During the mid-20th century, UNESCO decided to take initiatives in order to preserve the places and buildings in the world which are of a special physical or historical significance. As of 2012, the total number of such sites listed by UNESCO is 962, with Italy leading the group from the front having 47 sites in itself. This does not come as a surprise though; it was very obvious that a country with such glorious past will eventually be given its rightful place at the top.
Even a month-long trip is never going to be enough to pay visits to all 47 of them. Therefore, I present to you the top 5 among them which you should never even dream to give a miss.
#1. Rock Drawings, Valcamonica: This is the first World Heritage Site recognized from Italy. It is considered one of the biggest collections of prehistoric rock engravings, starting from the Epipaleolithic Age to the Medieval Age. The number of recognized symbols and figures are close to 300,000.
#2. Piazza dei Miracoli square: Considered as one of the epicenters of Medieval art, the entire square of the Pizza dei Miracoli (consisting of the Duomo, the Baptistry, the Composanto, the Campanile, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa) has been declared as a World Heritage Site.
#3. Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: This 760-year old World Heritage site is one of the favorite places for Christian pilgrimage in the country. Moreover, the Gothic architectural design of the basilica has the same captivating quality every time you visit the place.
#4. Castel del Monte, Apulia: This nearly 770-year old citadel and castle is well-known for its perfectly octagonal architecture. Completely surrounded by vineyards from all sides, its shape, the ambiance and the rich majesty of this place has to be felt in person to understand completely.
#5. Venice and its Lagoons: The city of Venice and its lagoons are perhaps the most ideal romantic location in the planet. The architectural beauty of these 118 small islands linked by bridges is both a visual and an aesthetic treat.
