UNESCO Sites in Southern Italy Are Destinations to See

Italy is home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world with the astonishing number of 51. This isn’t surprising because of UNESCO’s definition: a landmark or area that has special cultural or physical significance. Most of Italy is just that. Almost every region is historically significant and culturally profound. However, the Southern region of Italy is especially filled with stunning sites that UNESCO recognizes.

Valley of the Temples in Sicily. Courtesy of thethinkingtraveller.com

Valley of the Temples  – AGRIGENTO, SICILY.

This valley consists of eight temples and other remains that were built between 510 BC and 430 BC. These temples are Greek Doric style and rival the temples of those in Athens.

 

Lipari – the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Courtesy of wishsicily.com

Aeolian Islands – TYRRENHIAN SEA

There are seven Aeolian Islands just north of Sicily. Each one is still an active volcano. The island of Stromboli is the most active volcano in Europe. Lipari is the largest of the islands and hosts an archaeological museum that shows over 5,000 years of civilization of the island and archipelago.

 

Royal Palace of Caserta in Campania, Italy. Courtesy of italy24.ilsole24ore.com

Royal Palace of Caserta – CAMPANIA

This palace was built in Caserta for the Bourbon kings of Naples in the 18th century. To this day, it is the largest royal palace in the world. Its location is why quite a few movies have taken place there, including Star Wars.

 

Pompeii. Courtesy of smithsonianmag.com

Pompeii – CAMPANIA

Pompeii and Herculaneum are both UNESCO sites after Vesuvius erupted in 79 BC covering the towns and creating some of the best archaeological finds that exist today. The ruins have been much like unwrapping a present or reading a story – we are finding the details of the original inhabitants’ daily lives.

 

Positano – one of the towns along the Amalfi Coast. Courtesy of sportourism.id

Amalfi Coast – MEDITERRANEAN COASTLINE

 

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