We've lined up some of the best artistic and cultural gems for you to discover in Italy this summer. Craving an art-filled adventure during your holiday? All of these are under an hour's drive from some of the most popular summer destinations in Italy. A whirlwind tour to escape the midday sun, and you will still be back in time for sundowners!

FROM AMALFI:

Villa Rufolo (pictured) | Ravello | 20 minutes by car

This is one of the two historical villas (the other being Villa Cimbrone) that are the main attractions of Ravello. The scenery is spectacular and the tower contains a small museum that tells the story of the villa, which dates back to the 13th century.

Ceramica Artistica Solimene | Vietri sul Mare | 45 minutes by car

The Solimene Ceramics Factory in Vietri sul Mare, designed by Paolo Soleri and built between 1954-1956, features a distinctive colourful tiled exterior. The showroom displays a variety of handmade ceramics, and you can enjoy watching the ceramic-making process.

Positano Church of Santa Maria Assunta | Positano | 45 minutes by car

Featured prominently in most photos of Positano is the colorful majolica-tiled dome of its main church. This is one of the most popular churches in Italy for exchanging wedding vows, and no wonder—the church is positively resplendent. Don’t miss the 13th century Black Madonna icon housed inside.

AROUND VENICE:

The best thing about Venice is you never need to look far for an art opportunity. All of our suggestions are within walking distance from wherever you're staying on the Island!

La Biennale di Venezia | Venice | Until 24 November 

The world-renowned International Art Exhibition is currently on show in Venice for its 60th edition titled Stranieri Ovunque—Foreigners Everywhere, curated by Adriano Pedrosa. 2024 offers a profound commentary on cultural exchange, environmental sustainability and the interwoven fabric of global identity. Click here for our Biennale brochure of other highlights! 

‘Pierre Huyghe: Liminal’ at Punta della Dogana | Venice | Until 24 November

Pierre Huyghe delves into the intersection of humanity, nature, and artificial constructs through site-specific installations. The show is spread across 3,500 sq. m, and features over a dozen works showcasing an evolution of technologies.

De Kooning and Italy at Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia | Venice | Until 15 September

An exploration of Italy’s impact upon the artist from his visits in 1959 and 1969. Featuring seventy-five works, it is the largest showing of de Kooning’s art in Italy to date.

FROM PORTOFINO:

Galleria d'Arte Moderna | Genoa |45 minutes by car

The current exhibition ‘Poetry Keeps You’ celebrates the 60th anniversary of Group 70, an Italian visual poetry movement. It features works by key artists like Ketty La Rocca and Eugenio Miccini, including rare pieces, sound poems, and cinepoems. Curated by Daniela Vasta, this is on show until 15 September.

Palazzo Ducale | Genoa | 50 minutes by car

The current exhibition ‘The worlds of Marco Polo’ celebrates the life and travels and discoveries of the Venetian merchant 700 years after his death. It is on view until 29 September.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro | Geno | 40 minutes by car

This incredible church is nestled in woods in the hills overlooking Rapallo where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Ligurian sea. Inside the church, be sure to see the frescoes and religious art, which offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

FROM LAKE COMO:

‘Calder: Sculpting Time’ at MASI Lugano (pictured) | Lugano | 50 minutes by car

Pop over to Switzerland to see thirty masterpieces from Calder’s most innovative years (1930 and 1960) including his early abstractions or sphériques to a magnificent selection of mobiles, stabiles, and standing mobiles of various scales.

‘Olympus on the Lake’ at Villa Carlotta | Tremezzo | 15 minutes by car

This forthcoming exhibition will be on show from 22 June – 30 September 2024. Villa Carlotta commemorates the legacy of politician Giovanni Battista Sommariva by showcasing some of the most renowned works from his collection, highlighting his influence as a significant European patron of the arts.

Palazzo delle Paure | Lecco | 60 minutes by car

This nineteenth century, neo-medieval eclectic style palace was built on a part of the fortified village’s old town wall. Enjoy their contemporary art collection featuring the work of local artists such as Gasparini, Vitali, Stefanoni, Secomandi, Chiappori and some of the greatest Italian artists such as Baj, Cavaliere, Castellani, Pomodoro, Rotella and Scanavino.

FROM ROME:

Villa d'Este (pictured) | Tivoli | 60 minutes by car or train

Villa d'Este, a UNESCO World Heritage site 35 km from Rome, epitomizes Italian Renaissance beauty. Designed by Pirro Ligorio, it showcases exquisite fountains and gardens, including masterpieces by artists like Gian Lorenzo Bernini, making it a must-visit for lovers of art, nature, and history.

Ostia Antica | Rome | 45 minutes by car 

Just 30 km from Rome lies Ostia Antica, an ancient settlement often overshadowed by Pompeii but offering a captivating day trip option from the Eternal City. Despite its lesser-known status, Ostia Antica presents a fascinating glimpse into Roman life, its ruins telling stories of a bygone era waiting to be explored.

Mario Testino: A Beautiful World at Palazzo Bonaparte | Rome | A local gem

Until 25 August, make sure to see the groundbreaking project by renowned fashion photographer Mario Testino, known for his iconic portraits of figures like Kate Moss and Madonna. Testino's exploration of cultural identities beyond fashion culminates in vibrant images that celebrate tradition with innovation, capturing the pride and vitality of diverse communities.

FROM POPULAR TUSCAN DESTINATIONS:

Duomo (pictured) | Pisa | 50 minutes on the train from Florence 

Pisa has so much more to offer than its leaning tower. We recommend the 11th century Duomo which is a brilliant example of Romanesque architecture and features a grand façade adorned with tiers of columns and a lavish interior supported by classical granite pillars, the cathedral showcases 16th-century bronze doors and a remarkable octagonal pulpit sculpted by Giovanni Pisano, offering a captivating blend of history, art, and religious significance.

Helen Frankenthaler: Painting without Rules at Palazzo Strozzi | Florence | A local gem 

This must-see show explores Frankenthaler's artistic evolution from 1953 to 2002, intertwining her paintings with select pieces by contemporaries, offering insight into her pivotal role in transitioning from Abstract Expressionism to Color Field painting and reshaping the narrative for women artists and the genre itself with her innovative soak-stain technique.

The Tarot Garden | Maremma | 47 minutes by car from Grosseto 

The impressive Tarot Garden built by artist Niki de Saint de Phalle in the second half of the last century. The Garden displays the huge and beautiful sculptures by the French artist which depicting the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot cards. This makes for the perfect day out and is a must-see!