By Francesca Montillo, ISDA Food + Travel Writer 

Italy holds claim to 58 UNESCO sites (the most of any nation), with 31 additional sites on the tentative list right now. It’s incredible; all that history and enlightenment from a country slightly larger than the state of Arizona. And it means that no matter how many times you’ve been to Italy, there’s always so much more to see, and do. While I don’t plan on visiting every site, I have made it a personal and professional goal to visit every region in Italy. I’m still lacking a few; I’m looking at you Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Marche, Molise and Valle D’Aosta.

After a quick count, turns out I have been to 26 Italian UNESCO sites, and each one reminds me of how fortunate I am to do what I do, and to have been born in this cradle of Western civilization. Without further ado, I wanted to share a handful of my favorite sites with you. This is not an end-all-be-all list, as picking favorites of anything in Italy is next to impossible, but I wanted to open a door to the places I love dearly.

Basilica of San Francesco, Assisi

Few churches in the world breathe an atmosphere of intense and collective spirituality like The Basilica of San Francis of Assisi. Completed in 1253, the Basilica is the beating heart of the town in the province of Perugia, and a reference point for the entire Catholic world. The Basilica is divided into two parts, the upper Basilica has a gabled façade made bright by a large rose window that’s flanked by a bell tower. When looking up, it’s as if the stonework soars to the sky.

The interior of the lower Basilica is bathed in famous frescoes by artists such as Giotto, Cimabue and Simone Martini. Here, the surroundings are darker and more intimate, inviting silence and prayer. It is no coincidence that the Crypt of San Francesco is accessed from the lower Basilica, which houses the coffin of the saint.

Back outside, walk under the arches of the outstretched portico in front of the entrance to the Basilica and take a moment to admire the panorama that surrounds you, a breathtaking view awaits. Both the Basilica and the town of Assisi will always hold a special place in my heart, perhaps because St. Francis is my “name saint,” or perhaps because San Francesco happens to be the Patron Saint of pets and animals (he has certainly looked out for my mischievous canine a time or two).

The City of Verona 

Verona is one of the oldest and most beautiful Italian cities. It’s second only to Venice in size, but for some reason, to me Verona feels small and cherished. Close to Lake Garda, lovely Verona — a UNESCO site since 2000 — is one of the most beloved Italian cities (and my favorite). During the summer months, visiting ancient Verona can provoke a mix of emotion. Enjoying an evening at the arena is a must. The arena is a Roman amphitheater that can hold 15,000 spectators, and an evening here alone justifies the trip. Contemporary artists who have held concerts here include Andrea Bocelli, Paul McCartney, and Sting, just to name a few.

In Verona, it’s easy to feel transported thousands of years back in time. Enter Piazza Erbe (my favorite piazza in Verona), or Piazza Bra, or walk on the Ponte Stone, or go through the Borsari and Leoni gates, and back in time you are. Verona is also the birthplace of “Romeo and Juliet,” the protagonists of the famous Shakespearean tragedy. An immortal story that can be relived by visiting Casa Capuleti, be sure to look out on the balcony and swear your love to your beloved! Not visiting with a loved one? No problem. In Verona it won’t be too difficult to soothe your sorrows in good food or wine. Between risotto with radicchio, risi e bisi,  various asparagus dishes, all washed down with a nice glass of Valpolicella or Amarone, and Verona will still have plenty to offer you.

The Amalfi Coast

It’s not by coincidence that the Amalfi Coast happens to be the most popular culinary tour that I host. I don’t think there is a need to convince anyone to visit. Known by practically everyone, the coastal stretch that overlooks the Gulf of Salerno and goes from Positano to Vietri sul Mare is pure wonder, a feast for the eyes. With its overhanging cliffs, celestial blue waters, tiny bays and terraces planted with vines, olive trees and citrus fruits, the Amalfi Coast is most deserving of making the UNESCO cut.

Starting from Positano, with its colorful houses and the domes of the churches with tiled roofs, then move toward Amalfi, the jewel of the coast, and you’re in for a treat for all senses. Visit the Cathedral of St. Andrea, the patron saint of Amalfi, and stop at Pasticceria Pansa afterwards for an espresso and a Delizia al Limone pastry. In less than a mile from Amalfi, you’ll reach Atrani, the smallest town in Italy with narrow alleys and houses that climb up a hill.

A little farther north is Villa Cimbrone in Ravello with its splendid gardens and the Terrace of Infinity, which offers a spectacular view. Not far away are Maiori and Minori, worthwhile stops as you make your way along the coast. Vietri sul Mare is known for its splendid artistic ceramics, while Cetara is a small fishing village frozen in time. If you love a gentle hike, go along the Path of the Gods, which connects Agerola and Positano.

The City of Florence

What more can be said about Florence? A unique destination that has fascinated travelers from all over the world for centuries, with its many beauties and absolute charm. Classical art, a thousand historical references, the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery!

Florence is synonymous with the Renaissance, a treasure trove of art and beauty. Michelangelo, Giotto, Brunelleschi, Donatello almost become travel companions during your visit to the city. You meet them in museums and churches, even outdoors, in places such as the Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the Boboli Gardens. Getting to know Florence, through its palaces, monuments and museums is certainly an effective way to discover the charm of the Medici city adored by all who visit.

When art, history, museums and churches have run their course, one of my favorite activities is simply to become a Florentine for an hour, enjoying a coffee, pastry and people-watching at one of the city’s famous cafes. Visit the Paszkowski Café Concerto, born in 1846 as a brewery, but soon became a Concerto Café where the famous Paszkowski band performed with a female orchestra (very rare at the time). Or perhaps enjoy an outdoor drink at Caffè Gilli, in Piazza della Repubblica, an elegant café, frequented in the past by artists and intellectuals such as Marinetti and Ardengo Soffici.

The City of Naples

Naples, perhaps one of Italy’s most misunderstood cities, is also on the list of favorite sites for me, for its uniqueness and for sentimental reasons. You see, my first “big trip” as a young child living in Calabria was to Naples. Not to sightsee, but to visit the U.S. Embassy and obtain my U.S. passport. It is in Naples, ironically, that I became an American.

Visit Naples because each district of the historic center has a unique soul, from the very central district of Montecalvario, to that of San Giuseppe, close to the Port of Naples, without forgetting the Avvocata district and the Pendino district, among the areas of Naples richest in churches. Farther north, but still in the historic center of Naples, there is the district of San Carlo all’Arena with the splendid Piazza Carlo III and the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli alle Croci.

The streets of Naples are lively, full of people who come and go. Markets are plentiful, with their fruit stalls, seafood, clothes, and screaming merchants shouting about their goods. The people of Naples are simple, authentic, without apology. They carry on with a smile as if hiding a secret. Their accent is undeniable, and they can make you feel at home immediately. Neapolitans are proud, proud to live there and proud of being from there. The glitz of the Amalfi Coast, just about an hour away, seems and feels much farther in distance. Visit Naples for its food. It’s practically impossible to have a bad meal here. In Naples, food has value, has passion, has life. Just look into the eyes of any pizzaiolo, and you’ll find love for his craft.

“Vedi Napoli e puoi muori” is a famous saying that means, “See Naples and then die.” But why such a morbid saying? It’s not morbid at all really, it means that to discover its beauty, you have seen it all, it will leave you breathless.

The City of Rome

It is no coincidence that Rome is known worldwide as the “Eternal City.” In Rome, time seems to have stopped and its monuments and archaeological sites transform a simple walk through the streets of the city into a sublime dive through the millennia. Walking the streets of Rome means walking through history, an outdoor museum. You not only observe the many archaeological finds of the city, for a walk in Rome is a real immersion in its past, when gladiators fought within the walls of the Colosseum, and philosophers strolled in the forum. Among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with more than 16 million annual travelers, Rome is ranked third in terms of Europe’s most-visited cities.

The center boasts mythical places such as the Imperial Forums, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, but also neighborhoods full of charm, where you can breathe the true Roman spirit, made up of local culture and great cuisine. Without forgetting that Rome has the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square, among the most popular religious destinations in the world.

Headed to Rome this spring or summer? After you have seen all the historical aspects of the city, perhaps consider paying homage to carbonara. The recipe for this iconic dish has been handed down for generations: eggs, pecorino romano, guanciale (pork cheek), and black pepper. Everyone has their own secret for its execution, of course, but the one constant ingredient, or rather lack thereof, is cream. Never add cream to your carbonara pasta!

The Hamlet of San Gimignano

San Gimignano is located in the province of Siena, Tuscany. A medieval village, perched on a hill, surrounded by walls that are shadowed by high towers. Each tower corresponds to a family that once lived there, and I am sure it will not surprise you to learn that the higher the tower, the more noble and wealthy the family that lived there. San Gimignano is a true gem indeed.

It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany, and its medieval center has earned the inclusion as a UNESCO site. The center goes back to the 13th and 14th centuries. However, what makes the village of San Gimignano special are in fact these ancient towers that in the distance still define the skyline of the town. Unfortunately, of the 72 original towers, only 14 remain today.

There are two main entrances to the village, Porta San Giovanni and Porta San Matteo, these are the two main “doors” to the historic center of San Gimignano. Porta San Giovanni is the entrance that we use typically when we visit during my Tuscan culinary adventures. This is the southern entrance to the city, and this gate has long been the most important in the city and welcomed those coming from Siena.

Because any visit can be tied to the local cuisine and specialties, if you’re visiting San Gimignano, be sure to make a stop at Gelateria Dondoli, named by several organizations as the best gelateria in the world!

The Trulli of Alberobello

Visiting Alberobello for me is like stepping into a fairytale village. The trulli are cone-shaped domed homes all very similar to one another that seemed to have risen from the pages of a fantasy novel. Alberobello has been listed among the UNESCO sites since 1996, and its historic center is divided into two districts: the Aia Piccola district where most of the citizens still live, and the Monti district, where most of the trulli here are no longer being used as private homes.

Curiosity would have one question how these little homes came to be. The town was born at the end of the 14th century, and according to some studies, the trulli are the result of a scheme devised to avoid paying property taxes. The appearance of these constructions had to be deliberately precarious to give the impression of easily demolished buildings in the event of an inspection.

The small size of the historic center makes Alberobello easily visited, and like many of the other UNESCO sites mentioned, it can get a bit touristy, but as I always say, places are touristy because they are worth visiting.

There you have it

Just a few of my favorite UNESCO sites in Italy for you to consider on your next visit. Not detailed above for the sake of space, but certainly worth adding to your list of must-see stops include the canals of Venice, Siena, Pienza, Bologna, Mt. Etna. Shall I go on? I could! There is just so much to love about Italy!

-Francesca is a native Italian living in Boston, Mass. An avid home cook and baker, she is a culinary instructor who enjoys teaching others how to prepare simple and authentic Italian dishes. Francesca is also the owner of Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures, which offers week-long culinary trips to Italy.