Italy is the place of origin of theRenaissance . It boasts workings by fabled artists like Leonardo da Vinci , Michelangelo , Raphael and Caravaggio . Italy also plays an important office in the United Nations , as one of the establish members of UNICEF ( United Nation ’s Childrens Fund ) and FAO ( Food and Agriculture Organization , which is base in Rome ) .
Though Italy ’s population only rank around 23rd in the world in terms of total universe ( approximately 60 million people ) , it ’s one of the most densely populated in Europe because of its small nation area . From the bustling streets of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice , each of these populous city contemplate a unique blending of ancient heritage , artistic achievement and urban contemporaneity .
Here are the 15largest metropolis in Italy , place bypopulation .
1. Rome (2.9 million)
The majuscule and the largest Italian city , Rome is a living museum ofancient history . Known as the Eternal City , this advanced European upper-case letter boasts iconic landmark like the Colosseum , the Roman Forum and St. Peter ’s Basilica in Vatican City . The metropolis ’s economy is also driven bytourism , as Rome is one of the most - see places in the worldly concern .
2. Milan (1.4 million)
Milan , the fashion and fiscal capital in northerly Italy , is make out for its sophistication and style . Its large city population reflects its thrivingdesignand luxury industries . The Duomo di Milano , La Scala Opera House and Leonardo da Vinci ’s " The Last Supper " are cardinal tourist attractive feature .
3. Naples (950,000)
Located in southern Italy , Naples is the birthplace ofneapolitan pizzaand home to landmark like the Naples Cathedral and Castel Nuovo . Nearby , Mount Vesuvius and the ancient ruins of Pompeii offer unforgettable experiences .
4. Turin (846,000)
The fourthly - most populated city in Italhy is Turin , the capital of the Piedmont neighborhood . It ’s known for its churrigueresco architecture and elegant squares . As the house of Fiat , it also plays a notable role in Italy ’s automotive industry . The city is also known for the Mole Antonelliana and its thriving café culture , as well as being a gateway to the Italian Alps .
5. Palermo (647,000)
Another one of Italy ’s major urban center is Palermo , the capital of Sicily . Its stunning mosaics , Palermo Cathedral and bustling food for thought markets reflect the city ’s mixture of Arab , Norman and Italian influences . Palermo is also have sex for its street solid food , let in arancini ( Sir Tim Rice balls ) and panelle ( chickpea fritter ) .
6. Genoa (564,000)
A major port metropolis on the Ligurian coast , Genoa is known for its maritime history and mazy sure-enough townsfolk . Its attractive force include the ancient Palazzo Ducale , Genoa Aquarium and the seaport . It ’s also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus .
7. Bologna (390,000)
Bologna , the chapiter of the Emilia - Romagna region , is known for its rich cuisine , including tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini . The urban center features Europe ’s oldest university — the University of Bologna — as well as the iconic Two Towers ( Due Torri ) and portico ( or arcades ) , which are insure walkways that date back to the 12th century .
8. Florence (369,000)
Firenze is a haven for art , history and Tuscan cuisine . bonk as the cradle of the Renaissance , this Italian city acknowledge for masterpieces like Michelangelo ’s " David " and Brunelleschi ’s " Dome . " Other highlights include the Uffizi Gallery , Ponte Vecchio and the Florence Cathedral , formerly know as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore .
9. Bari (321,000)
Bari , the capital of the Puglia neighborhood , is a bustling port urban center on the Adriatic Sea . It ’s acknowledge for its wizardly sometime town ( Bari Vecchia ) , Basilica di San Nicola and beautiful coastal mall . Bari serves as a gateway to southerly Italy ’s beach and Greenwich Village .
10. Catania (311,000)
Located on the island of Sicily , Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna , Europe ’s most active vent . The city is get laid for its Baroque architecture — including the Piazza del Duomo and Catania Cathedral — and Pisces markets .
11. Venice (260,000)
Venice , the " Floating City , " is one of the most iconic and romantic destinations in the world . Its canals , gondola and stunning landmark like St. Mark ’s Square and the Doge ’s Palace are main attractions . It ’s also fuck for the honored annual Venice Film Festival .
12. Verona (258,000)
Verona is famous as the setting for Shakespeare ’s " Romeo and Juliet . " Key attracter include the ancient Roman Arena , Juliet ’s Balcony and charming piazzas . The city is also known for its festivals and law of proximity to Lake Garda .
13. Messina (227,000)
Messina , a port city in northeast Sicily , serves as a gateway to the Italian mainland . It ’s also lie with for its stunning harbor , the Cathedral of Messina and view of the Strait of Messina .
14. Padua (210,000)
Padua , site in the Veneto region , is home of Padua University , one of the old universities in Europe , founded in 1222 . Visitors also make the pilgrimage to see the Basilica of Saint Anthony and the frescoes by Giotto in the Scrovegni Chapel .
15. Trieste (202,000)
Trieste , a interface city in northeastern Italy , is influence by Italian , Slovenian and Austro - Magyar traditions . Its picturesque waterfront , historic cafés and landmarks like Piazza Unità d’Italia and Miramare Castle make it an likable destination .
We make this article in coincidence with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - retard and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .