If you consider yourself a bit of a history nerd, you best add Italy to your travel bucket list.

Italy is known for many things - art, food, wine, architecture, and its rich history. Whether you're curious about ancient Rome, the Renaissance period, or other influential civilizations, Italy has it all. 

Limited time in the country makes narrowing down Italy tourist attractions tough. We've taken the liberty of compiling our favorite five places to help make your trip easier. 

Keep reading the best Italy vacation spots for history and architecture lovers. 

1. The Colosseum 

The Colosseum is an absolute must-see for any tourist. Over seven million history buffs visit the Colosseum every year. 

This massive stone amphitheater in Rome was a gift to the Roman people in 70 A.D. It was the sight of gladiator combats and wild animal fights. The Colosseum was used for centuries before it fell into disarray. 

Only one-third of the original structure still stands today. It's still a popular tourist hotspot and an iconic symbol of the city's history.

You can visit the Colosseum on your own or else plan a colosseum tour here. Organized tours are often given preferential treatment over general admission guests.

2. Herculaneum 

Herculaneum, an ancient Rome town, stood in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius on that fateful day in 79 A.D.

Though Pompeii took the brunt of the pyroclastic flow, Herculaneum took a beating, too. 

The town was under 16 meters of ash and mud following the eruption. These materials helped to preserve some of the buildings. To this day, features in marble, decor, and even food remain preserved. If you've ever wanted to glimpse into the life of ancient Romans, a visit to Herculaneum is necessary.

3. Saint Mark's Basilica

Saint Mark's Basilica was constructed during the 9th century in Venice. Its original purpose was to house Saint Mark's tomb. It served as the private chapel for the city's Doge for hundreds of years. 

In 1807, it became the seat for the Patriarch of Venice. Today the cathedral is a hot spot for visitors taking a trip to Italy.

It's a true architectural marvel with its Byzantine Empire influence. The cathedral's exterior is easily recognizable by its domes, vaults, and pillars. 

The interior is a sight to see with over 800 square meters of mosaics and jaw-dropping domes. 

4. Roman Forum

If there's one thing that Italy is chock full of, it's ancient Roman ruins. The Forum is one of the best places to visit in Italy if you're into Roman history. 

The Forum Romanum was in the center of Rome and was originally a marketplace. As time went on, the purpose of the Forum continued to develop. It became home to important activities like elections, religious ceremonies, and criminal trials.

Many of the city's most impressive monuments and sites were found in the Forum. The Temple of Saturn, built in 498 B.C., was one of the earliest temples in the area. 

5. The Florence Cathedral

The Florence Cathedral is the fourth largest church in the world. Construction began close to the end of the 13th century on top of the site of an older church. In fact, if you were to visit the crypt, you may be able to see still-standing remains from the old site. 

This Italian-Gothic inspired cathedral took over 140 years to build. The builders had a grand plan for the dome of the church, but the technology to construct it wasn't quite there at the time. The cathedral survived with a gaping hole in its roof until Filippo Brunelleschi came up with a plan. 

To this day, the Florence Cathedral dome is the largest masonry dome on Earth. 

Visit the Best Italy Tourist Attractions

Whether you're visiting for the food, wine, or culture, you'd be amiss to not drink in the history while you're there. Take your pick from our favorite Italy tourist attractions to ensure your holiday is both educational and fun.

Check out our Travel Tips section to learn how to make your next trip a success.