#15 Beautiful Places and Cities To Visit In Italy

13. Assisi

Pilgrims have been making their way to this gorgeous hillside town, the place in which St Francis was born and buried, for hundreds of years, but even if you are not religious, its postcard-perfect setting makes it a must see in your Italian travels. Surrounded by the gentle undulations of the Umbrian countryside, the jewel in the crown of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Basilica di San Francesco, which features an incredible array of frescoes and artworks. At the town’s pinnacle sits the enormous Rocca Maggiore, a 14th century castle from which there are incredible views of the surrounding valleys.

14. Bologna

Something of an unsung hero among overseas travelers, Italians have been wise to the charms of Bologna for ages – and since it’s where one of our favorite pasta toppings comes from (bolognese, of course!) then we think it’s about time you got on board with everything else this city has to offer. As well as its wonderfully well-preserved historic center – think arched colonnades and Renaissance structures – the city’s architecture also features a beautiful medley of warm colors: reds, ochres , umbers, apricots and terracottas, all of which are a feast for the eyes and for your Instagram feed. With the world’s oldest university to be found here, expect a lively student population and the variety of shops, restaurants and bars that’s frequently the result of this.