As of 2024, Italy officially has 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (54 cultural, and 6 natural). It sits at the top of the list for having the most UWHS, just pipping China who has 59. If you love history as much as we do, Italy is the place for you. Here are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites you must visit in Italy.
1. Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan
Want to stand before one of the world’s most famous masterpieces? Enter the hallowed walls of Santa Maria delle Grazie’s convent in Milan, where Leonardo da Vinci painted the famous The Last Supper. da Vinci took two years to complete this mural, now considered a transformative experience upon viewing. Bear in mind that you will need to prebook your ticket to see it months in advance.
2. The Sassi, Matera
With evidence of inhabitants since the Paleolithic period, the Sassi neighbourhood makes Matera one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It’s no wonder that the Sassi has been designated a UWHS! The soft tufa rock meant a city could be built within a city and remains almost intact to this day, including houses, monasteries, shops and churches.
3. Castel del Monte, Andria
Castel del Monte was one of Frederick II’s (Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily) greatest projects. It has several unique features that make this octagonal castle one of Italy’s best. It blends classical, Islamic and Gothic architecture within its symmetrical walls and towers. Even its windows have been thoughtfully positioned so that special lighting occurs during solstices and equinoxes!
4. Piedmont vineyards
The vineyards of Piedmont are a sacred UWHS. It encompasses five wine-producing areas that hold integral knowledge of winegrowing and processing, some of which date back to the 5th century BCE. The Piedmont area also includes farms, wine cellars, churches and villages.
5. Trulli, Alberobello
The trulli of Alberobello are easily recognised as a landmark of the Apulia region. Their white, limestone walls rise to meet conical roofs made of stone slabs. Alberobello is home to over 1,500 of these preserved houses.
6. Botanical Garden, Padua
Did you know that Padua is home to the first botanical garden of Europe? It was founded in 1545 and is also the world’s first university botanical garden. You’ll notice a specific circular layout that is surrounded by water – symbolising the world with the ocean around it. Not only does Padua’s botanical garden act as a fundamental template for others around the world, but it is also a hub for scientific research.
7. Pompeii, Naples
Marking a sad time in Italy’s history, the archaeological area of Pompeii is a must-visit. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, the entire town was buried by volcanic ash and debris. Whilst it destroyed all life, it also preserved Pompeii until it began to be excavated in the mid-18th century. Locals and visitors alike can now learn about what life used to be like.
8. Agrigento, Sicily
Despite Sicily now being part of Italy, it began as part of Greece when it was colonised by Greek settlers from the 8th century BC. This is why the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is Greek in origin, and now a spectacular UWHS. With its lofty location, this is an incredible example of ancient Greek history, civilisation and architecture. Some excavated areas even demonstrate early Christian burial practices.
Is Italy on your bucket list for this year? Explore these UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy on a Globus or Cosmos tour.
