It is difficult – if not impossible – to limit a list of things to do in Italy to 100, and even more difficult to put them in order of descending significance or entertainment value: home to Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Etruscans, Greeks and Romans, with islands as diverse as dour Sicily and African-influenced Pantelleria and cultures as far apart as Renaissance Venice and the prehistoric Trulli in Alberobello, Italy is a vibrant and colorful hotch-potch, a land of stark and passionately defended contrasts.

Let’s continue the count…

64. Cinecitta Studios (Rome)

Dubbed “Italy’s Hollywood”, the Cinecitta Studios were founded in 1937 by Benito Mussolini to promote Italian films, but also inarguably for propaganda purposes. Many famous Italian and international films have been shot there, including “La Dolce Vita” (1960), Zeffirelli’s “Romeo and Juliet” (1968) and Fellini’s “Casanova” (1976), as well as Mel Gibson`s “The Passion of Christ” in more modern times.

For a unique glimpse into the workings behind the big screen for film lovers of all ages, the Cinecitta Studios are a must for visitors to Rome. The studios are on the Piazza di Cinecitta, easily accessible by metro from Rome’s Termini railway station in around 25 minutes.

65. Santa Maria in Trastevere (Rome)

Home of two papal tombs and the relic of a saint (the head of St. Apollonia), this 4th century Basilica in central Rome is probably the first Roman church which was dedicated to Mary. Particularly famous are the 12th and 13th century mosaics decorating its exterior and interior. According to legend, the church was founded on the site of an old inn, in which a well of olive oil sprang into being at the moment Christ was born.

The Santa Maria in Trastevere is accessible from Rome Termini railway station in under 30 minutes by bus (exit Sonnino – San Gallicano, then 4 minutes on foot).

66. Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti (Rome)

The “Spanish Steps” is a series of 135 steps connecting the Piazza di Spagna with the church at the top of the Piazza Trinitá dei Monti, with excellent views of the city of Rome. The steps were originally designed for a competition in 1717; frequent restoration has since taken place. A pleasant spot to take a break, picnicking on the steps is sadly forbidden and the steps are generally rife with tourists.

Definitely worth a visit if only for the view, the “Scalinata della Trinitá dei Monti” are accessible in 7 minutes by subway from Rome Termini railway station (exit: Spagna).

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