Italy, main attractions

Duomo (Cathedral)

Located at Piazza del Duomo in Milan, this is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the whole world. The construction of the cathedral started in 1386, but it was completed only in 1809. It has magnificent windows made of stained glass, and houses a grand total of 3,400 amazing statues, 135 interesting spires, as well as 96 gargoyles. It is so large it can seat around 40,000 people. The cathedral has a museum, the Museo del Duomo which showcases the amazing treasures from the duomo. The cathedral is open everyday from 7am until 7pm . Admission in the cathedral is free. Admission in the museum costs €8.

Theatre Museum at La Scala (Museo Teatrale alla Scala)

This is an opera house located at Largo Ghiringhelli 1, Piazza della Scala, Milan . It is popular all over the world because of the numerous memorabilias from the opera house dedicated to Rossini, Toscanini, Puccini , and other famous Italian composers and performers. Verdi has two halls dedicated to him alone which showcase his hand-written scores, spinet, and baton. The museum is open everyday from 9am until 12.30pm and again from 1.30pm until 5.30o. Admission price is € 5.

Basilica di San Pietro (St Peter's Basilica)

Located at Piazza San Petro, Vatican City, it lies above the site of the tomb of St. Peter. Among the sculptures on display encased in a bullet-proof glass container is the Pieta. It also has St. Peter's bronze statue by Arnolfo da Cambio and Bernini's Throne of St Peter. The Necropolis, the reputed site of the tomb of St. Peter, can be found a level below the Vatican Grottoes.

The Grand Canal (Canalazzo)

This is the center of activities in Venice, and has three bridges where pedestrians take to walk across the canal. It has amazing palaces and beautiful buildings like the Ca da Mosto, Ca d'Ora or the House of Gold, the Palazzo Corner-Spinelli, Palazzo Corner (Ca Granda), Grimani di San Luca, and the Palazzo Vendramin Calergi.