Italy, with its rich history that dates back thousands of years, is the birthplace of the ancient Roman civilization. it is home to some of the world’s most well-loved monuments such as the Colosseum, Pompeii, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and many more.  Italy is a land rich in important archaeological and architectural monuments that have been lovingly restored and maintained, offering an invaluable glimpse into the past.

A guide to Italy’s historical sites

Italy's historic sites are a testament to centuries of history and culture. This definitive guide takes us through the country's archaeological and architectural wonders, from Roman remains to ancient temples and medieval castles, celebrating Italy's rich cultural heritage.

The Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum, one of Italy’s most loved monuments and iconic symbol of Rome, is Italy’s best loved tourist attraction. Built in 70 A.D, this massive stone amphitheatre was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian and held gladiator and animal fights for centuries.

Pompeii and the Herculaeum

These two ancient ruins in Italy were cities destroyed by Mount Vesuvius and offer an exciting and intriguing look at day-to-day life of the ancient Romans. Pompeii is an enormous site, and you should set aside 4-5 hours for an in-depth visit. Herculaeum, offers near perfect preservation of architecture, food, and household items.

The Doge’s Palace, Venice

The most visited tourist attraction in Venice after St Marks Basilica, this impressive palace is a wonderful example of Gothic architecture and a must visit while in Venice. You can take a guided tour of the palace and grounds to get an in-depth knowledge of the history surrounding this stunning place.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Located in ‘The Square of Miracles’ in the city of Pisa, the Leaning Tower is a freestanding bell tower belonging to the cathedral and is famous for its accidental tilt. Building began in 1173 and took 200 years to complete. Climb to the top for a unique experience and wonderful views.

Lucca’s city walls

Built between the 1600 and 1800, these historic walls are in fact the 4th version, the first ones were built by the Romans in the 2nd century BCE. You can walk the entirety of the walls in around an hour, making it a great historical site in Italy to visit for all the family.

The ancient city of Aquileia

One of the most important historical sites in Italy, Aquileia was one of the largest and most wealthy cities of the Roman Empire. Wander the city and explore the Basilica, the Roman forum, and the different archaeological museums.

Matera Sassi district

An incredible complex of cave dwellings that are considered one of the earliest human settlements in Europe. With magnificent architecture and an awe-inspiring history to be discovered, Mattera is a must visit for any history buff and one of Italy’s most intriguing historical sites.

Naples’s underground

Embark on a fascinating journey through Napoli Sotterranea which includes everything from Roman ruins, aqueducts and caverns that have been used as bomb shelters during World War II. As well as a tourist attraction for all the family, some of the spaces are also used for scientific research, monitoring the movements of Mt Vesuvius.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Both sites are located within the same archaeological area, and you can walk freely between the two. One side of the Roman forum was the marketplace and the centre of social and political activity. Palatine hill is one of the most ancient parts of the city and is now an open-air museum home to many interesting artifacts.

Etruscan Necropolis of Tarquinia and Cerveteri

These two epic cemeteries display different types of burial practises that are brilliant examples of what the Etruscans achieved in their 9 centuries of existence. Some tombs display wall carvings and paintings, some are organised in a city-like plan with many different impressive structural details.

Fiumicino airport: take home a taste of Italy

After your exploration of some of Italy’s most fascinating historical sites, remember you can take home a little treat or two from Shop & Fly: Reserve your products online and pick them up at the airport at the dedicated Duty Free checkouts, taking advantage of the 10% discount. There is a delicious array of local products available, from Extra Virgin olive oils, Balsamic vinegar, to chocolaty treats and fruity liqueurs.

Millions of people flock each year to Italy’s most impressive sites and historically significant monuments. Architectural wonders such as The Doges Palace, or wonderous archaeological sites such as the Roman Forum are excellent examples of the rich and diverse history that can be seen and appreciated all throughout Italy. Visits to Italy’s historic monuments offer the perfect holiday activity for all the family.

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