Must See Italian Cities
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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The must see Italian cities are the ones you simply have to visit at least once in your lifetime. The ten listed here are in addition to the ten major cities which include Rome, Venice and Florence which you may already have seen or be planning to see on a future visit.
Within this group we find the most beautiful cities in Tuscany including Pisa, Siena and Lucca along with two of the most fascinating cities in the northern region of Lombardy: Mantua and Pavia. Each of the ten cities has its own set of unique sights and nowhere is that more the case than the ancient city of Matera in Basilicata, while the charms of Syracuse and Lecce in the south of Italy are exemplars of Baroque architecture oozing charm. |
View from Torre del Mangia, Siena
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Two more cities in northern Italy offer a panoply of sightseeing opportunities: Padua in the Veneto region has one of the most amazing piazzas in Italy, three famous churches, Renaissance piazzas and frescoes by Giotto in a small chapel. A short distance south of Padua we find Ravenna with its array of monuments decorated in Byzantine mosaics that represent the cities time as capital of the Roman Empire.
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Pisa
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Pisa, an enchanting city in Tuscany, Italy, is globally recognized for its iconic Leaning Tower, a stunning 56-meter campanile that leans precariously due to a foundation mishap.
Beyond this architectural marvel, Pisa offers a charming medieval cityscape, with historic churches, picturesque squares, and the winding Arno River. Pisa is a city steeped in history and culture, boasting a prestigious university that has educated luminaries like Galileo Galilei. Visitors can savor Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias, explore museums, and stroll along the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery create a mesmerizing ensemble. |
Leaning Tower of Pisa
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Siena
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Siena, a captivating city in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, exudes medieval charm and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its well-preserved historic center, Siena boasts winding cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and the majestic Piazza del Campo, where the Palio, a thrilling horse race, unfolds twice a year.
The city is a testament to the artistry of the past, featuring masterpieces by artists like Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Simone Martini in its museums and churches. Siena's strong sense of community, delicious Tuscan cuisine, and annual traditions make it a destination that immerses visitors in the timeless beauty of Italy's history and culture. |
Siena, Tuscany
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Ravenna
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Ravenna, a gem on Italy's eastern coast, is a city steeped in history and artistic grandeur. Known for its intricate mosaics and rich cultural heritage, Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire in Italy. Its UNESCO-listed monuments, including the stunning Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, are adorned with some of the world's most exquisite Byzantine mosaics.
Ravenna's charming streets, elegant squares, and proximity to the Adriatic Sea make it a captivating destination for lovers of art, history, and tranquil coastal beauty, offering a unique blend of the ancient and the serene. |
Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna
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Syracuse
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Syracuse, nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily, is a city that breathes history. Its ancient heart, Ortigia Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Greek and Roman ruins coexist with medieval streets and baroque architecture. Syracuse boasts the captivating Greek Theater, an archaeological park with well-preserved ancient structures, and the Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with legendary acoustics.
The city's crystalline waters invite visitors to the beautiful beaches of Arenella and Fontane Bianche. With a rich tapestry of cultures and historical significance, Syracuse is a Sicilian treasure that blends antiquity, stunning landscapes, and Mediterranean allure. |
Lungomare d'Ortigia, Syracuse
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Padua
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Padua, a city in Italy's Veneto region, is a vibrant blend of history, art, and academia. Its renowned university, founded in 1222, has attracted luminaries like Galileo Galilei and stands as one of Europe's oldest institutions of higher learning.
The city boasts an illustrious past, with landmarks such as the magnificent Basilica of Saint Anthony and the iconic Scrovegni Chapel adorned with frescoes by Giotto. Padua's charming old town, with its elegant squares and arcaded streets, invites leisurely strolls. Rich in culture and intellectual tradition, Padua offers a captivating journey through centuries of Italian history and enlightenment. |
Basilica di Sant'Antonio, Padua
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Lecce
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Lecce, nestled in the heart of Italy's Apulia region, is a city of architectural wonders, earning it the moniker "Florence of the South." Its historic center showcases stunning Baroque architecture, with ornate facades, grand palaces, and intricate churches adorned with intricate stonework and sculptural details. Lecce's Roman amphitheater is a testament to its ancient past.
The city's lively atmosphere, bustling piazzas, and vibrant street life create a welcoming ambiance. Known for its craftsmanship, Lecce is also famous for its intricate papier-mâché figurines. With its rich cultural heritage and warm southern hospitality, Lecce invites visitors to explore its artistic treasures and Italian charm.. |
Piazza del Duomo, Lecce
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Mantua
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Mantua, nestled in Lombardy's picturesque Po Valley, is a city that embodies the essence of Italian Renaissance art and culture.
Its UNESCO-listed historic centre boasts elegant palaces, grand squares, and architectural marvels such as the Palazzo Ducale, adorned with frescoes by Andrea Mantegna. Mantua's tranquil lakes, including Lago di Garda and Lago di Mezzo, add to its scenic beauty. Renowned for its literary heritage, the city was the setting for Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." With a rich cultural tapestry, scenic surroundings, and artistic legacy, Mantua offers an enchanting glimpse into Italy's past. |
Piazza delle Erbe, Mantua
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Matera
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Matera, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, is a mesmerizing city etched into the rugged cliffs of a dramatic ravine. Known for its ancient cave dwellings, or "Sassi," Matera's history dates back millennia. The Sassi, carved from the soft tufa rock, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer an unparalleled glimpse into prehistoric human habitation.
Matera's enchanting streets, stone-carved churches, and labyrinthine alleys create a unique atmosphere that has been the backdrop for many films. A thriving cultural scene, delectable cuisine, and an enduring connection to its past make Matera a captivating destination for those seeking history and authenticity. |
Matera, Basilicata
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Lucca
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Lucca, a charming city in Tuscany, Italy, is a true hidden gem. Encircled by well-preserved Renaissance walls that now serve as a tree-lined promenade, Lucca's historic center is a delightful maze of cobblestone streets, medieval towers, and elegant piazzas.
The city is renowned for its Romanesque churches, including the stunning Duomo di San Martino, and its inviting squares, such as Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater. Lucca's rich musical heritage, showcased in its annual Lucca Summer Festival, adds to its cultural allure. With its tranquil atmosphere and timeless beauty, Lucca invites travelers to step back in time and savor la dolce vita. |
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, Lucca
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Pavia
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Pavia, a picturesque city in Lombardy, Northern Italy, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and academia. Home to the prestigious University of Pavia, founded in 1361.
The city's historic centre boasts medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the stunning Pavia Cathedral and the iconic Ponte Coperto, a covered bridge over the Ticino River. Pavia's vibrant streets, charming piazzas, and lively cafes create a welcoming atmosphere. Surrounded by fertile plains and vineyards, it's also known for its culinary delights and Lombard wine. Pavia offers a serene escape into Italy's past, with a touch of scholarly sophistication. |
Certosa di Pavia, Lombardy
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