Historical and Cultural Tourism

Historic and Cultural Destinations: A Traveler’s Guide

Historical and Cultural Tourism

The statistics back up this demand: Italy is the world’s fifth most visited country. Not only that, but in 2010, tourism brought approximately $39 billion in income, with roughly 45 million worldwide visitors. This should come as no surprise, given the country’s status as a must-see tourist destination. Most Italian itineraries include stops in four of the country’s most well-known cities: Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan. Each city has something unique to offer while yet having something in common.

Rome is a world-renowned city that is well-known not just in Italy but also around the world. At the same time, this dynamic metropolis is both modern and classic. There are traces of the past everywhere you look. Each monument, from the multiple basilicas to the numerous museums, has its own narrative to tell.

The Colosseum is one of the most famous tourist sites in Rome. This Imperial Rome monument, completed in 80AD, is the oldest in existence. Throughout the building, fierce gladiator and animal combat took place. Thousands of people queue every day simply to get a glimpse of the interior.

The Vatican is also located in Rome. This city-state is well-known as the birthplace of Christianity, but it also houses some of the world’s finest works of art. This contains St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Catholic Church’s seat and a work of art in and of itself.

Historical and Cultural Tourism

Venice is arguably best known for its canals and gondola excursions in the northeastern city. Many tourists come merely to see the city’s one-of-a-kind and unrivalled architecture. The area, which is built on a lagoon, contains a little more than a hundred bodies of land connected by nearly 400 bridges. One of Venice’s most popular sights is the Grand Canal. It is bordered with gorgeous architecture and is swarming with various types of watercraft.

Florence, like most other Roman towns, has some of the most stunning architecture in the world. Unfortunately, the attractions, like other modern Roman cities, are clogged with hundreds of eager tourists. Florence day tours are ideal for those who want to avoid long lineups and busy locations.
Because it is located in the Italian region of Tuscany, it is an ideal starting place for seeing the country’s countryside. Day trips from Florence might include wine tasting excursions in one of the city’s numerous vineyards or a visit to Boboli Garden, which offers panoramic views of the city.