Seven Wonders of Italy

The Coliseum, the Colosseum or the Flavian Amphitheatre, is a round amphitheater located in Rome. It is recognized as the largest amphitheater in the world holding between 50,000 to 80,000 people. Reenactments, dramas, gladiator battles, persecution of Christians and executions were all part of the potential entertainment.

An iconic structure recognized globally because of the unintended tilt to one side. This bell tower structure is located in the city of Pisa. The tower extends 185.9 feet (56.7 m) on the high side and the width of the walls at the ground is 8.5 feet (2.44 m). It would take 295 steps to reach the top.

This ancient forum of Rome is surrounded by a variety of historical government buildings. Most of the buildings are in ruins, but still reflects the magnificence of this one time empire. The actual square of the forum measures about 50 meters by 130 meters and was known as “The Forum” or Forum Magnum.

Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, but later rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian around 126 AD, the Pantheon is a temple in honor of the various gods. The temple measures 276 feet (84 m), 190 feet (58 m) wide, and 190 feet (58 m) high. The structure is circular but fronted by columns and an entry.

Located in Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel is the official home of the Pope. It is a large chapel within the Apostolic Palace. The chapel measures 134 feet (40.9), 44 feet (13.4 m), and 68 feet (20.7 m). The interior walls feature artwork that depicts the history of Moses, life of Jesus, and the resurrection, which is the most significant Christian truth.

This cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice is the most famous church in Venice and possibly all of Italy. Officially, it is called the Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark. It measures 251 feet (76.5 m) long and 205 feet (62.5 m) wide. The dome reaches a peak of 141 feet (43 m).

An active stratovolcano located on the east coast near Sicily, Mount Etna is the highest mountain in Italy and the highest active volcano in all of Europe. Mt. Etna reaches a peak of 10,922 feet (3,320 m), but this changes with ongoing eruptions. The mountain extends over 459 square miles (1,190 sq km). It is also one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Teatro alla Scala, affectionately known as La Scala, is one of the most well renowned opera houses in the world. It is located in Milan and hosted the first event on August 3rd, 1778. La Scala was home to many premieres with one of the most famous relationships occurring between La Scala and Giuseppe Verdi. This opera house seats 2,800 people.

Affectionately known as “City of Water,” “City of Bridges,” and “the Floating City,” Venice is an amazing city with streets of water. The Grand Canal serves as a major thorough-fair winding with an “S” curve through the heart of the city. Water buses and water taxis transport visitors through the city.

A former royal residence, the Royal Palace of Caserta is located in the city of Caserta of southern Italy. It was renowned as the largest palace in Europe and was originally built for the Bourbon kings of Naples. The palace has over 1,200 rooms with one of the most unique rooms serving as a replica of the famous Teatro alla Scala.

As a church located in Milan, the Milan Cathedral honored Santa Maria Nascente and now serves as the home for the Archbishop of Milan. It is the largest cathedral in Italy after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and is the 5th largest cathedral in the world. It is also one of the most artistic structures with numerous artworks decorating the inside as well.