Top 5 Historical Places in Italy
Italy is a country so rich in culture, art and history that it is hard to narrow down its highlights. But if you only must visit 5 historical places in Italy, these should be them.
Where to Visit in Italy
1) Where to Visit in Italy #1
Basilica di San Miniato al Monte
When it comes to Florence, The Basilica di San Miniato al Monte captures the very essence of the history. Construction on this beautiful church was begun in 1013 in the name of St. Miniato - an Armenian Prince beheaded for being a Christian. This is one of the most tranquil places in Italy, let alone Florence.
2) Where to Visit in Italy #2
Duomo di Milano
One of the world's largest Cathedrals, the Duomo di Milano is a magnificent structure that really makes an impression. Work building it began in the 14th century, and continued all the way up to the 19th. It is still unfinished as work continues to be done on it. Its spire reaches 349 feet, and it has a capacity of 40,000. If you're used to seeing local parish churches, this is a real eye-opener!
3) Where to Visit in Italy #3
The Vatican City
The smallest independent country in the world warrants its own place as an historical sight in Italy. With a population of just 932, the holy city still manages to never feel empty thanks to the seemingly constant influx of tourists and Catholics eager to see the Pope. In terms of historic value, the place oozes it - from the medieval walls to the city to the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling painting to the seemingly endless stream of museums, the Vatican City should be on every historical tourist's Italy hit-list.
4) Where to Visit in Italy #4
The Ruins of Pompeii
Over the last 200 years, the ruins of Pompeii have been successfully excavated to reveal an incredibly preserved city that was lost to Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 A.D. Having lain in ash for 1700 years, wandering round the ruins is a haunting, yet fascinating experience and something that everyone with an interest in ancient history. As the ruins cover such a large area, this may not be one historical place in Italy that you can see in within a single day.
5) Where to Visit in Italy #5
The Coliseum
Rome's Coliseum is another one for those interested in ancient history. It's impressive structure stands at 165 feet tall and measures 600 feet long. This Iegendary historical place in Italy held up to 50,000 screaming spectators for blood soaked fights to amuse the gathered crowds. The fighters in the ancient ring were typically trained gladiators or convicted prisoners of war.
If you are serious about your history, then this will only be the first of many visits in Italy. It will take you many days to catch up with the thousands of years of history that have occurred in this magnificent country.
