From Baroque to Gothic, Byzantine to Renaissance, Italy is a travelling haven for all lovers of Art & Architecture. You can immerse yourself in the bustling cities of Italy. Or you can choose the less crowded and smaller towns! These 5 amazing Italy destinations are sure to delight all Art and Architecture Lovers.
#1 Florence
The home of Renaissance masterpieces. Be captivated by sculptures, frescos and canvas paintings in the beautiful city of Florence. View Michelangelo’s famous Statue of David, completely made of marble. Next head to the city’s centrepiece – the Gothic style Cathedral of Florence. Identified by a red bricked dome, here you can admire the stunning Fresco of the Last Judgement; the stain glass windows; and Giotto’s bell tower. A trip to Florence is not complete without a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. Art lovers can spend many hours exploring over 45 halls of artworks from artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Raffaello.
Discover our Florence City Break for a fully comprehensive itinerary.
#2 Sicily
Not only diverse in food and culture, Sicily has a history rich in art and architecture. Sicily has the most Norman Art – influenced by Arab and Greek traditions – found in Italy. In the city of Palermo you can discover the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed mosaics. They can be found at the Cathedral of Monreale and in the Palatine Chapel. In the Southern region of Noto and Ragusa, the baroque architecture is uniquely exceptional and also UNESCO World Heritage Listed. A visit to Sicily must include the Piazza Armerina. Here, the Romana del Casale is home to mosaics dating back to the 4th Century.
Our Sicily Bella tour is the perfect way to discover these art and architectural beauties.
#3 Venice
Renaissance and Gothic palaces line the edges of the Grand Canal. While, beautiful mosaics of the Byzantine era adorn the inside of many of Venice’s famous sites. This city is a must do destination for art and architecture lovers. For the most serious lovers of art and architecture, a planned visit during the Biennale, will give you access to one of the most prestigious art exhibitions, also showcasing architecture, from award winning and new artists. A visit to Venice is not complete without visiting the islands of Murano and Torcello. Murano, the home of Venetian glass, admired for centuries and Torcello, famous for the stunning mosaics found at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta.
#4 Tuscany – Siena, San Gimignano & Lucca
Leave the bustling city for the quieter pace of the Tuscan countryside. Combine these three cities for an array of art and architecture. Explore the Siena Cathedral with a marvellous and grand marble floor. Within the Cathedral, the Piccolomini Library and the crypt is an amazing showcase of outstanding frescoes. Externally, gargoyles and statues of prophets and apostles adorn the gothic architecture. Continue North to the towns of San Gimignano and Lucca, both with medieval, well preserved towers and a must for architecture lovers.
Ormina Tours specialises in Tuscan itineraries – start here for some inspiration.
#5 Rome
An art laden city, with a stunning architecture backdrop. Discover Renaissance Palaces; marvel the medieval architecture and feel the romance of Baroque Fountains. Look beyond the wonder of Michelangelo’s famous artwork in the Sistine Chapel and enjoy exploring the many museums and galleries displaying works from Caravaggio, Bernini and other great masters. Walk the streets of Trastevere and surrounding neighbourhoods and you can admire the buildings from medieval times. Rome, an amazing Italy destination for any art and architecture lover.
Rome features in many of our popular group itineraries, discover more here.
Add in something more contemporary
If your senses are ready for something more modern, amazing Italy also delivers. Venice is home to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and art of the 20th Century. Located on the Grand Canal in her former home, you will be treated to the personal collection of Peggy Guggenheim. While in Rome, visit the MAXXI, a National Museum of Contempory Art and Architecture. View architecture through its evolutionary processes. The art collection is made up of more than 400 works, and is still growing. Pieces include mediums of painting, installations, video-art, sculpture, net-art and photography.
Tell us about your interests and we can help curate an itinerary with you for the perfect experience – contact us today to start planning.
