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10 Most Overrated Things to Visit in Italy

Ask this member a question. viviandarkbloom italophile
Apr 11, 2006
2.0 of 5 stars based on 130 votes
Italy thrives on tourism, and rightly so. No matter what region of the country you go to, there is always something incredible to see. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to wait hours in a line to see it, or battle crowds for a good look at something that, in the long run, doesn't always seem worth it. Below are ten things (including one place) that you can safely skip on your next trip to the country--because it's just easier to pretend you've already seen it.
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Rome, Pisa, Sorrento, Florence, Venice, Capri, Naples, Vatican City
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1. The Colosseum, Rome
Colosseum (Colosseo), Rome, Lazio
From afar, the Colosseum looks impressive. But once you manage to get past the excruciating long lines, pickpockets, and "gladiators" who try to pressure you into having your photo taken with them, it's not much more than a gutted out arena.
2. Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa (La Torre di Pisa), Pisa, Tuscany
It's tall, and it leans, sort of like Lurch in The Addams Family. Take a picture of it and go have lunch in a less crowded area of Pisa.
3. The Pantheon, Rome
Pantheon, Rome, Lazio
Again, like the Colosseum, best viewed from outside. There's not much to see inside the Pantheon except the tomb of Italy's great king, Victor Emmanuele II. At night it's a magnet for aspiring rock stars and Hare Krishnas.
4. Sorrento
Sorrento, Campania
It's official: Sorrento is now an extension of the United Kingdom. There are enough English-style pubs, football jersey stores, and mediocre restaurants to make you think you're in some sort of Anglicized Little Italy. Sorrento lacks the charm and attractions of other Amalfi Coast towns.
5. Ponte Vecchio, Florence
Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Tuscany
Florence's famous bridge is a classic example of how we have spoiled that which we have loved: The Bridge is usually so crowded, even at night, that it is difficult at best to enjoy the views, the sights, and the sounds of Florence from this ideal vantage point.
6. Bridge of Sighs, Venice
Bridge of Sighs, Venice
Claustrophobia-inducing, dark, and dank, this bridge was the connection from the Doge's Palace to its prisons. If you want to get a sense of what it's like to be a condemned prisoner heading toward execution, then this is your cup of tea!
7. The Blue Grotto, Capri
Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), Capri, Campania
A boat trip to view Capri's legendary Blue Grotto is a gamble: You risk nausea, long waits, crowded boats, and being seriously overcharged. In the end, it's not worth the hassle.
8. The Spanish Steps, Rome
Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), Rome, Lazio
Not the place to try your Rocky impression. The excruciating climb to the top gives little to no payoff--you get much, much better views of Rome from the Capitoline or Palatine Hills.
9. Mount Vesuvius, Naples
Mount Vesuvius, Naples, Campania
Europe's only active volcano: Smoky and ominous, even from a distance. So why tempt fate?
10. La Pieta, Vatican City
La Pieta, Vatican City, Lazio
It is a shame that one of Michelangelo's best known and most beautiful works must reside behind smeared, bulletproof glass--that additionally catches the glare of camera flashes--to keep it safe from the multitude of visitors who view it every year. But sadly, you will see more detail of the sculpture by viewing the Pieta in a very good coffee table book.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Rome, Pisa, Sorrento, Florence, Venice, Capri, Naples, Vatican City