Italy
The world’s smallest nation has some astonishing sights
An outsized history as the seat of the Catholic Church brings with it an incredible collection of art and architecture.
- Brian Johnston
What would you do for cheap lodging in Italy? I spent a night with nuns
I have a fantasy of staying somewhere like the abbey in The Sound of Music. But my last-minute monastery stay reminds me of school.
- Justine Costigan
I stayed in Rome’s poshest area and it was surprisingly cheap
The city’s upper brow may live here, but for tourists it’s a sweet spot – close enough to the city’s most visited sights and far enough to feel Roman.
- Natasha Bazika
In winter, this Italian tourist mecca is a different (better) city
While a winter-time trip to Florence will never be yours alone, it allows you to adopt a laziness that feels in keeping with the true spirit of the city.
- Kurt Johnson
Move over, Florence: Milan’s answer to the Uffizi gallery is here
Milan, the northern Italian capital known mainly for fashion, design and finance, is staking its claim as a centre of art – as a plan conceived half a century ago reaches its culmination.
- Julietta Jameson
- Opinion
- Food and wine
A month of eating Italian pizza had me craving Australia’s version
Italian pizza is the result of centuries spent perfecting it, but perhaps that’s the problem.
- Natasha Bazika
- ★★★★½
- Train journeys
Italy’s biggest train station is surprisingly well planned and easy
It handles nearly 500,000 passengers every day, but it doesn’t feel like it. The dining options will make you want to arrive early.
- Jenny Hewett
The stunning Italian lake islands trapped in a Renaissance time warp
The influential House of Borromeo purchased four rocky islets on glorious Lake Maggiore in the 16th century and transformed them into showpieces.
- Julie Miller
- Opinion
- Europe
On holiday in Italy, I caught a pickpocket red-handed
Italian cities have a major problem with petty crime – as I discovered when strolling the crowded streets of Venice recently.
- Will Hide
- Opinion
- Culture holidays
Why you should avoid Rome in 2025 (and where to go instead)
Rome attracted 35 million visitors in 2023. In 2025, it’s expected to have that many again, plus 35 million more.
- Michael Gebicki
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/topic/italy-b01