ITALY

The facts, some tips and a
whole lot of opinion.

Italy is home to a staggering 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and being a country where history and beauty intertwine at every corner, it was an easy location to return to after 7 years to kick-off our epic adventure. Offering glimpses into the past from the ancient ruins of Rome, where the Colosseum stands as a testament to a mega empire, to the enchanting canals of Venice, Italy’s treasures are as diverse as they are captivating. In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, art and architecture blend seamlessly in the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery, while the hilltop towns of Tuscany share tales of wine recipes from centuries-old vineyards and chingale (wild boar) hunts. The awe-inspiring Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and emerald seas, invites tourists to join the chaotic traffic marching through its scenic villages. In the quiet spaces of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the tragic beauty commands reverence to a moment frozen in time, prompting a reminder of the fragility of life.
Italy’s UNESCO sites are more than just places; they are living, breathing stories.

Italy's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Where we have previously been.

Amalfi Coast

Florence

Medici Villas & Gardens

Naples

Pienza

Pisa

Pompeii & Herculaneum

Rhaetian Railway

Rome

Royal Palace of Caserta

San Gimignano

Siena

Val d’Orcia

Venice

Villa d’Este

Villa Hadriana

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Turin/Torino

The facts; Turin is a city of elegance, history and several UNESCO-listed architectural treasures that highlight its royal legacy. The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, a collection of stunningly opulent palaces and huge hunting lodges, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The Royal Palace, in the historic center of Turin, symbolises the power of the Savoy family dynasty and reflect Turin’s role as the center of European Baroque artistry.

Start at the Royal Square where Madama Palace stands, with its elegant facade designed in the early 1700s.

Carignano Palace, overlooking Piazza Carlo Alberto, was the residence of the Princes of Carignano from 1694. Valentino Castle, along the banks of the Po, exhibits a distinctly French style and Villa della Regina (Villa of the Queen), with its 17th and 18th century paintings, original period furnishings and huge Italian garden featuring a large fountain with a marble sculpture of the god Neptune is absolutely worth a visit.

The tips; Take the uphill stroll to visit the Villa della Regina, its worth the views! Entry €10.

The opinion; Turin has many architectural sites aside from the Houses of Savoy to see. Within the city center, turning each corner holds another stunning building.

Bacon's rating of interest; ⭐⭐⭐½ /5

Genoa/Genova

Bacon's rating of interest; ⭐⭐½ /5

The facts; Italian architectural brilliance. Positioned between the Ligurian Sea and the Apennine hills, Genoa is a city where captivating history and architecture intertwine. As one of Italy’s most important maritime republics, Genoa flourished from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, leaving behind a legacy of stunning palazzi, intricate alleyways (known as caruggi), and grandiose churches.

With a collection of Renaissance and Baroque palaces that once hosted distinguished visitors, the elegance and historical significance earned Genoa a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2006. The UNESCO site includes 42 palaces, among the more than 100 ones still existing throughout the historic center of the city. In many cases, the palaces are privately owned and are either offices, or are still inhabited by noble families. But many can be visited all year round.

The tips; Get a map and start at one end of the UNESCO area and plan your path to the other side. Keep an eye on the building walls as that is where, in most cases, you will find the corresponding number to information. One to two days is enough to cover the sites.

The opinion; Unfortunately, during our visit to Genoa, we found the city to be quite untidy/dirty, with rubbish and graffiti visible throughout the UNESCO-listed area. However, the interiors of the buildings we were able to access were beautiful, still reflecting a strong sense of local pride.

Paestum

The facts; Echoes of Rome in Stone

Tucked away along Italy’s southern coast, Paestum is a mesmerising, and remarkably well preserved, window into the ancient world. Originally a Greek colony known as Posidonia, it was later absorbed by the Romans—who left behind an extraordinary legacy of Greek temples (of the Doric Order), forums, and city walls. Today, Paestum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1998), famed for its remarkably preserved Roman and earlier Greek architecture.

Walking through Paestum feels like taking a stroll into a forgotten chapter of history. It's not hard to imagine the grandeur of the grand Roman forum, paved roads, and amphitheatre of this historic city, while the site’s serene atmosphere sets it apart from more crowded destinations, it is still a very popular destination for visitors and students.

The tips; Stay at least a night to get some dawn or evening photos. Do your research on the location of the actual ruins if you are arriving by train. The site is a 15 minute (easy) walk from the station with some (very touristy) restaurants and limited accommodation very close by or the small town is a little further away. Knock yourself out if you are a walker, otherwise a bus from Salerno will get you right to the site.

The opinion; You will easily spend 2+ hours wandering around this fabulous UNESCO site. The grounds are huge, well tended and still being renovated. Tickets are only available online or at the museum which is opposite the site. Go early to beat the buses of school children. Mostly wheelchair/pram friendly.

Tickets; Adult tickets during peak season are currently €15 which are valid for 3 days and also cover the museum entry.

Bacon's rating of interest; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5