From leaning to open galleries, Italy has unique ancient architecture to explore
Italy is bursting with incredible architecture, each site with its own fascinating backstory. From the towering might of the Colosseum in Rome to the art-filled halls of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, these iconic structures are not just buildings—they're a slice of history, wrapped in beauty.
The Colosseum is like the rock star of ancient Roman architecture—big, bold, and a little battered by time, but still super impressive. This massive amphitheater was finished way back in 80 AD and could hold up to 50,000 people. What makes the Colosseum so cool is how advanced it was for its time. The structure’s arches and vaults kept it strong and stable, even with all those rowdy crowds. Today, it’s a must-see when you’re in Rome.
If you’re an art lover, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence is like walking into a dream. This Renaissance gem was designed by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century but now it’s one of the most famous art museums in the world.
Inside you’re surrounded by masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. The gallery is set up to take you on a journey through art history. The highlight—Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.
Everyone knows about this one. This bell tower started tilting even before it was finished back in the 12th century, thanks to some soft ground and a shaky foundation. But instead of toppling over, it’s become one of Italy’s most beloved quirks.
The tower’s lean, which is about 4 degrees today, is actually part of what makes it so special. Engineers have been working on it for centuries, making sure it doesn’t fall. Climb the 294 steps to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with a killer view of Pisa and its surroundings.
This 17th-century Baroque masterpiece was originally built as a hunting lodge for Duke Charles Emmanuel II, but it’s more like a royal playground.
Think grand halls, lavish decor, and sprawling gardens all around. The palace has often been compared to Versailles in France, and it’s easy to see why. After years of neglect, the Palace of Venaria was restored and reopened in 2007, and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Florence’s Duomo is like the crown jewel of the city, with its massive dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century. At the time, it was the largest dome in the world, and even today, it’s a mind-blowing feat of engineering. It is a work of art, with its colorful marble facade and intricate carvings. Step inside, and you’ll find the dome’s interior covered in a jaw-dropping fresco of the Last Judgment.
The Pantheon in Rome is one of those places that just makes you feel small—in a good way. It was completed around 126 AD and it’s most striking feature is its massive dome, which is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. The oculus at the top lets in a beam of light that illuminates the entire space, giving it an almost otherworldly feel. Today it is the resting place for several Italian kings.
The Roman Forum is like a giant open-air museum. This sprawling area was once the heart of public life. Today, the Forum is a place where history comes alive. Even though many of the structures have crumbled over time, you can still see the remains of iconic sites like Arch of Titus.
