The Most Popular Tourist Attraction in Italy: Ranking Italy's Must-See Sights

Voting rules: Choose the attraction you think is the most popular!

Updated on Sep 17, 2023 11:14

Discover the enchanting beauty of Italy through the eyes of countless travelers with StrawPoll's ultimate ranking of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy! From the awe-inspiring Colosseum to the romantic canals of Venice, Italy is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture just waiting to be explored. Join thousands of fellow globetrotters in voting for your favorite Italian marvel or suggest a hidden gem we might have missed. Uncover Italy's best-kept secrets and fuel your wanderlust as you dive into the captivating world of Italian wonders. Be a part of the journey, and let your voice be heard in the quest to crown Italy's top tourist attraction. Together, let's unravel the magic of Italy!

What Is the Most Popular Tourist Attraction in Italy? (September 2023)

1

65
votes

The Colosseum in Rome

A symbol of ancient Rome, the Colosseum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. It is an iconic site that attracts millions of visitors each year.
2

30
votes
The Leaning Tower of Pisa

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the tower is a must-visit attraction when in Italy. The tower's lean is what makes it so unique, and it is an engineering marvel that has stood the test of time.
Description

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, also known as the Tower of Pisa, is a freestanding bell tower located in the city of Pisa, Italy. It is renowned for its distinctive tilt, which is a result of the tower's unstable foundation. Despite its unintended lean, the tower has become one of the most famous landmarks in Italy and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Location: Pisa, Italy

Height: 56.67 meters (185.93 feet)

Tilt: Approximately 3.9 degrees from vertical

Weight: 14,500 metric tons

Construction Period: 1173-1399 (over 200 years)
The Leaning Tower of Pisa in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous landmark in Italy
3

17
votes
The Vatican Museums in Rome

Pope Julius II

Home to some of the most beautiful and important artworks in the world, the Vatican Museums are a must-visit for art lovers. The highlight of the museum is the Sistine Chapel, which features Michelangelo's stunning ceiling fresco.
Description

The Vatican Museums in Rome are a treasure trove of art, history, and culture, housing one of the world's most extensive collections of artwork. Located within the Vatican City, the museums attract millions of visitors each year.

Founded in: 1506

Total area: approximately 43,000 square meters

Collections: over 20 distinct collections

Artworks: over 70,000 pieces

Sistine Chapel: famous for Michelangelo's frescoes, including the iconic Ceiling and The Last Judgment
4

13
votes
The Amalfi Coast

A stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast is known for its picturesque villages, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular views. Visitors can take boat trips, go hiking, or simply relax on the beach.
Description

The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy, located in the region of Campania. It is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, characterized by dramatic cliffs, picturesque villages, and crystal-clear turquoise seas. The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is often considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

Location: Southern Italy, Campania region

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes

Main Towns: Amalfi, Positano, Ravello

Cliffs: Dramatic and majestic

Villages: Picturesque and charming
The Amalfi Coast in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful region in the world
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful natural scenery
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous landmark in Italy
5

12
votes
The Florence Cathedral

A beautiful Gothic cathedral in the heart of Florence, the Duomo is an architectural masterpiece. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome for stunning views of the city.
Description

The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Florence, Italy. It is a symbol of Italian Renaissance and an iconic landmark of the city.

Location: Florence, Italy

Architectural Style: Gothic and Renaissance

Construction Period: 1296-1436

Height of the Dome: 114.5 meters (375 feet)

Materials Used: Marble, brick, and stone
6

2
votes
The Pompeii Archaeological Site

A fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life, the Pompeii Archaeological Site is a must-visit for history buffs. The city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and was preserved under layers of ash for centuries.
Description

The Pompeii Archaeological Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. It is an ancient Roman city that was preserved under layers of ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The site provides a unique insight into the daily life and architecture of the Roman Empire.

Location: Pompeii, Italy

Date of destruction: Erupted in 79 AD

Discovery: Rediscovered in 1748

Size: Area of 66 hectares

Preserved ruins: Buildings, streets, frescoes, artwork
7

13
votes
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence

Giorgio Vasari

One of the world's most famous art museums, the Uffizi Gallery is home to some of the most important works of the Italian Renaissance. Visitors can see masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.
Description

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a renowned art museum located in Florence, Italy. It is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world. The museum houses an extensive collection of artworks, predominantly from the Italian Renaissance period.

Location: Florence, Italy

Year founded: 1581

Architect: Giorgio Vasari

Style: Renaissance

Collection size: approximately 1,500 artworks
8

1
votes
Original uploader was Evadb · Public domain

The Cinque Terre

A series of five picturesque villages on the coast of Liguria, the Cinque Terre is a popular destination for hikers and beach-goers. The villages are connected by hiking trails, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the sea and the surrounding hills.
Description

The Cinque Terre is a picturesque region located on the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera. It is a collection of five colorful fishing villages nestled between steep terraces and cliffs, overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The villages, namely Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, are known for their untouched beauty, vibrant pastel-hued houses, and charming harbor areas. The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Location: Italian Riviera, Liguria, Italy

Villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore

Coastline: Rugged with cliffs and terraces

Views: Panoramic vistas of the Ligurian Sea and vineyards

Hiking Trails: Scenic paths connecting the villages
9

7
votes
John Webber · CC0

The Lake Como

A beautiful lake in northern Italy, Lake Como is surrounded by picturesque towns and stunning villas. Visitors can take boat trips, go hiking, or simply relax by the water.
Description

Lake Como, also known as Lago di Como in Italian, is one of the most breathtaking and popular tourist attractions in Italy. It is a glacial lake located in the Lombardy region, in the northern part of the country. Surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque villages, Lake Como has been a favorite destination for centuries, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Location: Lombardy, Italy

Size: 146 square kilometers

Depth: maximum depth of 410 meters

Shape: long and Y-shaped

Villages: Mention: Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo, Como
10

3
votes
Michelangelo · Public domain

The Sistine Chapel in Rome

A highlight of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is famous for its ceiling fresco painted by Michelangelo. The chapel is considered one of the most important works of Western art and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Description

The Sistine Chapel in Rome is a famous chapel located inside the Vatican City. It is renowned for its stunning frescoes and serves as a place of great historical and artistic significance. The chapel is named after Pope Sixtus IV, who was responsible for its restoration in the late 15th century.

Location: Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Year of Restoration: Late 15th century

Ceiling Frescoes: Painted by Michelangelo

Dimensions: 40.23 meters long, 13.00 meters wide

Decoration Style: Renaissance

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular tourist attraction

Natural beauty

Italy is also famous for its beautiful natural attractions like the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and Mount Vesuvius. These attractions should be given a high rank.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular tourist attraction in Italy. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite attraction is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

1629 views
163 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each attraction once every 24 hours. The rank of each attraction is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular tourist attraction in italy

Italy is a country that boasts a rich cultural heritage and an abundance of historic landmarks and attractions that attract millions of tourists from around the globe each year. From the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii to the stunning architecture of Florence, there is no shortage of amazing places to visit in Italy. However, when it comes to the most popular tourist attraction in Italy, one destination stands out above the rest - the Colosseum in Rome. This iconic amphitheater is a symbol of Rome's rich history and attracts millions of visitors every year who come to marvel at its impressive architecture and learn about the gladiatorial battles that took place within its walls. While there are many other notable tourist attractions in Italy, the Colosseum remains a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to this beautiful country.

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