Top world heritage sites to see in Italy outside of Pompeii and Venice

Many of us have been to Pompeii and Venice, sure, but once you’ve been there and bought the t-shirt, where do you go for your next trip? Italy is a peninsula of unadulterated – in parts – coastline, urban dwelling, history, drama, good food and wine – the list is endless, so there’s no shortage of other world heritage sites, some over 2,000 years-old or more, to sink your passport into. So, let’s have a look and say a warm ‘buongiorno’ to your next Italian holiday… Frescoes of Padua, Veneto Added to the UNESCO stable in 2021, the glorious 14th century frescoes in the historic walled city of Padua are painted on eight secular and religious buildings. Chosen for the way they illustrate the progression of fresco art over the course of a century, the most famous is Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel fresco cycle, which is said to have marked the start of a revolution in mural painting. Porticoes of Bologna, Emilia Romagna Another newcomer, the Porticoes of Bologna have been a feature of the town since the 12th century. Covering 62 kilometres in total, the porticoes, 12 of which have been elected as UNESCO World Heritage sites, range from timber to brick, concrete and stone versions and are an iconic element of the city’s architecture. Sipping an espresso or enjoying a gelato on a summer evening under one of Bologna’s porticoes is an unforgettable, authentic local experience worthy of inclusion on any itinerary to the Emilia Romagna region, a firm favourite among foodies.   Montecatini Terme, Tuscany… Read More