Cities

Here is where you will find posts about the biggest Italian cities—Rome, Milan, Palermo, Naples, and Turin—as well as articles on popular cities for tourism, such as Florence and Venice.

Prato della Valle, Padua: Italy’s Largest Piazza

Prato della Valle measures 90,000 sq meters, making it not only the largest square in Italy but one of the largest in Europe.

Annunciation with St. Margaret and St. Ansanus by Simone Martini

A close-up detail from Simone Martini’s “Annunciation with St. Margaret and St. Ansanus.”

Milan’s Middle Finger

Maurizio Catellan’s L.O.V.E., a provocative sculpture in front of the Milan Stock Exchange, is more than an irreverent gesture.

Albertone 100: Rome Celebrates Alberto Sordi

Actor and life-long Roman Alberto Sordi was born in 1920. His home in Rome will open to the public to mark the centennial of his birth.

Raphael: Where to See His Works in Italy

Only 37 when he died in 1520, Raphael was one of the most influential artists of his day.

Bernini: The Baroque Artist Whose Designs Define Rome

Get to know the works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the Baroque artist whose works are some of the most famous pieces of art in Rome.

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica and a blue sky

On Top of the World: Visiting St. Peter’s Dome [Review]

See Rome and Vatican City from a new perspective with a tour of St. Peter’s dome.

Rome Transportation: Getting There and Around

Michael Collins photo of earth from space, 1969

NASA History in Rome: The Birthplace of Michael Collins

Visiting Rome is always a history lesson. But many people — even Romans — don’t know that Rome played a small part in the history of NASA and the first moon landing.

Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, Rome

Fountains in Rome: Look But Don’t Leap

Admire Rome’s beautiful, historic fountains. But absolutely DO NOT swim, wade, or cool off in them.

Leonardo da Vinci: Where to See His Works in Italy

Leonardo da Vinci created many paintings, sketches, and engineering projects in his lifetime. Here’s where to find them in Italy.

Sightseeing in Milan: 3 Places to Go Beyond the Duomo

The Duomo is magnificent. But do you know what else to do in Milan? Here are three ideas for first time visitors to Milan.

Rome Wasn’t Built In a Day. So How Long Did It Take?

Rome wasn’t built in a day but over thousands of years. Here’s how long it took to build some of the Eternal City’s most famous attractions.

Rome to Pompeii: Book a Tour or Plan Your Own Day Trip to Pompeii from Rome

Should you take a day trip to Pompeii from Rome? This post helps you decide whether you want to do a DIY day trip to Pompeii or take a guided group tour.

Michelangelo in Rome: His Frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and Beyond

Michelangelo Buonarotti is most associated with Rome because of his masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. But his work is all over the capital and it is well worth the effort to seek it out.