The Top 10 Southern Italian Cities You Don’t Want to Miss
Italy is full of beautiful sights to see. The big cities tend to get a lot of attention, but there are some gems in Southern Italy that you don’t want to miss. Check out this list of the top Southern Italian cities.
Almost 6% of American’s regard themselves as Italian Americans. That’s over 15.7 million citizens. Many of them have never been to Italy.
Italy is a beautiful place to visit and not just for Italian Americans. The cities in southern Italy offer something for everyone. Check out this list of the top ten Southern Italian cities you don’t want to miss.
1. Naples
Naples is an economic powerhouse. It’s a large commercial center and port where container ships ply their trade. Why would you want to visit such a metropolis on vacation?
Naples offers plenty of other attractions. The historical sites include the medieval Castel Nuovo and Castel dell’Ovo. Don’t miss the San Gennaro Catacombs.
The top attraction in Naples has to be the volcano Vesuvius which is still active. A short distance away are the ruins of Pompeii. It was destroyed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and covered by a carpet of ash.
The Amalfi Coast between Naples and Salerno has an iconic coastal road. There’s drama, beauty and historic interest around every corner. If you’d like a guide to make sure you don’t miss anything try The Roman Guy.
2. Bari
On the Adriatic coast lies Bari. This port has a harbor and amazing beaches. The old town is made up of many narrow streets perfect for exploring.
If you love to visit churches on vacation, take some time out to see the Basilica San Nicola. It’s the final resting place of St Nicholas. It serves both Catholics and Russian Orthodox worshipers.
There are many historical sites including archaeological remains. If your taste is more contemporary, try a little shopping in the designer shops. The modern town also offers exciting restaurants and bars.
3. Pescara
On the Adriatic coast lies Pescara. The Ponte del Mare suspension bridge that crosses part of the harbor can be crossed by bicycles or pedestrians. It’s a great place from which to view the bobbing fishing boats in the port.
A walk by the harbor to admire the sailing boats is a pleasant alternative to relaxing on the two sun-drenched beaches. The beaches seem never-ending. They are served by attractive bars and restaurants.
4. Palermo
Sicily is the large island sitting on the toe of the boot of Italy. Palermo is its capital city. The 12th-century cathedral is a must to visit but don’t miss the Byzantine mosaics, frescoes, and domes.
If you’ve had your fill of historical features and architecture, visit the markets. Here you can see and taste the produce that supplies the renowned restaurants. The Palermo street food such as arancini proves that good food doesn’t have to be grand or expensive.
5. Brindisi
The city of Brindisi was reputed to be established by Diomedes. Homer described him in the Iliad as a great warrior. The port offers amazing scenery and views of the sea.
There are ancient remains and natural beauty. The city was briefly the temporary capital of Italy during world war two. The Lido Azzuro is a wonderful beach on which to relax and sunbath.
Explore the 16th-century castle that guards the port. The views from the fortifications are excellent. Worth visiting when the heat of the day has passed.
6. Sorrento
Sorrento doesn’t have beaches but it makes up for this with curious buildings clinging to the cliffs. It has old world charm and stunning scenery. Visitors can search antique shops and perhaps find a bargain.
There are many restaurants to choose from. Find a restaurant with a view for special memories of this dramatic seaside resort. If you fancy a visit to the island of Capri a ferry departs from here.
7. Foggia
The granary of Italy is the alternative name for Foggia. Its agriculture is central to its identity but that’s not all there is to this city. There are Baroque buildings and wonderful parks.
Visit the Parco Karol Wojtyla. The evenings in summer are perfect for a stroll. Fountains and colonnades complement the greenery.
The Piazza Umberto Giordano is surrounded by attractive buildings. Visit this location for a shopping expedition.
8. Catania
Nearly everybody who visits the island of Sicily will visit its capital, Palermo. Catania is the second largest city on the island. It’s well worth a visit too.
On the eastern side of Sicily, this busy city has historic and cultural attractions. The Cathedral of Catania and the Ursino Castle are must-see sites for the history buff. They are both very attractive buildings.
Find some time to take a trip to Mount Etna. The huge volcano still smolders. You can travel to the crater at the very top and take in views across the whole of Sicily.
9. Messina
Caravaggio, although born in Milan, traveled to Sicily in 1607. His painting is still celebrated in the Messina Regional Museum where you can see some of his artwork. He was one of the most well-regarded painters of his generation.
Messina has been an important port on the Mediterranean for centuries. It’s still worth a visit. It sits within easy reach of the Italian mainland and you can take a boat across the Straights of Messina if you choose to.
The bell tower and cathedral are prominent features of the city. Take a walk in the beautiful piazza and meet the locals.
10. Barletta
The Adriatic coast has many attractive cities so it’s hard to choose which to visit. Barletta offers beaches, ancient history, and tourist attractions. It’s well worth a visit.
The Carthaginian general, Hannibal won a major battle here in 216 B.C. against the Romans. The archeological remains of the battlefield are within the city. The city also boasts the Colossus of Barletta, a 13 feet tall bronze statue, the biggest to survive from the late Roman Empire.
The Norman castle of Castello Svevo has huge battlements to explore. If you prefer the beach, visit Lungomare Pietro Mennea and the Lido. The sunshine and sea breezes create a very special climate that has made the Adriatic coast a major tourist destination.
Your Guide to Southern Italian Cities
The southern Italian cities described in this short guide show south Italy has a diverse range of attractions for the tourist. They offer beaches, history, and gourmet food. Southern Italy vacations offer more than you might think.
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