Italy UNESCO heritage. All unesco world heritage sites in italy. Santa Maria del Fiore

1. Rock paintings in Val Camonica - Incisioni rupestri della Val Camonica (1979)

2. Fresco “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan - Chiesa e convento domenicano di Santa Maria delle Grazie con L"ultima price di Leonardo da Vinci, Milano (1980)

3. The historical center of Rome and the Vatican domain, including the church of San Paolo fuori le Mura - Centro storico di Roma (1980-1990)

4. Historical center of Florence - Centro storico di Firenze (1982)

5. Venice and its Laguna - Venezia e la sua Laguna (1987)

6. Cathedral Square in Pisa - Piazza del Duomo di Pisa (1987)

7. Historic center of San Gimignano - Centro storico di San Gimignano (1990)

8. “I-Sassi di Matera” - rock settlements near the city of Matera - Sassi di Matera (1993)

9. The city of Vicenza and the Palladian villas in Veneto - Città di Vicenza e le Ville palladiane del Veneto (1994-1996)

10. Historical center of Siena - Centro storico di Siena (1995)

11. Historical center of Naples - Centro storico di Napoli (1995)

12. City of Crespi d'Adda - Crespi d'Adda (1995)

13. Ferrara of the Renaissance and the Po Delta - Ferrara città del Rinascimento e delta del Po con le delizie estensi (1995-1999)

14. Castle of Castel del Monte - Castel del Monte (1996)

15. Trulli in Alberobello - Trulli di Alberobello (1996)

16. Early Christian monuments in Ravenna - Monumenti paleocristiani di Ravenna (1996)

17. Historical center of Pienza - Centro storico della città di Pienza (1996)

18. Royal Palace of the 18th century in Caserta - Palazzo Reale del XVIII secolo di Caserta, con il Parco, l "Acquedotto Carolino e il complesso di San Leucio (1997)

19. Residences of the Savoyard monarchs in Turin and the surrounding area - Residenze sabaude di Torino e dintorni (1997)

20. Botanical Garden in Padua - Orto botanico di Padova (1997)

21. Cathedral, City Tower and Great Square in Modena - Duomo, Torre Civica e Piazza Grande di Modena (1997)

22. Archaeological zone of Pompei, Ercolano and Torre Annunziata - Aree archeologiche di Pompei, Ercolano e Torre Annunziata (1997)

23. Roman villa in Casale - Villa romana del Casale, presso Piazza Armerina (1997)

24. Su Nuraxi di Barumini (1997)

25. Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto (1997)

26. Amalfi Coast - Costiera amalfitana (1997)

27. Archaeological sites in the city of Agrigento - Parco Archeologico e Paesaggistico della Valle dei Templi di Agrigento (1997)

28. Archaeological zone and Patriarchal Basilica in Aquileia - Area archeologica e Basilica patriarcale di Aquileia (1997)

29. Historic center of Urbino - Centro storico di Urbino (1998)

30. Cultural landscape of the Cilento area, national park Vallo di Diano, archaeological sites of Paestum and Elea, monastery of Certosa di Padula - Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano con il sito archeologico di Paestum, Velia e la Certosa di Padula (1998)

31. Villa Adriana a Tivoli (1998)

32. Verona - Città di Verona (2000)

33. Aeolian Islands - Isole Eolie (2000)

34. Basilica of St. Francis and other Franciscan shrines in Assisi - Assisi, la Basilica di San Francesco e altri siti francescani (2000)

35. Villa d'Este in Tivoli - Villa d'Este a Tivoli (2001)

36. Late Baroque cities in the Noto Valley - Città tardo barocche del Val di Noto (Sicilia sud-orientale) (2002)

37. Ensembles of the Sacri Monti (Holy Mountains) in Piedmont and Bardia - Sacri Monti del Piemonte e della Lombardia (2003)

38. Mount San Giorgio - Monte San Giorgio (2003)

39. Etruscan necropolises in Cerveteri and Tarquinia - Necropoli etrusche di Cerveteri e Tarquinia (2004)

40. Cultural landscape of Val d'Orcia - Val d'Orcia (Siena) (2004)

41. The city of Syracuse and the necropolis of Pantalica - Città di Siracusa e la necropoli di Pantalica (2005)

42. Genoa: Le Strade Nuove street and the Palazzi dei Rolli palace complex - Genova: Le Strade Nuove e il sistema dei Palazzi dei Rolli (2006)

43. Mantua and Sabbioneta - Mantova e Sabbioneta (2008)

44. Rhaetian Railway - Ferrovia retica nel paesaggio dell "Albula e del Bernina (2008)

45. Dolomites - Dolomiti (2009)

46. ​​Longobards in Italy - Longobardi in Italy: i luoghi del potere (2011)

47. Prehistoric pile dwellings in the vicinity of the Alps - Antichi insediamenti sulle Alpi (2011)

48. Volcano Etna - Monte Etna (2013)

49. Palaces, gardens and country villas of the Medici family in Tuscany - Ville e giardini medicei in Toscana (2013)

50. Natural landscape of Italian vineyards: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato - Paesaggio vitivinicolo del Piemonte: Langhe-Roero e Monferrato (2014)

Wherever an inquisitive tourist goes on a trip to Italy, be it Rome or Venice, Milan or Verona, Florence or Genoa, the atmosphere of the majestic past of these lands reigns everywhere.

Cultural and historical heritage of Italy

The three-thousand-year history of Italy has preserved on its territory a countless number of monuments, among which one can find examples of antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism. Wherever an inquisitive tourist goes on a trip to Italy, be it Rome or Venice, Milan or Verona, Florence or Genoa, the atmosphere of the majestic past of these lands reigns everywhere.

Italy is called a museum country, carefully preserving traces of the once mighty Roman Empire, as well as monuments of other civilizations and eras in which the events of the past come to life. The luxurious architecture of the buildings has preserved the traditions of the formation of most famous European styles. Here you can find original Byzantine mosaics, ancient Roman sculptures, Baroque crypts and ancient amphitheaters.

Roman Forum

Being in Italy, it seems that time has inexplicably stopped here. Contemplating the magnificent buildings of the Vatican, looking at the infamous gladiatorial battles, destroyed, but still remaining majestic, the Colosseum, traveling along the canal streets of Venice, or admiring other sights of Italy, the feeling of the frailty of the world and the hectic rhythm of life disappears.

Traveling around Italy means getting to know cities of amazing beauty, unforgettable excursions to Sicily and, of course, visiting eternal Rome. “All roads lead to Rome” is a phrase that has become popular all over the world. Indeed, Rome is one of the oldest cities on the planet, where the most famous sights of the country are concentrated. The heart of Rome is its ruins - silent witnesses past civilizations. The most recognizable among them are the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon.

The Flavian Amphitheater, more often called the Colosseum, is a symbol of the former strength, greatness and power of Rome. The art and culture travel magazine claims that it is one of the most famous monuments of antiquity. Built back in the 1st century (according to the plans of an unknown architect) for holding various kinds of holidays, the amphitheater was accessible to everyone. Its arena hosted tournaments of knights, “sea battles” and various kinds of spectacles. Alas, brutal gladiator fights and so-called “games” - baiting animals - were especially popular among them.

Large area in the very center ancient city and the buildings adjacent to it were called the Forum by the Romans. Initially, it was ordinary shopping area, but a little later it became the center of public life in the city. Growing, the Forum acquired such large proportions that it became the center of business, religious and cultural life townspeople During the decline of the Roman Empire, the destructive invasions of the barbarians affected this famous square, which was only restored for posterity at the beginning of the 20th century.

In whatever corner of the country a tourist would have to stop when going on a trip to sunny Italy, more and more new discoveries appear before his eyes. Venice is the most mysterious and amazing city on the water, which has managed to retain its medieval appearance to this day. Casanova, gondolier serenades, pigeons from St. Mark's Square known to all travelers - all this is the heart and soul of Italy - incomparable Venice.

Winding canal streets with decorated gondolas gliding along them, romantic openwork bridges, palaces and temples, as well as carnivals filled with music and brightly colored masks. It is difficult to imagine Venice without its Grand Canal, on the banks of which there are more than 100 amazing and beautiful palaces.

A trip to Italy should not end without visiting Sicily, called the “island of living myths.” on his south coast and now you can find stone blocks that, according to legend, the Cyclops Polyphemus threw at the ships of Odysseus. As before, two monsters stand guard on the shores of the Strait of Messina - Charybdis and Scylla, who destroyed the lives of many sailors. All famous sights of Italy are interesting and unique. And for many centuries, in the eyes of millions of tourists, it itself appears as a place of ancient history and great culture, which has long become a world heritage.

Tuscany's glorious past is a daily source of inspiration and creativity for new generations. It is loved by artists and intellectuals; many people dream of visiting here at least once in their lives.

Chapel di Vitaleta in Val d'Orcia © CICERUACCHIO / Flickr.com

Historical center of Florence

The city arose on the site of a Roman fortification. Its center is a real treasure trove priceless works of art, humanistic culture and architecture.

In Cathedral Square you can admire the main monuments of the Renaissance: the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore (the structure of the church is an example of Italian Gothic), near which is Giotto's bell tower. But the basilica is crowned with a majestic dome by Filippo Brunelleschi. This dome became a real symbol of the Renaissance. Opposite the cathedral stands the Baptistery, one of the oldest buildings in Florence, combining elements of early Christian and romanesque architecture, with “The Gates of Heaven” by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Panoramic view of the city and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore © Shutterstock.com

Then we move to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi: this palace, one of the first examples of Renaissance architecture, was designed by the architect Michelozzo. Nearby is the Basilica of San Lorenzo, created by Brunelleschi at the request of the Medici family. In its interior there are two sacristies (sacristies), Old and New, decorated with works by Donatello and Michelangelo. By the way, if you want to see one of Buonarroti's greatest works, David, it is worth visiting the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts. Just nearby, in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, is another superb example of Renaissance architecture, the Ospedale degli Innocenti (lit. "Shelter of the Innocents", Europe's first orphanage), with its famous vaulted loggia. Among other monuments, do not forget to visit Palazzo Strozzi and the Church of Santa Maria Novella.

Basilica and Piazza Santa Croce © GTS Productions / Shutterstock.com

Walking along Via dei Calzaiuoli you will find yourself in Piazza della Signoria, the cultural and political center of the city, overlooked by the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery with a unique collection of Renaissance paintings. The Basilica of Santa Croce is located nearby.

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio © Shutterstock.com

For Ponte Vecchio, or the Old Bridge, is the Oltrarno quarter, where you can still find old artisan shops that still work using traditional technologies. Florence is not only about architecture, but also about the special spirit of a community of artisans that evokes handcraft and the highest quality of production.

Florence is the heir to a glorious past, carefully preserved for future generations, unique place with a unique atmosphere.

Historic center of Siena

In the historic center of Siena, every building has been designed and built with general plan city, resulting in an architectural masterpiece that has no analogues in the world. Gothic medieval buildings are surviving evidence of the high technical and artistic level of the architects who worked on the appearance of Siena in the past.

Panoramic view of the city and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta © Botond Horvath / Shutterstock.com

Architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance are literally everywhere here and within walking distance, waiting for the next visitors and researchers who want to join the history of this city. You can walk around popular places and feel like a Sienese of those times. It's worth starting with the most famous architectural monument - Palazzo Publico in Piazza del Campo. In the palace, among other things, there is the lavishly decorated Conchistoro Hall, on the ceiling of which the artist Domenico Beccafumi created an allegorical cycle of frescoes on the theme “Political Virtues” in 1529-1535. This is one of the most enchanting fresco cycles of that era.

Street of a medieval city © Shutterstock.com

On the nearby Via dei Pellegrini, leading to the Baptistery, the same Beccafumi, commissioned by the homeowner Sarcello Agostini, completed a series of frescoes on mythological subjects. These frescoes are one of the pinnacles of Italian Cinquecento painting. Almost opposite is the Palazzo del Magnifico, once the residence of Pandolfo Petrucci, the ruler of Siena. All that remained of it were the walls, and the furniture and interiors were divided between city and foreign museums. Of its rich fresco decoration, only the composition “The Flight of Aeneas from Troy” by Girolamo Genga has survived, which is now kept in the Siena National Pinacoteca, one of the richest Tuscan collections of medieval and Renaissance art.

View of Piazza del Campo © Ventura / Shutterstock.com

Nearby is the Palazzo Piccolomini, commissioned by the heirs of Pope Pius II. It is a classic example of Renaissance architecture, probably designed by Bernardo Rossellino, a papal architect. Today it houses the Siena Archives and the Museo delle Biccherne, dedicated to the painted covers of the accounting books of the financial department of the municipality of Siena, the work of which was commissioned by famous artists.

Having formed a general idea of ​​​​Sienese painting, it is worth moving to the walls of the Palazzo Chigi Saracini on Via di Città, where the most significant works of artists such as Sano di Pietro, Girolamo del Pacchia, Sodoma and Beccafumi are kept.

Pienza, the "ideal city"

From a medieval town to a monumental masterpiece: by the will of Pope Pius II, Pienza became a symbol and example of perfect Renaissance architecture. An ideal city, with beautiful buildings and squares designed by Alberti in collaboration with Rossellino - this is the first attempt to apply the ideas of the philosophy of humanism in urban planning.

Historic center of Chicks, Piazza Pius II: in the center - the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, on the left - the Episcopal Palace, on the right - Palazzo Piccolomini © Shutterstock.com

Pienza is located in the magnificent Val d'Orcia. The city appeared in 1405 at the behest of Pope Pius II (before that there was a small borgo of Corsignano), who wanted to create an ideal city, contrasting with another city that also belonged to his family, Siena. He assembled a team of the best artists and architects and asked them to create a project that took into account the philosophy of a new, promising era - the Italian Renaissance. In just three years, from 1459 to 1462, Pienza - the Ideal City, the Utopian City, was built. The city appeared as the fruit of “a thought of love and a dream of beauty,” as Giovanni Pascoli wrote.

Towers of San Gimignano

The towers of San Gimignano still tower proudly above its palaces and churches. This city is an exceptional embodiment of medieval culture, where art, architecture and history are fused into an elegant and solemn image, preserving for us many masterpieces of Italian art from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Panoramic view of the city of San Gimignano © Shutterstock.com

This is a real pearl of the Val d'Elsa: here, wherever you are, you will see skyward ancient towers, giving San Gimignano a unique flavor. Only in this place has the appearance of the Tuscan city of the 13th-14th centuries been preserved. While walking along these streets, you get the impression that you really are in the Middle Ages.

The streets of the city are located on the green slopes of the hill. Everything here breathes with the traditions of the past. Walking through the historical center, you will see 13 preserved tower houses. At their peak, there were 72 of them. Towers were a symbol of power, and wealthy families sought to surpass the height of their rivals' towers.

Cathedral Square of San Gimignano © Shutterstock.com

San Gimignano is also famous for its white vernaccia wine, one of the most prestigious in Italy. It has been produced here since the 13th century. Another traditional and ancient product is saffron, which made a significant contribution to the economy of San Gimignano during the Middle Ages.

"Piazza of Miracles" in Pisa

Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles, is one of the most perfect examples of the Romanesque architectural style, which organically combines classical, early Christian, Lombard and oriental motifs. The ensemble of the square includes the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Campo Santo cemetery and, of course, the famous Leaning Tower.

Cathedral and Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles in Pisa © ELEPHOTOS / Shutterstock.com

Construction of the Baptistery began in 1152 and took 200 years to complete. The pulpit of the baptistery was made by the great sculptor Nicola Pisano. It is noteworthy that the echo inside the baptistery changes tone if you make sounds while standing on one side of the baptismal font. Also on the square is the Campo Santo cemetery, which is 130 meters long. It faces the square with a side with 43 blind arches. To the right of Campo Santo stands the Pisa Cathedral, a perfect example of Romanesque architecture. Its construction began in 1063. The huge building is completely covered with marble. Behind the cathedral is the famous Leaning Tower, which is 56 meters high.

Cultural landscape of the Val d'Orcia: art and landscapes

The edge of the hills where harmony reigns - this is exactly what Val d’Orcia looks like if you leisurely ride along it on a bicycle. These views, with soaring cypress trees and roads winding along unpredictable paths, have traditionally inspired poets, writers and artists. At dawn and dusk, the tops of the cypress trees seem like tassels that paint the horizon.

Sunrise in the San Quirico d'Orcia Valley © Shaiith / Shutterstock.com

Clay, ravines, white limestone, hillside vineyards, olive groves and fields balance the urban beauty of Pienza and Montalcino. Such architectural masterpieces as the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, the collegiate church of San Quirico, the fortresses of Radicofani and d'Orcia, the medieval baths of Bagno Vignoli and the Ospedaletto farm form a complete image of rare beauty.

Medici Villas and Gardens

We are talking about 14 villas and gardens belonging to the Medici family, monuments of secular architecture, designed by the best architects in the 15th-18th centuries.

Villa Medici in Poggio a Caiano © Shutterstock.com

The first two villas are in Trebbio and Cafagiolo al Mugello, where the Medici family came from. In Poggio a Caiano is the Villa Medici, built by Giuliano da Sangallo at the end of the 15th century on the site of an earlier villa of the Strozzi family. It belonged to Lorenzo the Magnificent and hosted many historical figures, including King Victor Emmanuel II. This villa is distinguished by a simple and noble architecture, with accents including a strict portico on the terrace on the first floor: a two-flight staircase leads to a harmonious central loggia, located on this terrace, built according to classical canons. Inside the villa is like small museum: its walls are decorated with frescoes from the 16th century, and outside it is surrounded by a magnificent park.

Villa Artimino, also known as “La Ferdinanda” or the Villa of a Hundred Fireplaces, and the surrounding park. Top view © immaginefoto.com

Not far from Comeana is La Ferdinanda, also known as Villa Artimino, built by the architect Bernardo Buontalenti for Ferdinando I de' Medici at the end of the 16th century.

Villa Medicea di Castella, built in the style of Renaissance architecture, is located in the eponymous locality. Its restoration was carried out by Vasari, and the surrounding garden was designed by Tribolo. Today this villa is the seat of the Accademia della Crusca, an expert council in the field of linguistics and philology of the Italian language.

Villa Medici in Petraia is considered one of the most beautiful residences in the area. It received its current appearance as a result of reconstruction according to the Buontalenti project (in the second half of the 16th century), carried out on behalf of Ferdinando I. Another Medici villa is located near Fiesole. It is called "Bel Canto", or "Palagio di Fiesole". Its construction was ordered by Cosimo the Elder, and the design was developed by Michelozzo (1458-1461).

Villa Medici in Petraia. Top view of the villa and surrounding garden © footage.framepool.com

Villa Medicea di Carreggi is located on the outskirts of Florence. It was acquired by the Medici family in the first half of the 15th century and rebuilt according to Michelozzi's design. The customer was Cosimo the Elder. The villa is surrounded by a magnificent park and became Cosimo's favorite residence, where he died in 1464.

Villa Medici in Fiesole. Parterre on the lower terrace of the garden © Cecil Pinset / Wikimedia Commons

The "Lorraine" Villa Medici is located in Poggio Imperiale, a kilometer from Porta Romana. On one side it rises above the Ema Valley, and on the other - above the whole of Florence. It was built in 1427 and belonged to the Baroncelli, Pondolfini and Salviati families until it was purchased by the Medici family. Its reconstruction was carried out in 1622 - 1625 under the leadership of the architect Giulio Parigi, and then again at the end of the 18th century by the architect Gaspare Maria Paoletti, who rebuilt summer residence. It acquired its current neoclassical appearance in the 19th century, the author of the project was Pasquale Poccianti. In 1864, King Victor Emmanuel opened the Collegio Santissima Annunziata, a women's boarding house, in the villa.

Villa Medici "La Maggia di Quarrata" © viaggiointorno.it

Villa Medici "La Maggia di Quarrata" is located on northern slopes Montalbano mountain range. A massive square-shaped fortification rises above the gentle hills of the foothills. The villa was purchased in 1583 by Grand Duke Francesco I de' Medici, who also began its reconstruction. Probably, the architect Bernardo Buontalenti took part in the project of relaying utility lines.

Italy is the leader in recognized sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The official list of UNESCO sites already includes 51 masterpieces created on the territory modern Italy man or nature.

Landmarks are highlighted for their own good: this is UNESCO’s way of signaling to humanity that these masterpieces are not only beautiful, but also need the attention and protection of society.

UNESCO sites in Italy are currently represented in eight various categories and have different uniqueness criteria. The first six criteria relate to cultural objects.

1. 1. Masterpieces of human creative genius.
2. 2. Objects that arose as a result of the mutual influence of human values ​​(in culture and art; in architecture, city planning and landscape creation, as well as in technology).
3. 3. Cultural or civilizational phenomena.
4. 4. Historical structures, architecture, technological ensembles or landscape.
5. 5. Traditional buildings are examples of human interaction with nature and environment(especially with disappearing phenomena).
6. 6. Objects of world culture associated with traditions, ideas or faith, with works of art or literature.

Two more criteria cover the natural phenomena of Italy - together with places of unique beauty (7) And samples of the main stages of the history of our planet (8). Most often, a UNESCO site presents several uniqueness criteria at once. This makes every – even mental – journey to a new masterpiece even more exciting!

Venice and its lagoon (criteria 1–6)

The UNESCO sites in Venice are interesting and varied. The city itself is where gondoliers cut through instead of pages... You fall in love with Venice the first time - and, as a rule, forever. Venice Lagoon unites about a hundred islands. Among them, for example, are San Lazzaro degli Armeni, a world-famous center of Armenian culture, and Lido di Venezia, the medieval island of St. Nicholas.

Photo: © Iakov Kalinin - Fotolia.com.

Historical center of Rome and Vatican possessions (1–4, 6)

UNESCO sites in Rome and the Vatican are primarily associated with the sacred heritage of Europe. The center of Rome and the Vatican domains, enjoying extraterritorial rights (including the church - the great Basilica of St. Paul outside the city walls) are included in the World Heritage List as one complex.

Information for travelers

• What to see in and
• Temples and Vatican

Historic center of Florence (1–4, 6)

The value of UNESCO sites in Florence - the “Cradle of the Renaissance” - is not only in their history, but also in their unique architectural form. It is not for nothing that during its existence the city managed to fall in love with the Medici dukes and was the capital of a republic and a kingdom. Give the world Dante Alighieri, Galileo Galilei, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Nicolo Machiavelli...

Photo by: SashaLuk IGotoWorld PG.

Information for travelers

Basilica of St. Francis and Franciscan monuments, Assisi (1–4, 6)

UNESCO sites in Assisi (province of Perugia in Umbria) are associated with the history of St. Francis - a monk and righteous man of the 12-13 centuries, founder of the Mendicant Order Little Brothers(Franciscans). In the city of Assisi there is a monastery complex of St. Francis, and nearby is the first Franciscan church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. It is also worth visiting the Church of St. Clara, as well as the Romanesque Cathedral of San Rufino.

Photo source: anticacanonica.it.

Information for travelers

• What to see in Assisi? The city also preserves pre-Christian heritage: this is the portico of the Temple of Minerva

Villa d'Este, Tivoli (1–4, 6)

Information for travelers

• Temples of Tivoli. This is, first of all, the Cathedral (Duomo), the churches of Santa Maria Maggiore, San Silvestro and San Pietro alla Carita.

City of Ferrara and Po Delta (2–6)

Ferrara is a city of culture and art of the Renaissance, the capital of the province of the same name in the region of Emilia-Romagna. UNESCO sites in Ferrara are the Gothic austerity of castles, the splendor of cathedrals, the aristocratic beauty of palaces... And also evidence of the fruitful cooperation of man and nature: Ferrara is located in the complex delta of the Po River.

Photo source: agriturismostrozza.it.

Information for travelers

Early Christian Monuments, Ravenna (1–4)

Eight unique sights of Late Antiquity (5th-6th centuries) were noted in this city. Thus, the UNESCO sites in Ravenna were formed. These are mausoleums (Galla Placidia and Theodoric), baptisteries (Orthodox and Arians), basilicas (San Vitale, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and Sant'Apollinare in Classe), as well as the Archdiocesan Museum and Chapel of St. Andrew the Apostle.

Frescoes of the Basilica of San Vitale. Photo source: quaterpassnextg.blogspot.com, by Mario Sala.

Information for travelers

Royal Palace, Vanvitelli Aqueduct and San Leucio Village, Caserte (1–4)

The numerous UNESCO sites in Caserta delight with their diversity. Caserta, the capital of the province of the same name, is located in the Campania region. Here the imagination of travelers is struck by the grandiose grandeur (18th century) and powerful structure of the Vanvitelli Aqueduct. And the factory village of San Leuccio arose nearby - around the silk manufactory, which became a technical and social achievement of the time. Elite production still operates today.

Photo source: imparziale.com.

Information for travelers

• Temples of Caserta. There are many of them in the area. For example, you can visit the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel in Piazza Duomo and the Church of the Good Shepherd in Piazza Pitesti

Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena (1–4)

UNESCO sites in Modena (Emilia-Romagna) are three main attractions that form one architectural ensemble. These are the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Geminian, the Torre Civica (“Ghirlandina”) tower and Piazza Grande.

Photo source: myarchstories.wordpress.com.

Information for travelers

• Temples of Modena. The history of the “Church of the Promise” is interesting. It was built as a thank you to the Virgin Mary from those who survived the plague in Modena (17th century)

Archaeological sites, Agrigento (1–4)

The ancient Greek buildings of the Sicilian city of Agrigento are still beautiful in their grandeur. UNESCO sites in Agrigento are, first of all, the destroyed temple of Olympian Zeus, the giant Atlas, the miraculously preserved Temple of Concord, the temples of Hera and Hercules. Some temples - Jupiter, Dioscuri, Aesculapius and Ephesus - survived only in ruins. Also in the Valley of Temples, as this place is called, there are also early Christian cemeteries (necropolises).

Photo source: outandaboutinparis.com.

Information for travelers

• Temples of Argigento. This is the Baroque Church of St. Lawrence, Cathedral, etc.

Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, Turin and surroundings (1-2, 4-5)

The 14 possessions of the Savoy royal dynasty are located both in the city of Turin and in the Piedmont region as a whole (northern Italy). UNESCO sites in Turin are the Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, Palazzo Carignano, Valentino Castle and Villa della Regina. UNESCO sites in Piedmont related to the House of Savoy include the Stupinigi hunting palace, royal palace Venaria, La Mandria Park and six ancient castles (Rivoli, Allier, Moncalieri, Racconigi, Pollenzo, Govone).

Royal Palace in Turin. Photo source: lamiatorino.it.

Information for travelers

• What to see in and

Late Baroque cities, Val di Noto (1-2, 4-5)

The late Baroque cities in the Val di Noto region are located in the provinces of Ragusa and Syracuse in the southeast of the island of Sicily. The UNESCO sites in Val di Noto are Ragusa, Noto, Caltagirone, Catania, Militello in Val di Catania, Modica, Palazzolo Acreide and Scicli.

View of the city of Noto. Photo source: casavacanzelafonte.com.

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Cathedral complex, Pisa (1-2, 4, 6)

Piazza dei Miracoli, that is, “Place of Miracles,” is the majestic dominant feature of the city of Pisa. In addition to the famous (bell tower), UNESCO sites in Pisa also include other wonders of the Middle Ages. These are the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist and the cemetery of Campo Santo (Holy Field).

Photo source: 500px.com, by Domingo Leiva.

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The ancient city of Syracuse and the rock necropolis of Pantalica (2-3, 4, 6)

The UNESCO sites in the province of Syracuse are located on the island of Sicily. The Pantalica necropolis includes more than 5,000 tombs, which were carved into the rocks of the Iblean Mountains long before our era. And the ruins of ancient Syracuse indicate that here was the largest city of the Ancient era by area... Nowadays a modern city Syracuse is the capital of the province of the same name.

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Castle of Castel del Monte, Andria (1-3)

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“Su-Nuraksi” – ancient fortifications, Barumini (1, 3-4)

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Archaeological sites and Patriarchal Basilica, Aquileia (3-4, 6)

The ancient city of Aquileia is located in the province of Udine (Friuli Venezia Giulia). UNESCO sites in Aquilia are the Patriarchal Basilica (with baptistery and mosaic floor from the 4th century) and the extensive.

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• Temples of Udine. Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica of Beata Vergine delle Grazie, Church of San Francesco

Temple of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Last Supper, Milan (1, 2)

In 1980, the UNESCO site in Milan - the Dominican monastery complex, together with the central church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Last Supper (15th century) - was the first in Italy to be included in the World Heritage List. Leonardo da Vinci painted the legendary painting on the wall of the monastery refectory. Here she miraculously survived even during the Second World War.

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The city of Vicenza and the villas of the architect Palladio, Veneto (1-2)

Vicenza is called the city of Andrea Palladio, the great architect of the late Renaissance and Mannerism. He built many villas in the vicinity of Vicenza and Venice. Especially famous among the UNESCO sites in Veneto are La Rotonda and Villa Almerico-Valmarana.

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Botanical Garden, Padua (2-3)

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Historic center of Urbino (2, 4)

The center of this beautiful city(province of Pesaro and Urbino in the Marche) arose during the Renaissance. The most significant UNESCO sites in Urbino are the Palazzo Ducale and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heavenly Glory.

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• Temples of Urbino. Of particular interest are two 15th century churches: San Domenico and San Spirito.

City of Verona, Veneto (2, 4)

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• Temples of Catania. Cathedral of St. Agatha, Collegiate Santa Maria dell'Elemosina, Basilica of St. Nicholas, Church of St. Francis and St. Benedict, etc.

Mount San Giorgio, Lombardy (8)

In Italy, Monte San Giorgio is located in the province of Varese and belongs to natural objects UNESCO in Lombardy. At the same time, the main part of this mountain is geographically located in Switzerland. San Giorgio carefully preserves fossils of marine life that lived 245–230 million years ago.

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• What to see in Vares? The center of the province, the city of Varese, is proud of the Basilica of San Vittore and the palace-villa of Francesco d'Este. Not far from the city are the chapels of Sacri Monti.

By the way, it already exists new UNESCO tentative list, which contains a large list of the following World Heritage candidates from Italy. This list contains more than 40 objects. Many of them may soon prove their value and complement the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There are also candidate objects in new categories. They draw our attention to the rare natural attractions of Italy, including patterns of ecosystem development(9) and on biological diversity(10), especially in need of protection and preservation.

Glory to Italy as a country famous throughout the world for its cultural, artistic and architectural masterpieces, unique natural beauties, also imposes some responsibilities: many of the material and intangible assets require constant attention and special, careful treatment - so that the heritage of the past can serve future generations.

It is no coincidence that Italy is a country with greatest number sites under the protection of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). In total, the UNESCO World Heritage List includes 936 sites in 153 countries, of which Italy alone accounts for 47 sites, followed by Spain (43 sites) and China (41 sites)

So, 47 additional reasons to visit Italy, by region, from north to south.

Piedmont

Palaces of the House of Savoy in Turin and surrounding areas. The site was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1997 as a striking and complete example of monumental European architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. The complex of palaces includes Palazzo Madama, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Carignano, Valentino, Racconigi castles, Stupinigi hunting castle, Moncalieri castle and others.

Portovenere, the islands of Palmaria, Tino, Tinetto and the Cinque Terre National Park (Five Lands)– rugged area Ligurian coast in the province of La Spezia, on which there are five towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, founded here in the Middle Ages. This natural and cultural complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.

Crespi d'Adda (1995) is a working village located in Capriate San Gervasio in the province of Bergamo. The factory village of Crespi was included in the UNESCO list as the best example of an industrial village that has survived to this day. Its houses were built by enlightened entrepreneurs in the 19th and early 20th centuries and remained inhabited until 2003.

Rhaetian Railway. Part of this railway, passing through the territory of Albula and Bernina, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Railway was built in 1904 and is an outstanding technical and architectural complex, including tunnels, covered galleries, viaducts and bridges.

Mount Monte San Giorgio(jointly with Switzerland) was included in the World Heritage List in 2003 for its unique paleontological finds from the Triassic period. About 240 million years ago there was a sea here, and the fossilized remains of its inhabitants, abundantly preserved in this area, became the subject of close study by researchers.

Mantua and Sabbioneta– these two cities in the Po Valley became part of the World Heritage Site in 2009 as outstanding examples of urban development, architecture and art of the Renaissance in Italy

Veneto

Friuli – Venezia Giulia

Patriarchal Basilica and Archaeological Reserve of Aquileia (1998)- a valuable archaeological monument, since Aquileia was one of the largest and richest cities in the early period of the Roman Empire, most of it remains to be excavated. In addition, the Patriarchal Basilica complex with its unique mosaic floors played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in central medieval Europe.

Emilia-Romagna

Early Christian monuments in the city of Ravenna (1996) are of great cultural interest thanks to the unique early Christian mosaics that have been preserved in eight Ravenna monuments of the 5th-6th centuries. These are the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Baptistery of the Orthodox and Arians, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, the Archbishop's Chapel, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Basilica of San Vitale.

Modena: Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande (1997). This 12th-century architectural complex is a striking example of early Romanesque art.

Marche

Historic center of Urbino (1998). Urbino experienced its greatest prosperity in the 15th century, when the most outstanding scientists and artists from all over Italy and beyond worked there. And to this day historical center Urbino retains many Renaissance features.

Tuscany

Historic Center of Florence (1982) contains the most important cultural treasures of Florence, which reached its economic and cultural heyday in the 15th-16th centuries. This is Duomo Square with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi and Pitti palaces, works by such masters as Giotto, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Botticelli.

Historic Center of Siena (1985) is a striking example of a medieval city that has preserved its appearance for centuries, which was formed in the 12th-15th centuries and then influenced all European art. Piazza del Campo, city ​​hall, the Torre del Mangia became the center around which Siena developed, the whole being a work of art, and the Siena Cathedral (Duomo) is an example of Italian Gothic.

Historical center of Pienza (1996)- this town in the province of Siena was decided to be included in the UNESCO list as representing the first embodiment of the concept of urban planning of the Renaissance, when in the 15th century Pope Pius II decided to rebuild a small village (the place of his birth) into an ideal city in the Renaissance style. New scheme urban planning - a group of buildings around a city square - was subsequently adopted by other European architects.

Val d'Orcia (2004)is an agricultural landscape near Siena, which was inhabited and formed in the 14th-15th centuries. The landscapes of the valley are depicted in many works by Renaissance artists, who were inspired by the beauty of the landscape - flat plains and hills with fortified settlements on the tops, farms, monasteries, roads.

Umbria

Assisi: Basilica of St. Francis and Other Franciscan Shrines (2000). Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis and the birthplace of the entire Franciscan order, is famous for such masterpieces of medieval art, like the Basilica of San Francisco with frescoes by Giotto, the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Church of Santa Chiara who influenced the development of Italian and European art and architecture.

Lazio

The historical center of Rome and the Vatican domain, including the church of San Paolo fuori le Mura. Designated by UNESCO in 1980 and then expanded in 1990, this World Heritage Site includes: important monuments of the ancient period, such as the forums, the Pantheon, the mausoleums of Augustus and Hadrian, the columns of Trajan and Marcus Aurelius, as well as many religious and public buildings of papal Rome.

Villa Adriana at Tivoli near Rome (1999)- the best preserved example of an imperial villa. The villa is a complex of classical buildings (originally there were about 30), built in the 2nd century under Emperor Hadrian.

Villa d'Este at Tivoli (2001)- one of the most striking and significant examples of Renaissance culture in its heyday. The design of the villa's park in an innovative solution (fountains, swimming pools, small architectural forms) became a model for the subsequent development of gardens and parks throughout Europe.

Etruscan necropolises in Cerveteri and Tarquinia (2004) are unique evidence of the ancient Etruscan civilization and reflect burial methods in the 9th-1st centuries BC. The wall paintings of excellent quality that decorate many of the tombs tell of various aspects of Etruscan life.

Campaign

Amalfi Coast (1997)- an example of a Mediterranean landscape of exceptional beauty and natural diversity. Coastal cities such as Amalfi and Ravello contain many architectural and artistic treasures.

Archaeological zones - Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata (1997). The ruins of the two ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum and their surroundings, which perished after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79, were excavated and put on display in the 18th century, giving a comprehensive picture of the society and daily life of the period.

Royal Palace of Caserta with park, Vanvitelli aqueduct and factory village of San Leucio (1997)- this palace complex was created in the 18th century according to a design by Vanvitelli in an attempt to surpass Versailles and the royal palace in Madrid. Magnificent palace surrounded by parks and natural landscapes, the silk mill and workers' cottages reflect the Age of Enlightenment well

Cultural landscape of the Cilento area, Vallo di Diano National Park, archaeological sites of Paestum and Elea, Certosa di Padula monastery (1998). Since ancient times, the Cilento region has served as a crossroads important for cultural, political, and trade communications, as reflected in the clusters of settlements and sanctuaries located along three mountain ranges.

Apulia

Trulli– traditional residential buildings in the city of Alberobello (1996). These are unique houses with a conical roof, built according to ancient technology dry masonry, which is still used in this region today.

Basilicata

Aeolian (Aeolian) Islands (2000) provide insight into modern volcanic processes, having been the object of observation by scientists since at least the 18th century and significantly enriching geology and volcanology, in particular with examples of two different types of eruption.

Late Baroque Cities in the Noto Valley (2002). Eight cities in the south-east of Sicily - Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa, Scicli, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693 in the same late Baroque style, are characterized by innovative, at times, development methods.

Ancient Syracuse and the rock necropolis of Pantalica (2005). The historical part of Syracuse represents a unique evidence of the development of the Mediterranean over more than three millennia - from Byzantium to the Bourbons. In the Pantalika necropolis you can see more than 5,000 rock tombs, most of which date back to the 13th-7th centuries. BC

Sardinia

Longobards in Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Umbria, Campania, Apulia)– this UNESCO site covers seven groups of buildings (fortresses, churches, monasteries) in Italy, telling about the stay of the Longobards on the Apennine Peninsula in the 6th-8th centuries.

Prehistoric pile dwellings in the vicinity of the Alps (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont, Trentino - Alto Adige) - this UNESCO site includes the surviving remains of prehistoric pile settlements that were built in the Alps from approximately 5000 to 500 BC. e. on the banks of lakes, rivers or in marshy areas.

In addition to the above sites, there are two more sites on the Apennine Peninsula that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - This is the Vatican State (1984) And State of San Marino (historic center of San Marino and Monte Titano, 2008).

Intangible UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Sicilian puppet theater "Opera dei Pupi" (2001, 2008)- a puppet theater that appeared in Sicily at the beginning of the 19th century. In their performances, puppeteers, improvising, told sagas and legends about knights, saints and robbers. The two schools of Sicilian puppet theater (Catania and Palermo) differ from each other both in the technique of puppet movements and in the plots of the performances. The secrets of this art were passed strictly from father to son.

Mediterranean diet (2010, jointly with Spain, Greece and Morocco)- a nutritional pattern characteristic of the countries of the Mediterranean basin, interest in which has increased in recent years far beyond Europe.