11. Perugia
Tuscany seems to get all the glory, but Umbria holds its own as well. Its small and friendly capital, Perugia, is a gem of cobblestoned alleyways, storied mansions, historic churches and inviting piazzas. While this Etruscan city is seeped in the past, it also has a modern energy due to its role as a student-filled university town. There’s always a concert, festival or artistic happening around here. Views of the surrounding hills and valleys are blissful.
12. Florence
Florence (Firenze) is a major magnetic draw within Italy, the kind of place you can return to again and again and always discover something new. It’s like stepping back into Renaissance times, except with more gawking tourists around. You can’t blame them, as you will be slack-jawed too. Everywhere you look is a magnificent marvel of art, architecture or sculpture, and that’s not even touching on the exceptional food and wine. From the Duomo to the Uffizi, the Piazza della Signoria to the Ponte Vecchio, you will be soaking in beauty in this remarkable city.
What would you add to this list of beautiful cities in Italy?