Italy’s historic attractions have captivated artists, intellectuals, and travelers for centuries – all drawn to the well-preserved fragments of Italy’s divine antiquities. Historic hotels in Italy place budding historians in the midst of thousands of years of history, stretching from the early Etruscan civilization through to the powerful Roman Empire and beyond. Captivating architecture on the banks of the River Tiber is home to luxury hotels ideal for romantic getaways. In Florence, hotels overlook the 14th century Ponte Vecchio or Piazza della Repubblica, placing you in some the midst of Italy’s best loved historic attractions.

Historic hotels in Italy: Timeless beauty that spans millennia

Rome: Ruins of an almighty Empire

Rome’s history is embroiled in both archeological findings and intriguing myth, making it a truly captivating place to stay and explore. Well-preserved ruins of the ancient Roman Empire litter this now cosmopolitan capital city. A historic hotel in the center will allow you access to it all, including the imposing Colosseum – the iconic amphitheater in which it is estimated some 400,000 died over the 390 years it was in use. The Roman Forum is another fantastic ancient site to explore, and you can learn more about Roman Emperors Julius Caesar and Augustus from the sculptures and artworks in the Capitoline Museums. A hotel close to Vatican City offers an opportunity to witness life at the beating heart of the Catholic world. Admire the grandeur of Saint Peter’s Square and the world-famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century.

Florence: Where art and history collide

The capital of Italy’s picturesque Tuscan region, Florence astounds with its variety of gorgeous and well located hotels in and around the city’s historic city center. Dominating the skyline is the majestic Santa Maria del Fiore – also known as the Duomo. With its Gothic façade, stained-glass windows, statues, mosaics, and frescos, this 13th century cathedral is a building frozen in time. To see some of the world’s most famous Renaissance art in one of the world’s most famous museums, book a tour of the Uffizi Gallery, located adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria and close to some of the most historic hotels in Italy. Inside you will find priceless works such as Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ and Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Baptism of Christ.’ You can find Michelangelo’s iconic ‘David’ in the Galleria dell’Accademia, where it has been housed since 1873. For the best views over Florence take a walk up to Piazza Michelangelo for panoramic vistas and gorgeous sunsets.

Naples: The ancient city in the shadow of the volcano

Historic hotels in Italy’s stunning Campania region put you close to one of the country’s most diverse and ancient destinations. In the shadow of Mount Vesuvius lies Naples, a city overflowing with cultural and historic wonders. The city center is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, glistening with palaces, museums, religious edifices, and timeless architecture. Naples Harbor impresses with luxury yachts and a gentle sea breeze while the Santa Lucia district offers up a delicious taste of traditional life and culture. Tiny cafes, artisan stores, and takeaway bites make up the narrow streets of this truly Neapolitan destination. Naples is also the gateway to Pompeii, the infamous city which was preserved in the ashes of Vesuvius some 3,800 years ago. Here you can literally walk in the footsteps of the past by strolling through the streets of this magnificently well-preserved city. Admire the Casa del Fauno (Pompeii’s largest private house), its enormous Amphitheatre, and the impressive Forum found in Pompeii’s center. Another much smaller town destroyed and preserved by the same eruption is Herculaneum, which can be found a lot closer to most of Naples’ historic hotels.