Naples
Naples, campania
20. Palace of Venaria
Turin, Campania
21. Venice Archaeological Museum
Venice, Veneto
22. Castel Sant'Elmo
Naples, Campania
23. Miramare Castle
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
24. National Roman Museum
Rome, Lazio
25. Ostia Antica Archaeological Park
Rome, Lazio
26. Mantua's Ducal Palace
Mantua, Lombardy
27. Baths of Caracalla
Mantua, Lombardy
28. Venice Academy Gallery
Venice, Veneto
29. The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art
Venice, Veneto
The Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, located in Rome, is Italy's leading museum dedicated to art from the 19th century to the present day. With a collection of more than 20,000 works including paintings, sculptures and installations, the museum offers a broad overview of modern and contemporary art movements. Among the artists represented are names such as De Chirico, Balla, Klimt, Van Gogh and Mondrian. Temporary and permanent exhibitions allow visitors to explore the artistic avant-gardes and cultural movements that have marked the last two centuries.
30. Scaliger Castle of Sirmione
Sirmione, Veneto
Colosseum mon amour!
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