5 Italian Photo Ops You Need to Add to the Bucket List
Ah, Italia! Is there anywhere in the world more romantic than the country that brought us Sofa Loren, tiramisu, and the philosophy of dolce far niente, or the sweetness of doing nothing? From old world cobbled streets overlooked by balconies dripping with wisteria to the sweeping vista of the Amalfi Coast, Italy has everything to offer the starry-eyed traveller.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy, then you’re in for a treat – not to mention your Instagram feed. A single week in Italy will give you enough material to make a whole shelf of Instagram photo books that celebrate every bowl of pasta, every ancient monument, and every Vespa.
Keep reading to find out more about the locations that made it onto our must-see (and must-photograph) list.
1. The Piazza dei Miracoli
One of Italy’s most famous piazzas, although you may be more familiar with one of its headline acts: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And don’t get us wrong
The Piazza dei Miracoli is, as the name suggests, an architectural marvel. At one end, you’ll find the Leaning Tower – so named because of the soft ground beneath it. Luckily, it’s been leaning that way for close to 1,000 years, so walk in its shadow in confidence! The tower is also known as the campanile, which translates to bell tower.
Behind the tower, you’ll find the Duomo and the Baptistry, which are also sinking very, very, very slowly into the soft foundations beneath.
Whether you’re looking to check the classic forced perspective snap of you pushing the campanile askew off your bucket list, or what to capture some of the incredible architecture and art around every corner in the Piazza dei Miracoli, this is one spot not to miss.
2. Positano
Possibly one of the most Instagrammed villages in the world, Positano offers some of the most breath-taking views over the Amalfi Coast – particularly if you can make the hike up to the viewpoint on Via Cristoforo Colombo, which really is the *chef’s kiss* of views.
The crystalline blue waters of the Mediterranean contrast perfectly with the vibrant colours of Positano’s houses, each one perched on the hill that pours down to the coastline. Make sure you get a few panoramic shots before you get a few romantic selfies against the backdrop of a perfect Italian sunset.
3. The Coliseum
What Italian vacay could be complete without a few pictures of the Coliseum? Arguably one of Italy’s most recognisable landmarks, this (almost) 2,000-year-old monument is testament to Rome’s unbroken link with its own ancient past.
Be sure to visit the Coliseum during the day, when the Mediterranean sunshine and heat, the cicadas and the business of the streets all collide to offer an incredible atmosphere reminiscent of the days when the Coliseum would play host to spectacle after spectacle.
If you get the chance, return at night time when the pale stonework is illuminated against a dark sky. The epitome of romance.
4. The Trevi Fountain
While you’ll likely never have the luck of seeing the fountain without a great crowd of people all looking to get the same photo ops as you, this one is still an unmissable item on your Italian To See list.
The good news is that the Trevi Fountain is around 85ft tall and 65ft wide, so there are plenty of good photo opportunities, even if you’re not at the very front of the crowd. Come back at night for a calmer atmosphere, and to see the sculptures illuminated.
5. The Colonnades (Vatican City)
The Vatican City is a small-but-powerful place to visit when you’re in Italy, and you can be sure of some stunning architecture. Make sure you spend plenty of time soaking up the atmosphere in Piazza San Pietro before taking a closer look (and some dramatic photos between) the Colonnades, which wrap around the quare on two sides and create some incredible, moody lighting just perfect for your camera roll throughout the day.
Early morning and late afternoon are best if you don’t want to spend a few hours photoshopping tourists out of your pics, but keep in mind the Vatican’s strict closing time, which is 6pm (with last admission at 4pm).
Whether you’re already packing your suitcase or in the early planning stages, there’s never a bad time to start fine-tuning your must-photograph list. Italy is a country of beautiful food, architecture and culture, and you’re bound to come back with some incredible snaps of your trip for your photo book maker. Bon voyage – or, as the Italians say, buon viaggo!
