By Kenya Barrett
Italy is home to many historical buildings, natural landmarks, and a total of 59 heritage sites. Many of these boost the country's popularity and drive travelers to visit each year.
Read on to see if you recognize some of the most iconic Italian UNESCO Sites!
Discover the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy in person by exploring our Italy vacation packages.
Vatican City
Not only is Vatican City one of the most sacred locations in the world, it’s also one of the most important UNESCO Sites in Italy. This city-state is home to several historical and religious monuments including the famed Sistine Chapel, the St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums.
A few other noteworthy things to do include exploring the Vatican Gardens, touring the Castel Sant`Angelo, or watching artists creating mosaics at the Vatican Mosaic Studio. If visitors are lucky, they may catch a glimpse of The Pope who resides at the Apolostic Palace – which is located within the city’s walls.
The Sassi & The Churches of Matera
If you happen to be visiting Southern Italy, then consider heading down to the region of Basilicata – which is home to The Sassi & the Park of the Rupestrian Church of Matera. This Italian landmark is a complex of houses, churches, hermitages, and monasteries that were developed in the caves of Murgia. Scientists believed that this site was first occupied during the Paleolithic period as evidenced by the intensity of the rock and cave formations that make the region unique.
Although most of the human population was relocated to the surrounding cities of Sassi in the late 1950s, this site has been referenced in pop culture notably as a film location for various movie sets including Ben-Hur, The Nativity Story, and Passion of the Christ.
Historic Centre of Siena
Siena is a beautiful city that boasts medieval architecture like no other in Italy. This Tuscan metropolitan has been recognized as an Italian UNESCO Site since 1995, due to its magnificent Gothic appearance and overall influence on European art. A few of the top Renaissance artists were also born in Siena including Duccio, Simone Martini, Sassetta, and the Lorenzetti Brothers.
Over time, the city has become famous for its art, museums, cuisine, and the Piazza del Campo – a historic Italian landmark that the city is built around. While visiting, tourists can attend the Palio di Siena, a popular horse race that is held twice a year around the piazza.
Castel del Monte
The Castel del Monte is a 13th century castle and citadel that was built by King Fredrick II in 1240. During his reign, King Fredrick II utilized the structure as a hunting lodge and an area to conduct meetings with scholars from the Mediterranean regions.
The structure is situated atop a hill in the small city of Andria and boasts a unique octagonal shape. Unlike many castles of that time, this building did not include a moat or drawbridge which has led archeologists to believe that it was not meant to be a defensive fortress. Since its induction as an Italian UNESCO Site in 1996, this has become one of the most popular historic sites in Italy and is open to the public for tours and exploration.
Piazza del Duomo, Pisa
If you’re visiting the city of Pisa, you’re bound to stumble upon the Piazza del Duomo. This architecturally impressive complex houses a number of significant monuments including the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, the Camposanto Monumentale, and the Campanile (also known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa).
While the area is specifically famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the other monuments are equally important religious structures dedicated to different Catholic saints.
Venice and its Lagoon
The entire city of Venice as well as its lagoon have been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The metropolis is considered one of the most extraordinary architectural masterpieces in the world and was designed by a handful of Italian artists including Giorgione and Tintoretto.
The city’s roots trace back to the 5th century when it was developed as a conglomeration of 118 small islands. Today, the area consists of approximately 150 canals and 400 bridges that can be explored during any Venice vacation.
Check out our trips to Venice.
The City of Florence
The historic center of Florence was first recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Originally built on an Etruscan settlement, the city became a symbol of the Renaissance Era during the 15th and 16th centuries and is now one of the best cities to visit in Italy.
Visitors will observe the region’s magnificent architecture developed by some of Italy’s most prolific artists including Michelangelo, Giotti, and Botticelli. In 2021, the heritage site was expanded to include more of Florence’s renowned locations including the Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden, San Salvatore Church, San Miniato Abbey, the Iris Garden, and Le Rampe.
Check out our trips to Florence.
The City of Rome
The ancient city of Rome boasts dozens of antiquated structures that have rich cultural roots and historical significance. Since 1980, the entire city has been listed as a Italian UNESCO Site. The Forum Romanum once served as the political center of the city during the Classical Roman Empire Era, while the Colosseum holds the title of the largest amphitheater in the world.
Additionally, the famed Baths of Caracalla are located in the ancient city and were built during the reigns of emperors Caracalla and Septimius Severus. Visitors are able to explore many of these landmarks and more during their Rome vacation.
Check out our trips to Rome.
The Palace of Caserta
The Palace of Caserta is located in the city of Caserta and once served as a royal residence for the Kings of Naples during the 18th century. Built by the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, this palace once stood as the tallest structure in all of Europe and even served as a Star Wars filming location.
The palace boasts five floors, 1200 rooms, 1742 windows, 34 staircases, 1026 fireplaces, an enormous library, and a theater. Perhaps the most outstanding factor is the park. Designed in a Baroque style, it features five fountains and a botanical garden. Each fountain is named after creatures and/or figures that represent Greek mythology or Roman royalty.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei
This Italian UNESCO Site comprises three different areas: the ancient towns of Pompei, Herculaneum, and Torre Annuziata. After the destruction of these areas due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, locals sought to excavate the region and preserve what was left of the ruins.
What was once home to many of Italy’s wealthy is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Today, the ruins consist of a few well-preserved structures including the Temple of Jupiter and the Odeon.
The Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range within the Northern Italian Alps that reach about 3,000 meters high. Composed of several different peaks and passes, the Dolomites have become a popular destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities, particularly skiing and snowboarding. Sports enthusiasts have also spent time in the area climbing, hiking, and even base jumping.
In 2009, The Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park which includes the Dolomite peaks of Alpi Feltrine, Monti del Sole, Schiara, Spiz di Mezzodi, Pramper, and Talvena were listed as an Italian UNESCO Site.
Cinque Terre
Known as the Eastern Riviera of Cinque Terre, this coastal region of Italy comprises five villages: Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare, and Corniglia. All of these are part of Cinque Terre National Park, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
In recent years, the area has become a popular destination due to its amazing landscape and proximity to the Ligurian Sea. Visitors can enjoy culture and Italian cuisine tours in the region since it specializes in the procurement of Italy’s cheeses, olive oils, basil, garlic, and grapes.
The Rock Drawings in Valcamonica
Located in the Province of Brescia, the Rock Drawings in Valcamonica holds the title of the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy. Recognized in 1979, the site is home to the largest collection of prehistoric petroglyphs in the world.
These petroglyphs reinforced the ideals of the Camuni people which often revolved around masculinity, dominance, and superiority. While many of the inscriptions were made over a period of eight thousand years, recent excavations found were contributions of the Camuni people – an ancient group that once lived in the region of Val Camonica.
Now that you have an idea of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy, which will you explore on your vacation to Italy?
