When traveling in Italy, it’s challenging to visit all of the country’s famous landmarks in a single trip. But imagine if you had a pre-planned guide showing you how close some of these historic sites are to each other – and the best way to reach them.
With a guide, you’ll be able to check off seeing several of these Italian landmarks, all while enjoying the best gelato, pasta, and pizza in the world (and with plenty of pictures to show for it).
To see some of the best landmarks in Italy, consider a train trip to the cities of Rome, Florence, and Milan.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Eloi_Omella. Image Location: Colosseum, Rome, Italy.
Remarkable sites in Rome
Rome, known as the Eternal City, will transport you through the times of empires, with architectural marvels and art that makes it one of the most popular places to visit in the world.
1. Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps lead from the Piazza di Spagna square to the Church of Santissima Trinità dei Monti. The official Italian name of this landmark is Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, but because the Spanish Embassy used to be located at the bottom of the square, the stairs were nicknamed the Spanish Steps. The 135-step stairway built between 1723 and 1725 is surrounded by flowers, a beautiful place to take pictures and to enjoy a good breakfast or lunch, especially during the spring.
2. Trevi Fountain
From the Spanish Steps, a quick 5 to 10-minute walk will take you to the Trevi Fountain. This immense monument, standing 85-ft high and stretching approximately 160-ft wide, is adorned with the three main statues of Oceanus, Abundance, and Health. It took 30 years to build this famous landmark known for the tradition of tossing coins into its waters and making a wish, with a legend promising a return to Rome for those who do so.
3. Colosseum
No visit to Rome is complete without seeing the iconic Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built, which you can reach by foot in about 25 to 30 minutes from the Trevi Fountain. Consider a guided audio tour of the attraction or explore it on your own. Be sure to bring a bottle of water and wear a hat on sunny days to walk the long steps of this vast structure made of travertine limestone, volcanic rock, and brick-faced concrete. Every step is worth the magnificent view.
4. Victor Emmanuel II National Monument
From the Colosseum, take a 15 to 20-minute scenic stroll through the city toward Piazza Venezia where you’ll find the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument. The landmark is more commonly known by Italians as Altare della Patria (“Altar of the Fatherland”) or simply the Vittoriano. Built between 1885 and 1935, it honors the first king of Italy and commemorates the unification of the country in 1861.
Image Credit: Getty Images, FilippoBacci. Image Location: Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy.
Famous landmarks in Florence
Next on your sightseeing tour of Italy: Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. You can reach Florence from Rome via train in as little as 1h 19m.
Florence was an important center of medieval European trade and one of the wealthiest cities of the time. Today it’s filled with Renaissance art and architecture, so if your itinerary only allows for a day or two in the city, here are some must-see sites.
5. Piazza del Duomo
First stop: Piazza del Duomo in the historic center of Florence. This square is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Duomo or Florence Cathedral. It’s one of the biggest churches in the world – and you can climb the 463 steps up to the top of the dome for the best view of this city brimming with architectural wonders.
6. Michelangelo’s David
Just a 7-minute walk away is the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze where you can see one of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted by human hands – the statue of David by Michelangelo. The artist sculpted this 14-foot marble statue between 1501 and 1504.
7. Piazzale Michelangelo
End your day in Florence with a short bus ride, lasting less than 30 minutes, to Piazzale Michelangelo. From this hilltop square you can take in a panoramic view of the city like no other. As the sun sets, enjoy the sight of Florence’s famous landmarks, such as Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo del Bargello, and Badia Fiorentina, bathed in golden light.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gabriel Mello. Image Location: Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy.
Iconic attractions in Milan
From Florence, a high-speed train will whisk you to Milan in as little as 1h 41m so you can continue your tour of seeing famous landmarks in Italy. And Milan, home to Gothic cathedrals and modern architecture, has plenty on offer.
8. Duomo di Milano
This beautiful pink-hued white marble basilica is one of the largest gothic buildings in the world. Milan Cathedral is 356-feet high to the top of the main spire and crowned by the glistening golden statue of the Madonnina. If you want to go inside the cathedral, be mindful of the dress code, which includes wearing clothes that cover your arms and knees.
9. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Situated right next to Duomo di Milano is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping gallery. Its design consists of a cross shape with two four-story arcades under a glass and cast-iron roof, meeting at a large octagonal space with a magnificent dome. It’s easy to understand why this architectural marvel makes for a popular backdrop during Milan Fashion Week.
10. Teatro alla Scala
The neoclassical-style La Scala is considered one of the best opera houses in the world. Inside, the red velvet-covered boxes are sure to amaze. Visit the La Scala Theater Museum where you can learn more about the rich history of this iconic venue.
Andiamo! Get to Italy's most famous landmarks quick and easy with the Trainline app.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, rusm. Image Location: Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy.