abbatesamu's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Loading map...
Florence, Italy

La Berta

Legend says this mysterious stone head belongs to a woman who was petrified by an alchemist.
Lucca, Italy

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro

This bustling Italian plaza is built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
Vallombrosa, Italy

Vallombrosa Abbey

A 14th-century abbey founded by a forest-loving order of monks now sits in the center of a pristine nature preserve.
Poppi, Italy

Castello di Poppi

During World War II, a number of important sculptures and paintings were moved to this castle for safekeeping.
Chiusdino, Italy

Abbey of San Galgano

These gutted monastery ruins still stand proudly in the middle of the Italian countryside.
Chiusdino, Italy

The Sword in the Stone at Montesiepi Chapel

This sword isn't waiting for a king to pull it out. It was placed there by a saint.
Piacenza, Italy

Liver of Piacenza

The entire known universe of the ancient Etruscans is held inside this bronze model of a sheep’s liver.
Parma, Italy

Cattedrale di Parma (Parma Cathedral)

The city of Parma's cathedral is home to one of the greatest illusionistic frescoes of the Renaissance.
Ravenna, Italy

Basilica of San Vitale

This 6th-century church has the largest and best-preserved collection of Byzantine mosaics outside Constantinople.
Rimini, Italy

Italia in Miniatura

Famous landmarks and structures from across Italy fill this miniature park.
San Marino, San Marino

Cava dei Balestrieri

Where members of the Crossbow Corps of San Marino demonstrate their skills.
Mantua, Italy

Mantua Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Pietro)

The seat of the Mantua bishop holds many secrets within its walls.
Mantua, Italy

Basilica di Sant'Andrea

It took more than 300 years to build this church, which is home to two sacred vessels believed to hold the blood of Christ.
Verona, Italy

Juliet's Balcony

Pilgrimage site for star-crossed lovers.
Padua, Italy

St. Anthony's Tongue

The incorrupt tongue of the patron saint of lost things is venerated in this basilica.
Padua, Italy

Prato della Valle

One of the largest squares in Europe contains an entire artificial island.
Padua, Italy

Padua Astronomical Clock

One of the world's oldest working clocks is curiously missing the Zodiac sign of Libra.
Pizzo, Italy

Chiesetta di Piedigrotta (Church of Piedigrotta)

This church carved into the rocks is full of enchanting stone statues.
Tropea, Italy

Santa Maria dell’Isola Monastery

A fairytale-like medieval church perched atop a rocky cliff on Italy's "Coast of the Gods."
Paestum, Italy

Sacello Ipogeico

The only visible remains of this ancient Greek underground temple is its roof protruding from the earth.
Santa Venere, Italy

Temple of Hera II

Also known as the Temple of Poseidon, this is one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world.
Colobraro, Italy

Colobraro

Just saying the name of this town out loud is said to bring bad luck.
Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello

Southern Italy's spinning top village.
Trani, Italy

Trani Cathedral

Three underground crypts and a pointed arch under the bell tower make this cathedral unique among Romanesque churches.