| considering Italy’s most exciting and interesting | | | | the tower, or at least arrest its propensity for inclination, |
| locations, it is really difficult to name a top 10. However, | | | | have stopped short of making it vertical, so it will likely |
| you can’t ignore the icons, so here are 10 | | | | to retain its distinctive lean for years to come. |
| superb places that will stay in your memory as | | | | The Pantheon |
| evocations of all that is unique and remarkable about | | | | The massive dome of the Pantheon, in Rome, is a |
| Italy today. | | | | distinctive landmark, along with the fountain that adorns |
| Amalfi Coast | | | | the front entrance. The building houses the tombs of |
| There are many stunning coastal areas, but the Amalfi | | | | Italy's first two kings, and the Renaissance artist, |
| Coast, stretching along the southern side of the | | | | Raphael. It is one of the world’s greatest |
| Sorrentine Peninsula, in the province of Salermo, has | | | | surviving examples of Roman architecture. |
| many charming towns with a rich maritime history. The | | | | Pompeii |
| Cathedral of Amalfi, actually two churches with an | | | | This partially buried Roman city, near Naples, in the |
| ancient crypt, is stunning. Be sure to take a boat to the | | | | region of Campania, was buried in ash, when Mt |
| Grotta dello Smeraldo. | | | | Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, and is now one of the |
| Assisi | | | | world’s great archaeological treasures. Many of |
| Set in the province of Perugia, in the Umbrian region, | | | | Pompeii's streets and buildings have been uncovered |
| Assisi became a Christian settlement in 238 AD and | | | | and the lives of its people, whose possessions and |
| became famous in the 11th century, when St. Francis | | | | living quarters were preserved by the ash, appear |
| founded his monastery there. Today, the city is a | | | | frozen in time. |
| World Heritage Site where you can experience | | | | The Spanish Steps |
| cultural, historical, as well as spiritual rebirth. | | | | Rome's famous Spanish steps or ‘Scalinata di |
| The Colosseum | | | | Spagna’, are at their best in May when the |
| Rome’s 2000-year-old Colosseum, one of | | | | bright pink azaleas are flowering. Leading from the |
| Italy's most iconic edifices, was once the arena for | | | | Piazza di Spagna, to the beautiful Trinita dei Monti |
| chariot races, gladiatorial battles, and gruesome | | | | church, the steps have long been a meeting point, |
| displays held in the name of | | | | dating from the 18th century when attractive women |
| ‘entertainment’. Although the massive | | | | gathered there in the hope of being chosen as artist's |
| structure is today a ruin, it once could seat up to | | | | models. |
| 45,000 spectators, on its four levels, while the rooms | | | | Vatican Museums |
| for performers and animals were underneath the main | | | | The Vatican Museums, 12 complexes with over 1,400 |
| arena. | | | | rooms and galleries, showcase the many |
| Florence | | | | masterpieces in the Vatican collection, including the |
| Florence, once the center of medieval European trade | | | | famed Michaelangelo ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. |
| and finance, is not only a treasure-trove of art and | | | | Don’t miss the Etruscan Museum, the Raphael |
| architecture, but also a vibrant city with its own charm | | | | Rooms and Loggias, and the Egyptian Museum. |
| that attracts students, keen shoppers and art lovers. | | | | Venice |
| Renaissance art thrived here, and the city nurtured the | | | | As you stroll beside the many canals and waterways |
| talents of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. | | | | of Venice, you have to wonder how such a city could |
| Don’t miss Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s | | | | exist as it does, built over water. Venice's main |
| oldest bridge, with its many specialty shops. In summer, | | | | thoroughfare, the Grand Canal, is lined with buildings, |
| the bridge is crowded with street stalls, performers, | | | | and all kinds of boats ply the waterways. The Ponte di |
| portrait painters, and those who come to soak up the | | | | Rialto, right in the centre of the city, crosses the Grand |
| atmosphere. | | | | Canal. Amazing architecture is everywhere, and the |
| Leaning Tower of Pisa | | | | Piazza San Marco, the city’s main square, is |
| Pisa’s remarkable leaning bell tower dates from | | | | bordered by the attractive Basilica di San Marco, which |
| 1173. Although construction stretched over 200 years, | | | | gives the Square its name, and the Palazzo Ducale, |
| the famous lean developed not long after the tower | | | | the Doge's Palace, once the hub of government. Sit |
| was completed. For obvious reasons, perhaps, the | | | | outside one of the city’s many cafes and enjoy |
| architect still remains unknown. Attempts to straighten | | | | the wonderful atmosphere. |