Modern Landmarks of Italy
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The modern landmarks of Italy detailed here capture some of the country's most iconic sights from large buildings to individual works of art.
Using the term modern quite loosely, this collection belong to the period between the beginning of the 16th century through to the 20th century. The earliest creation from the list below is Michelangelo's Statue of David which took three years to finish from 1501 to 1504; it's currently on display in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence with a very impressive replica on display in Piazza della Signoria. |
Il Vittoriano, Rome
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Related links
Trevi Fountain
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The Trevi Fountain, a masterpiece of Baroque art, is located in the heart of Rome, at the junction of three roads ("tre vie"). Completed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi and later finished by Giuseppe Pannini, it is one of the city's most famous landmarks.
The fountain features a grand central figure of Oceanus, the god of water, flanked by allegorical statues representing Abundance and Health. Water cascades from the sculpture into a large, ornate basin, creating a mesmerizing display. Legend holds that tossing a coin into the fountain ensures a return to Rome. The Trevi Fountain symbolizes Rome's artistic heritage and its historical connection to water through ancient aqueducts. |
Trevi Fountain, Rome
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Statue of David
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The Statue of David, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, is a masterpiece of Renaissance art created by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504. Standing 5.17 metres tall, this marble sculpture depicts the biblical hero David, symbolizing strength, courage, and youthful beauty.
Michelangelo’s David captures remarkable detail, from the tense expression and muscular form to the intricate anatomy of veins and tendons. Originally intended for Florence Cathedral, the statue was instead placed in Piazza della Signoria as a symbol of Florentine liberty. In 1873, it was moved to the Accademia for preservation. |
Statue of David, Florence
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
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The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, located in the heart of Milan between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala, is one of the world’s oldest and most elegant shopping arcades. Built in the 19th century and named after Italy’s first king, it was designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni and inaugurated in 1877.
The Galleria features a stunning iron-and-glass dome, intricate mosaic floors, and ornate neoclassical façades. Housing luxury boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, it is known as Milan’s "living room." The central octagonal space is adorned with mosaics representing Europe, Africa, Asia, and America. A symbol of Milan’s style and sophistication, the Galleria remains a beloved landmark. |
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan
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Il Vittoriano
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Il Vittoriano, also known as the Altare della Patria, is a monumental landmark in the heart of Rome, located on Piazza Venezia. Built between 1885 and 1935, it honors Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. The imposing structure, made of white marble, features grand staircases, Corinthian columns, and a towering equestrian statue of the king.
At its centre lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by an eternal flame and dedicated to Italy’s fallen soldiers. Visitors can explore its terraces, offering panoramic views of the city, and the museum inside showcasing Italian history. Il Vittoriano stands as a symbol of national pride and unity. |
Il Vittoriano, Rome
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Arco della Pace
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The Arco della Pace is a neoclassical triumphal arch located in Milan, at the northern edge of Parco Sempione, near the Sforza Castle. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century to commemorate military victories, the arch was completed in 1838 under Austrian rule. Standing 25 metres tall, the arch is adorned with elaborate sculptures and reliefs, depicting scenes of peace and military achievements.
Its grand design, by architect Luigi Cagnola, features a central arch flanked by two smaller ones. The monument symbolizes both Milan’s historical significance and its role in the broader European political landscape. |
Arco della Pace, Milan
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Galleria Umberto I
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The Galleria Umberto I is a grand shopping arcade located in the historic centre of Naples, near the famous Teatro di San Carlo.
Completed in 1890, it is an architectural masterpiece of the late 19th century, designed by the architect Eng. Emanuele Rocco. The gallery features a stunning glass and iron dome, surrounded by elegant, ornate buildings with arches and intricate mosaics. Its symmetrical layout consists of a central walkway flanked by high-end shops, cafes, and offices. The Galleria was built to mirror the elegance of Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and has since become a key landmark in Naples. |
Galleria Umberto I, Naples
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Mole Antonelliana
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The Mole Antonelliana is an iconic landmark in Turin, located on the edge of the city’s historic centre.
Originally designed as a synagogue by Alessandro Antonelli in the late 19th century, it stands at 167 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in Italy. The building features a unique blend of architectural styles, with a massive dome and a distinctive spire. Over time, it became a symbol of Turin. In the 20th century, it was repurposed to house the National Museum of Cinema, which is renowned for its exhibits on film history. The Mole Antonelliana remains a key cultural and architectural attraction in the city. |
Mole Antonelliana, Turin
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Cimitero Monumentale (Milan)
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The Cimitero Monumentale in Milan, is one of the most significant cemeteries in Europe, located just north of the city centre. Opened in 1866, it is renowned for its impressive architecture, featuring grand mausoleums, statues, and elaborate tombs that reflect the artistic and cultural heritage of Milan.
The cemetery is divided into sections, with the most notable being the monumental area, where prominent Milanese citizens are buried. Among the many masterpieces, the tombs of famous artists, writers, and politicians stand out. The Cimitero Monumentale is not just a place of rest but also an open-air museum, attracting visitors with its historical significance. |
Cimitero Monumentale, Milan
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