Choose from 645 Fun Things to Do in Italy
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Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere
The Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere is a church in Rome with an interesting history. It was built on top of three ancient temples, and pieces of these temples were incorporated into the facade of the current church. There are columns and other sections from the Temple of Spes dating back to 250 B.C., a temple that honored Juno from the 2nd century B.C. and rebuilt in 90 B.C., and the Temple of Janus, the god of gates and beginnings, dating to 17 A.D. Unlike most churches in Rome that took columns from other ruins around the city and moved them, the columns in this church still stand in their original location.
Since the ground level was much lower 2,000 years ago, some of the ruins of these temples are now underground. Visitors can take a tour beneath the church to see these ruins, which are older than many other ruins in the city. These ruins are Republican era, making them roughly 500 years older than the imperial era ruins in other parts of Rome.
Practical Info
Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere is located at Via del Teatro di Marcello 46.
Address: Via del Teatro di Marcello, 46, Rome, Italy
From $ 80
Bargello Museum (Museo Nazionale del Bargello)
If Florence is the capital of the Italian Renaissance, the Bargello Museum is the capital of Italian Renaissance sculpture. Housed in the city’s medieval Palazzo del Podestà, the collection includes masterpieces by Cellini, Andrea della Robbia, Luca della Robbia, Michelangelo, Bernini, and Donatello.
The Basics
Palazzo del Podestà, Florence’s oldest public building, served as a barracks and prison before becoming the National Museum of the Bargello in 1865. Today, the art museum is home to an extensive collection of Renaissance works displayed in a series of vast apartments, including gold, armor, bronze animals made for the Medici family gardens as well as tapestries. The centerpiece of the Bargello collection, however, is the statuary that dates from the 14th to 16th centuries.
This is one of the most popular art collections in Florence; avoid a long wait by booking skip-the-line tickets ahead. Many Renaissance Florence walking tours include a stop at the Bargello; there’s a lot of art and history to take in, though, so consider reserving a private tour with an expert guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Highlights include bronze relief panels created by Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti, Donatello's David and St. George Tabernacle, Michelangelo's Pitti Tondo, and Sansovino's Bacchus.
- In the Bargello Chapel, don't miss the one of the oldest portraits of the poet Dante Alighieri, part of a fresco fragment attributed to Giotto.
- The Bargello Museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be left at the free coat check.
How to Get There
The Bargello Museum is located on Via del Proconsolo; it’s a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station.
When to Get There
The Bargello Museum is free the first Sunday of the month, so those days are especially crowded. The museum is closed on alternating Sundays and Mondays; to avoid confusion, visit Tuesday through Saturday.
Palazzo della Podestà
With its fortified and crenellated facade, maze-like interior with fine halls, balconies, and loggia overlooking a courtyard, this austere, fortress-like building was the inspiration for Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
Address: Via del Proconsolo, 4, Venice, Veneto, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Barberino Designer Outlet
Italy is famous for its fashion and design, and some of the world’s most popular luxury clothing and home decor brands come from this stylish country. If you love Italian elegance, visit Tuscany’s Barberino Designer Outlet to shop for designer brands from Italy at a deep discount.
The Basics
With more than 120 stores offering discounts of up to 70 percent off of retail prices, the Barberino McArthurGlen outlet center, just 30 minutes outside of central Florence, makes for an excellent day trip filled with great deals. The spacious outdoor mall is home to a collection of branded boutiques and factory outlet shops with a vaguely Renaissance décor. Consider joining a Florence shopping tour including transportation so you can hit your favorite stores without worrying about getting back and forth between the outlets and Florence’s city center.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All the outlet center stores accept credit cards or euros.
- Barberino Designer Outlet is mostly outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
- The shopping center has a number of stores for children and an outdoor play area.
- The outlet center is entirely accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- There are a number of restaurants and cafés in the shopping center.
How to Get There
Barberino Designer Outlet is located on Via Meucci in Barberino di Mugello, about 30 minutes outside of Florence. Round-trip shuttle bus service runs multiple times daily from the Piazza Stazione meeting point outside the luggage room of the Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station. Free parking is available on-site. In addition, the outlet center is just 45 minutes from Bologna, and there is round-trip shuttle service from the Bologna Centrale Train Station.
When to Get There
The outlet center can be very crowded on weekends and holidays, so weekday visits are best. Italy has two month-long sale seasons—from January 1 and from July 1—when you can find even better bargains.
Brands at the Barberino Outlet Center
Shops include big-name brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss, and Polo Ralph Lauren. You can also find designer labels like Michael Kors, Desigual, and Calvin Klein. For sportier purchases, shop at Puma, Adidas, Nike, and more.
Address: Via Meucci, Barberino di Mugello, Italy
From $ 15
Bardini Garden (Giardino Bardini)
In the Oltrarno neighborhood of Florence, behind the 17th-century Villa Bardini, is the Bardini Garden (Giardino Bardini) an often-overlooked gem.
The Bardini Garden’s pretty terraces are closer to the Arno River than the more popular Boboli Gardens, but were only opened to the public in 2012 and remain largely undiscovered by visitors. It was a classic Italian Renaissance garden, with fountains and statues among the symmetrically-placed plants, though the property dates back to the 13th century.
One of the primary reasons to visit the Bardini Garden, in addition to its serene beauty, is to escape the crowds of the nearby Boboli Gardens. As the Bardini Garden is closer to the Arno River, it also offers arguably better views overlooking the city of Florence.
There are many walking tours that include the Boboli Gardens, but only a few also visit the Bardini Garden. Choose a group tour or a private tour for a more intimate experience.
Practical Info
The Bardini Garden is a popular stop for families with kids - there are numerous places to sit and relax with a picnic while little ones run around, and there’s even a small cafe on the property.
Address: Via de’ Bardi 1n, Florence, Tuscany 50125, Italy
Hours: Varies by season. Closed on first & last Monday of each month, New Year’s Day, May 1, Christmas Day.
Admission: €7 adults, €3.50 EU citizens between 18-25 - first Sunday is free
From $ 45
Basilica Di Santa Croce
The glories of Puglia’s lovely town of Lecce came into being in the 16th and 17th centuries, when peace in the region enabled religious orders and wealthy benefactors, including Emperor Charles V, to transform the town from sleepy backwater to the Baroque gem of southern Italy. The glorious centerpiece of all this gorgeousness is undoubtedly the Basilica di Santa Croce, a swirling mass of ornate Baroque patterning crawling with garlands, statuary, mythical beasts and gargoyles, all fronted with a colonnaded façade that is dominated by a vast rose window.
Work began on this madcap architectural frippery in 1549 on the site of an earlier Celestine monastery, and the basilica was finally consecrated in 1695. Three generations of architects worked on the construction over the decades, with the most notable being Giuseppe Zimballo—better known as Lo Zingarello (the gypsy)who was the star Puglian architect of the period. Along with his sidekick Cesare Penna, he was responsible for the uppermost, and most intricate, level of the basilica.
Built on land confiscated from Jewish citizens, the exterior of Santa Croce is a confection of Baroque detailing but the interior is decidedly plainer and Renaissance in style. Highlights include the coffered wooden ceilings and the fanciful altars in the 17 chapels. Together with the equally splendid and adjacent Palazzo dei Celestini, which was also the work of Lo Zingarello, the basilica forms the architectural high point of a ravishing town center.
Practical Info
The basilica is located at Via Umberto 1, and the site is open daily from 9am to noon and from 5 to 8pm. Admission is free.
Address: Via Umberto 1, Lecce, Italy
Hours: Daily 9am–noon; 5–8pm
From $ 29
Barcaccia Fountain
Marking the center of Piazza di Spagna, the unique 17th-century Barcaccia Fountain is one of the most famous in Rome. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII Barberini and designed by Pietro Bernini, the fountain sits at the base of Rome’s Spanish Steps and is a popular gathering spot in the square.
The Basics
Barcaccia means “old boat” in Italian, and the Fontana della Barcaccia’s Baroque design of a half-sunken ship is said to be modeled on a ship that was deposited on this spot after the Tiber river flooded in 1598. The fountain features two masks on either end of the central marble boat that spout water, and motifs featuring the sun and bees taken from the Barberini family coat of arms.
Rome walking tours or hop-on hop-off bus tours are a great way to see the Barcaccia Fountain along with the Spanish Steps and surrounding Piazza di Spagna. You can opt for a small-group or private fountain and square tour that also includes the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, or a Rome highlights tour that stops at other famous attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon—often with skip-the-line access. For a unique look at the fountain, consider joining a small-group night tour to see the fountain dramatically lit.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sitting on and bathing in the fountain is forbidden, though you can drink the water from the fountain spouts.
- The fountain is encircled by a low metal fence and is not accessible to wheelchair users.
- The house where English poet John Keats lived, now a museum dedicated to his memory and works, is located just opposite the fountain.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for peddlers who will thrust a rose or other souvenir into your hand and then demand payment.
How to Get There
Metro line A runs from the Termini train station to Piazza di Spagna.
When to Get There
Piazza di Spagna and the Barcaccia Fountain are crowded most of the day, so you'll have to visit early in the morning or late at night if you want to enjoy them in relative peace. The fountain is a good stop during the midday hours in summer, when you can take a cool drink from the spouts.
Waters from the Acqua Vergine
The water flowing in the Barcaccia Fountain comes from the Acqua Vergine, an aqueduct built in 19 BC that still provides clean drinking water to much of central Rome.
Address: Piazza di Spagna, Roma 00187, Italy
From $ 40
Baptistery (Battistero)
Situated just west of the Duomo Cathedral, the Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni) is one of the oldest structures in Florence. Its iconic octagonal structure dates back to ancient Rome, while its 16th-century bronze doors—sculpted by Lorenzo Ghiberti—were dubbed the Gates of Paradise by Michelangelo himself.
The Basics
As two of Florence’s most popular destinations, the Baptistery and adjacent Duomo Cathedral are a stop on most city walking tours, which typically offer skip-the-line access, as do some Segway tours. Food, architecture, Dan Brown, Dante, and other themed tours often include a stop to observe the Baptistery’s marble exterior. If visiting independently, to avoid the hassle of purchasing separate tickets, a Duomo Complex pass includes an admission ticket to the Baptistery. The Baptistery is also featured on the Firenze Card, which grants 72-hour access to top Florence landmarks and museums including the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries, Pitti Palace, Dante’s House, and Belvedere Fort.
Segway and walking tours allow you to explore Florence’s top landmarks—including the Baptistery and Duomo as well as the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza Santa Croce—without the hassle of navigating on your own. While small-group walking tours offer a personal experience, private tours ensure your guide’s full attention and enable you to visit the Baptistery as part of your customized itinerary.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Baptistery is a must for all first-time visitors to Florence, especially history and architecture buffs.
- Restrooms are located in the adjacent Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
- Download the Firenze Turismo app to access maps, cultural event calendars, and tourist information.
How to Get There
The centrally located Baptistery is in Piazza San Giovanni, just steps from the Duomo. If arriving by taxi, simply provide the Duomo as your destination. It’s easily accessible using the city’s bus system: nearest stops are Santa Maria Maggiore on bus 22 and Vecchietti on bus 6.
When to Get There
The Baptistery is open from 8:15am to 10:15am and 11:15am to 7:30pm on weekdays, and 8:30am to 1:30pm on weekends. Expect longer entrance lines on weekends and at midday on weekdays. For a quieter visit, go on a weekday morning. The annual folk tradition of Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) takes place outside the Baptistery on Easter, when crowds flock to the square to watch an elaborate wooden cart light up with fireworks. On June 24 the city honors its patron saint, St. John the Baptist, with a cultural festival in Piazza San Giovanni.
The Gates of Paradise
It took Lorenzo Ghiberti 21 years to complete the Baptistery di San Giovanni’s detailed bronze and gold doors. After winning a fierce competition in 1401 against renowned sculptor Filippo Brunelleschi, Ghiberti sculpted the Baptistery’s North and East doors, which are now preserved and on display in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. The doors’ design and execution were met with such success that Michelangelo himself dubbed them the Gates of Paradise.
Address: Piazza San Giovanni, Florence 50125, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Barberini Palace
Barberini Palace (Palazzo Barberini) is one of the most beautiful palaces in Rome, built by the city’s great Renaissance architects: Carlo Maderno, Francesco Borromini, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Now home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art, the palazzo contains an important collection of paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries.
The Basics
Worth a visit for the architecture itself, the 17th-century Palazzo Barberini has a soaring marble facade with three tiers of arches—the upper two glazed to form towering windows—facing a semi-enclosed courtyard. Inside, Borromini’s remarkable spiral staircase leading up to the piano nobile (main level), and the Grand Salone decorated by Pietro da Cortona's Baroque Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power ceiling fresco, influenced the art and architecture of later palaces across Europe. The magnificence of this Renaissance palace now forms the backdrop to some of the most beautiful paintings in Rome, including Raphael's La Fornarina, a portrait of King Henry VIII by Hans Holbein, Guido Reni's portrait of Beatrice Cenci (beheaded for patricide in 1599), and a number of works by Filippo Lippi, Titian, and Caravaggio—including his unforgettable depiction of Judith Beheading Holofernes.
To fully appreciate Barberini Palace’s important architecture and artistic masterpieces, consider joining a private tour of the National Museum of Ancient Art that includes skip-the-line tickets and a guide. Some Rome night tours and walking tours include a stop by the palace to view its facade, courtyard, and garden...an excellent option for touching on the city’s highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Large bags and backpacks must be left in the lockers near the entrance.
- This is an especially interesting stop for art lovers who want to avoid the crowds in Rome’s more famous museums.
- The palace’s Renaissance garden is open for free to the public daily all year.
How to Get There
Palazzo Barberini is located just off Piazza Barberini, one of the main bus and metro hubs in the city. A number of bus routes and metro line A have stops in the square, and from there it is just steps to the museum entrance.
When to Get There
The museum is closed on Mondays, but open throughout the day the rest of the week. Visit around midday when most the museum is quiet to enjoy the collection virtually to yourself.
Galleria Corsini
Rome’s National Gallery of Ancient Art is located on two sites: Palazzo Barberini and Galleria Corsini. The latter is set in Palazzo Corsini, an 18th-century Baroque palace in Trastevere on the opposite side of the Tiber river next to Villa Farnesina. The palace is home to a beautiful botanical garden covering the slopes of Janiculum hill in addition to a collection of paintings by primarily Italian artists dating from the early Renaissance to the late 18th century.
Address: Via delle Quattro Fontane 13, Rome, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Basilica di San Domenico
Behind its understated Romanesque façade and distinctive rose window, the Basilica di San Domenico is teeming with Renaissance treasures, as well as ranking among Bologna’s most important churches. The church was built in 1221 to house the tomb of San Domenico, Founder of the Dominican Order of Preachers, and the Ark of St. Dominic remains the church’s grand centerpiece – a magnificent marble shrine created by Nicola Pisano and Niccolò dell’Arca.
The church’s elaborate interiors also include colorful frescoes and paintings by Michelangelo, Filippino Lippi, Guido Reni, Ludovico Carracci, and il Guercino, while one of its three grand organs was once played by Mozart. Other priceless artifacts are on display in the basilica’s small museum, including a terracotta bust of St. Dominic by Niccolò dell’Arca and a gothic-style reliquary once belonging to French King Louis IX.
Practical Info
The Basilica di San Domenico is located on Piazza San Domenico in Bologna and opening times are: Mon-Fri 9am-12pm & 3.30 6pm; Sat: 9am-12pm & 3.30-5pm; Sun: 3.30-5pm. Entrance is free.
Address: Piazza S. Domenico, 13, 40124, Bologna, Italy
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-12pm & 3.30-6pm; Sat: 9am-12pm & 3.30-5pm; Sun: 3.30-5pm
From $ 83
Barolo
The town of Barolo in Piedmont is very small – less than 1,000 residents – but since it produces one of the most sought-after wines on any Italian wine list, it attracts quite a bit of attention.
Barolo is roughly 30 miles southeast of Turin, not far from Alba. The tiny town is easy to explore on foot – although some of it is quite hilly, it's small enough that you can take your time. The countryside around Barolo is covered in vineyards, most of which are responsible for growing the nebbiolo grapes used to make the town's namesake wine.
Wine lovers will likely want to explore the area's vineyards, but don't overlook the town itself. There are a number of wine shops right in Barolo, and many winemakers have storefronts there, too, where you can taste (and buy) their wines.
Practical Info
Barolo is just nine miles south of Alba, and it's easiest to explore the whole area (including the vineyards) by renting a car. If you're staying in Alba, however, there are local buses you can take to get to Barolo.
Address: Barolo, Cuneo 12060, Italy
From $ 9
Basilica di San Francesco
The town of Assisi in Umbria is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Europe, thanks to the saint who was born – and is buried – there.
When Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, died in 1226, plans for a basilica dedicated to him were begun. Construction of the Basilica di San Francesco started in 1228, and the basilica was consecrated in 1253. It is actually a complex of two churches, an upper and lower, built into a hillside. The interiors of both churches were frescoed by artists of the era whose names are familiar to us today – including Giotto and Cimabue. St. Francis' tomb is in the crypt, and is what both pilgrims and tourists line up to see.
In 1997, two earthquakes hit Umbria within minutes of one another, but it was an aftershock that shook the basilica in Assisi. Many of the original Giotto frescoes in the Upper Basilica were destroyed, and the vault collapsed, killing four people. The church was closed until 1999 while restoration work took place.
Practical Info
The Basilica di San Francesco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lower Basilica and crypt are open daily from 6am-6pm, and the Upper Basilica is open daily from 8:30am-6pm.
Address: Piazza San Francesco, 2, Assisi PG 06081, Italy
From $ 106
Avellino
Located in the Campania region, Avellino is not nearly as well-known as its seaside neighbor Naples. History buffs may recognize the name, as Avellino was heavily bombed area during World War II. Today, it’s a nice getaway for visitors looking to trade coastal views for scenic countryside mountain views.
Agriculture is important in Avellino. Wine grapes, tobacco and hazelnuts are important crops here. That said, Avellino is a fairly modern city, having survived and rebuilt after several earthquakes.
Visitors can hike to the Montevergine Sanctuary, visit Avellino Cathedral or see the remains of the Lombard Castle in Piazza Castello (Castle Square). The main street or promenade is car-free, making wandering and window shopping easy. Avellino also has its own basketball club, so if you’re a basketball fan, it’s worth checking the schedule for any games while you are in town.
Practical Info
Avellino is about an hour’s drive east from Naples. It’s located on the Sabato River surrounded by the Apennines.
Address: Avellino, Italy
From $ 217
Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli
This impressive 16th-century basilica is set in the ruins of the Roman Baths of Diocletian, and its remarkable interior—designed by Michelangelo—is testament to the massive size of ancient Roman buildings. The church, located in the heart of Rome, contains a meridian line built in the 1700s to predict the exact date of Easter each year.
The Basics
The current Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs) is based on a design by Michelangelo, who worked on the church from 1563 to 1564; Luigi Vanvitelli oversaw later renovations. The sumptuous marble Greek-cross interior is decorated with 18th-century paintings, the tomb of Pope Pius IV, and the meridian line sundial—commissioned by Pope Clement XI, built by Francesco Bianchini, and still operational today. Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj created new bronze doors and a statue of John the Baptist for the basilica in 2006.
Because of its location in the heart of Rome, the basilica is a popular stop on walking or Vespa tours of Christian Rome that also include religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Comfortable shoes are recommended if visiting as part of a walking tour.
- Photography without flash is allowed in the basilica.
- Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter the church.
- The basilica is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is in the ruins of the Terme di Diocleziano, located on Piazza della Repubblica just across from Rome's Termini station and Palazzo Massimo alle Terme. Both of the city's metro lines and numerous bus lines stop at Termini.
When to Get There
The cool and quiet interior of the church is a welcome respite from Rome's midday heat and chaos near the train station, so pop in during the hottest hours of the day.
Italy's Other Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli
Italy has two famous basilicas dedicated to Saint Mary of the Angels: one in Rome and one in Assisi, Umbria, the birthplace of Saint Francis. The Assisi basilica holds the small church called the Porziuncola—the chapel where the Franciscan order began—and is adjacent the saint's miraculous rose garden. Other sights in Assisi include the Basilica di San Francesco with the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, the Basilica di Santa Chiara, and the castle fortress of Rocca Maggiore.
Address: Via Porziuncola, 1, Santa Maria degli Angeli PG, Italy
From $ 58
Basilica di San Petronio
Dedicated to the fifth-century bishop Petronius, who became Bologna’s patron saint, the Basilica di San Petronio dominates Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city. One of the largest churches in the world and a soaring example of Gothic grandeur, the basilica Is a highlight of any Bologna city tour.
The Basics
Construction of the Basilica di San Petronio began in 1390, but renovations to enlarge the building were interrupted in the 1500s when its size threatened to overshadow St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The basilica’s façade was unfortunately left unfinished, but the interiors are beautifully realized, including the Cappella dei Magi, with sumptuous frescoes by Giovanni da Modena, rich stained glass, elegant carved marble, and the astronomer Cassini’s brass meridian line embedded in the floor of the eastern aisle. Visitors also enjoy panoramic views over the city from the terrace on the church roof, and stroll through the basilica’s museum to see precious artifacts, illuminated manuscripts, and vestments belonging to the church.
Basilica di San Petronio is the most important church in Bologna, and a highlight of any city walking or bike tour, along with attractions like Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the churches of Santo Stefano and San Domenico. Some travelers visit as part of a multi-day trip from Rome.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bologna tours on foot or by bike are mostly outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
- Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the church.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside, though not in the Cappella dei Magi.
- The basilica is wheelchair accessible, but the rooftop terrace is not.
- Visitors are required to wear modest attire that covers shoulders and knees.
How to Get There
The Basilica di San Petronio is located on Piazza Maggiore, the main square in the center of Bologna. The square is an easy walk from the Bologna Centrale train station and most of the major attractions in the city center.
When to Get There
Bologna is known for its extreme weather, with wet winters and hot summers. The basilica interiors offer a welcome respite from the elements in both winter and summer, though the church does close at midday on weekdays.
San Petronio’s Controversial Chapel
Giovanni da Modena’s 15th-century fresco cycle depicting heaven and hell is the most famous work of art in the Basilica of San Petronio, in part because of its near-pristine state and in part because it shows the prophet Muhammad being devoured by demons, an image that is considered sacrilegious by many of the Islamic faith.
Address: Piazza Maggiore, Bologna 40124, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 6
Basilica di Santa Chiara
The Basilica di Santa Chiara in Assisi is dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi, the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, today known as the Order of Saint Clare. After she passed away in 1260, Saint Clare’s remains were transferred to the church and buried under the high altar. Her tomb was discovered again in 1850 and eventually, her skeleton was moved to a shrine in a newly built crypt of the basilica. It remains on display today in the east end of the crypt.
The exterior of the basilica is notable for its horizontal stripes of pink and white stone and its campanile, which is the tallest in Assisi. Inside, the walls of the dimly lit nave are now white, although they were covered in frescoes until the 17th century. Elsewhere in the church, frescoes dating to the 13th and 14th centuries still remain. To the south of the nave is a small chapel that holds the 12th century crucifix that is said to have spoken to Saint Francis of Assisi. The high altar is surrounded by a colonnade of 12 polygonal columns that date to the 15th century.
Practical Info
The Basilica di Santa Chiara is located across from the Piazza Santa Chiara between Via Fonti di Moiano and Via Borgo Aretino in the center of Assisi. The church is likely within walking distance of many Assisi hotels, but it also accessible by Bus B, which stops nearby on the Via San Gabriele Dell ‘Addolorata.
Address: Piazza Santa Chiara 1, Assisi, Italy
Hours: Daily 7 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to sunset
From $ 90
Bagatti Valsecchi Museum
A visit to the historic Bagatti Valsecchi house museum in Milan is a step back in time to when every Italian palazzo was a private home. As a bonus, it also houses a nice art collection.
The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is in the Montenapoleone area of central Milan, and was once the home of the Bagatti Valsecchi brothers – Fausto and Giuseppe. They died in the early 1900s, and the palazzo stayed in the family until 1974, when one of Giuseppe's sons sold the palazzo to the region of Lombardy for use as a museum to house the brothers' impressive collection of decorative arts and paintings.
Among the items in the collection are furniture, tapestries, glassware, ivory, and ceramics. The paintings include works by Donatello and Bellini. The intention of the Bagatti Valsecchi Foundation was to create a reproduction of a 16th-century Italian nobleman's home, including period furnishings and décor.
Practical Info
The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is located near the Montenapoleone Metro stop on Via Gesu. It's open Tuesday-Sunday from 1 to 5:45pm, and tickets are €9 for adults, €6 for seniors and children ages 6-14 (children 5 and under are free). The museum is also €6 for everyone on Wednesdays.
Address: Via Gesù, Milan 20121, Italy
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 1-5:45pm
Admission: Adults €9, Seniors and Children (6-14) €6
From $ 12
Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
As the cradle of Christianity, Rome is home to some of the oldest churches in the world. Among the most important is the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, with a facade and interior covered in golden mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries. Dominating Piazza di Santa Maria, the church is a highlight of historical Trastevere.
The Basics
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere was originally founded in the third century, but a complete renovation in the 12th century left the church in its present form, with a Romanesque bell tower and shimmering golden mosaics inside and out. Believed to be the first church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the basilica has a 16th-century portico designed by Carlo Fontana and an interior divided into three naves by lines of columns taken from the ancient Baths of Caracalla. One of the most beloved churches in the city, Santa Maria in Trastevere is often chosen by Romans to celebrate weddings and baptisms.
Explore the church and the vibrant neighborhood of Trastevere on a guided walking, bike, or Segway tour. Guided food tours explore Trastevere and the nearby Jewish Ghetto, both known for their excellent cuisine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors must wear modest attire covering knees and shoulders to enter the church.
- Photography is allowed inside the church.
- The basilica is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The square outside the church is pedestrian only and generally filled with street musicians and artists, so a good stop if traveling with young children.
How to Get There
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is located on the square of the same name, along the east bank of the Tiber River, south of Vatican City. Cross the Ponte Sisto on foot, or take tram 8 from the center of Rome across the Ponte Garibaldi, just north of Tiber Island.
When to Get There
The church is a popular venue for weddings and other religious ceremonies on the weekends, during which time the interior may not be accessible. Visit the church in the late afternoon for the best light on the facade, then stop at one of the many cafés in the square just outside for a relaxing aperitivo.
Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere stands on Piazza Santa Maria, the heart of this bohemian neighborhood that is filled by day with Romans and visitors dining at sidewalk restaurants and sunbathing on the steps of the square’s central fountain. Come evening, the city’s youth flock to the many trendy bars and cafés in and around the piazza.
Address: Via della Paglia, 14, Rome, Province of Rome 00153, Italy
From $ 34
Basilica di San Nicola
Bari is the capital city of Puglia in southern Italy and over its years as the most important port on the Adriatic it acquired a rich and varied architectural legacy. Chief among these is the landmark grandeur of the Basilica di San Nicola in Barivecchia, the centro storico that lies at the heart of the modern city. Some 150 years in the making, the cathedral was completed in 1197, when Bari was under Norman rule; it is a fine example of Puglian-Romanesque architecture with a squat, austere and simple façade. Inside there’s a fine mosaic floor, clearly showing Turkish influence, plus a fine altar and a carved 12th-century stone bishops’ throne, supported by comedic sagging figures.
The basilica is a point of pilgrimage for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians as it contains the relics of St Nicholas, which were stolen in the 11th century from his original resting place in Myra in present day Turkey. He is patron saint of Bari but better known across the English-speaking world as Santa Claus or Father Christmas, provider of much excitement for children come December 24. His remains are found in the crypt, which is adorned with carved columns and gleaming icons; it is believed that myrrh seeps constantly from his body, a legend celebrated on December 6 along with solemn processions through the city.
Practical Info
The Basilica di San Nicola is at Largo Abate Elia 13
and is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday until 10 p.m. Admission is free.
Address: Largo Abate Elia 13, Bari, Italy
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sunday until 10 p.m.
From $ 22
Bari Cruise Port
Bari is one of the largest cities on southern Italy’s Adriatic coast and a major cruise ship port and ferry hub for routes to Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania. Before exploring the surrounding region of Puglia or heading farther afield by ferry, tour Bari’s charming historical center and seafront promenade.
The Basics
Highlights of Bari’s old town (Bari Vecchia or San Nicola) include the Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola, dedicated to the Saint Nicholas the rest of the world knows as Santa Claus; Via Sparano, the city’s elegant boulevard lined with designer shops; and Castello Svevo, a castle now used for art exhibitions. The city also has a lively market, busting restaurants and cafés, and vibrant nightlife.
Bari’s old town is surrounded by a vast urban sprawl of apartment blocks and office buildings, so the best way to visit is by joining a private or small-group tour that includes a transfer from the port to the center of the historical district.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It is at least a 20-minute walk through the busy port area to reach the historical center; booking a private transfer or taxi is the best way to reach Bari’s more picturesque quarter.
- Most churches, including the Basilica di San Nicola, require clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter.
- Many of Bari’s highlights are outdoors. Bring a hat and sunscreen in summer.
- Tours of Bari require a fair amount of walking; comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
How to Get There
Shore excursions and private tours generally include port pickup and drop-off, though there is a local bus that stops right outside the port terminal, taxis, and a shuttle bus. It’s possible to walk to Bari’s historical core from the port, but it’s not a particularly pleasant stroll.
Port Information
The official language at the Bari cruise port is Italian, although the local dialect is a hybrid of Italian and Greek surviving from the town’s fishing-port days. Not a lot of English is spoken, and due to its busy ferry terminal, the port area can be a Tower of Babel of languages. The currency is the euro.
Address: Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo, 1, Bari, Puglia 70122, Italy
From $ 12
Aventine Hill
Aventine Hill is one of Rome’s famous seven hills. It’s the southernmost hill, located on the eastern bank of the Tiber River. This hill is important in the myths involved with the founding of Rome. The brothers, Romulus and Remus, each chose one of the area’s hills on which to found a city. Remus chose the Aventine Hill, but it was his brother Romulus (set up on the nearby Palatine Hill) who saw more signs (supposedly from the gods) and who goes on to found the city of Rome.
In Ancient Rome, the Aventine Hill was the site of a Temple of Diana, but today the hill is mainly a relatively quiet and wealthy residential district with a few churches and gardens worth checking out, plus one of the most interesting views of St. Peter’s Basilica you’ll see in Rome.
Spots worth visiting on the Aventine Hill include the 5th century church of Santa Sabina, the rose garden, the orange garden, and the famous “keyhole” view of St. Peter’s Basilica at the building housing the Knights of Malta. The Circus Maximus is to one side of the Aventine Hill.
In Ancient Rome, the Aventine Hill was the site of a Temple of Diana, but today the hill is mainly a relatively quiet and wealthy residential district with a few churches and gardens worth checking out, plus one of the most interesting views of St. Peter’s Basilica you’ll see in Rome.
Spots worth visiting on the Aventine Hill include the 5th century church of Santa Sabina, the rose garden, the orange garden, and the famous “keyhole” view of St. Peter’s Basilica at the building housing the Knights of Malta. The Circus Maximus is to one side of the Aventine Hill.
Address: Italy
From $ 31