We all know that the Vatican is a huge drawing card for travel to Rome even though it’s not Italian, technically speaking.
But while Rome has many beauties that are Italian, Tripadvisor includes the religious tourism and cultural interest of the papal city in its classification of Italy’s biggest tourism attractions.
Based on evaluations by Tripadvisor users, here is a top ten of Italy’s best places to visit:St Peter’s basilica and the Piazza San Pietro: Bernini’s dramatic piazza is number one on the list despite Rome hosting other famous locations like the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
Not exactly at the heart of the city, the Vatican’s main square is the hub of Rome tourism and provides a grand introduction for Catholic pilgrims coming to Rome.
The Milan Duomo: Italy’s finest example of gothic architecture is second on the list and while the city itself is extremely important to the Italian economy, Milan’s cathedral is the only tourist attraction from the city represented in this top ten.
The Pantheon, Rome: another Roman sight that beats other famous monuments in the city is the temple that was once dedicated to all the gods.
Now a church, it is also the burial site of some famous people, including the painter Raphael.
Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence: or rather the view from the piazza! Sitting above the city and reached by passing along the stations of the cross steps, the city’s Piazzale Michelangelo affords a stunning panorama over the Arno river and city skyline.
Canal Grande, Venice: another Italian city where it is difficult to choose just one feature, Venice’s Grand Canal is number five on the list.
This bustling waterway is the artery of the floating city and will give you everything to ponder about the city, from its decay to its beautiful Moorish architecture.
The next five, with a couple of surprises, are after the jump.
St Francis Basilica, Assisi: it was the church’s peace-loving and modest saint that made this town in Umbria famous, but Assisi itself is worth a visit regardless of its sacred status.
The entire town and its beautiful basilica with its pink stone evokes serenity and if you’re into art, it’s a chance to view some of Cimabue’s frescoes.
Piazza San Marco, Venice: one of Italy’s most romantic cities, Venice also gets its St Mark’s Square on the list.
Together with the Rialto bridge, this is probably the city’s biggest attraction where you can view the basilica, Palazzo Ducale and wander around the corner to see the Bridge of Sighs.
The Trulli, Alberobello: Puglia’s intriguing stone structures make the top ten list and now that some hotels and house stays are in the Trulli themselves, you can get close and personal with these fascinating and unique buildings.
Piazza del Campo, Siena: scene of the famous Palio every year, Siena’s Piazza del Campo can be as grand or as homely as you like to make it.
People mill around, either sitting in the middle of the ’square’, or enjoying coffees and aperitifs in the surrounding bars.
Santo Stefano Basilica, Bologna: this is just the start of the ‘Sette Chiese’ (seven churches) of the complex in Bologna.
Mostly in Romanesque style, the complex is famous for its cloister and octagonal church and it offers a sometimes secluded spot in this busy cultural and commercial centre.