Top Destinations to Visit in Italy

Everybody who knows me knows I love Italy, so today that is just what I will be posting about.

According to Trip Advisor, the top destinations to visit during your next trip to Italy are as follows:

(1) Colosseum (Rome). This round arena was constructed in 72 AD under the emperors of the Flavian dynasty: Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. It was originally built to honor the dead, and later the Gladiatorial Games were seen as pleasing to the Roman gods, and used to avert Rome from disaster. Over the years, it has grown in popularity due to public reenactments of animal hunts, sea battles, executions, etc.

(2) Pantheon (Rome). The pantheon is an Ancient Roman monument that was built as a temple for all of the Greek gods. It is believed that Emperor Augustus' right hand man, Agrippa, constructed the first model in 27 BC. Several historic painters and architects have been buried there, such as Raphael. And the original marble floor still is intact.

(3) St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican City). Construction of the original basilica was initiated under Pope Julius II in 1506 and wasn't completed until 1615 under Paul V. It was designed as a Latin cross with a dome in the middle, and is centered directly above the high altar. Entrance into the Italian Renaissance church is free, although it does cost to enter the Vatican Museum. It is noted for being built atop the burial site of St. Peter, one of Christ's apostles.

(4) Duomo di Milano (Milan). Built in 1386 under Bishop Antonio da Saluzzo, thousands of sculptors and artists helped in the creation of the cathedral. There are 250 steps to the top of the structure, and it is the fifth largest Christian church in the world. It has been dedicated to St. Mary of the Nativity.

(5) Canal Grande (Venice). The canal is bridged at four points, including the Rialto Bridge. The route is in the shape of a reverse "S" and is 3.8 km long and 30 to 90 m wide. The first Accademia Bridge was built in the mid- 19th century, and later replaced in 1932. The canal connects the lagoon near the Santa Lucia railway station to the Saint Mark Basin. Tourists ride gondolas up and down the route, enjoying the many Venetian sights as they pass.

What are some of your favorite Italian destinations?

**None of the photos above are my original content.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187768-Activities-Italy.html#ATTRACTION_SORT_WRAPPER