Based on over 850,000 customer reviews and an expert panel of judges, The Tiqets Remarkable Venue Awards shine a spotlight on the best museums in Italy, and the best attractions in Italy, as well as all over the world.
So may we present our Italian winners, as decided by our Italian judges, Barbara Antonucci, (Postgraduate Coordinator: Languages, Interculturality, & Tourism Management at Roma Tre University), Maria Elena Rossi, (Director of Marketing & Promotions at Italian National Tourist Board), and Manuela Ronchi, (Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Action at Action Agency and Action Media).
Read on to find out more about this year’s winners across five different categories, and what makes these venues truly remarkable.
Most Remarkable Venue: Vatican Museums
“The Vatican Museums is a very special place and a must-visit if in Rome”
– Paulius, Lithuania
The Vatican Museums’ extensive collections of art, archaeology and ethno-anthropology, all collected by the Popes over the years, are as awe-inspiring as the lavishly decorated halls and galleries. Visitors can’t get enough of the massive marble candelabra at the Gallery of the Candelabra, the corridor of intricate tapestries at the Gallery of the Tapestries, and over 40 topographical maps of 16th-century Italy in the Gallery of the Geographical Maps.
Then of course, there’s the Sistine Chapel, starring two of the world’s most famous masterpieces, Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes, and Giudizio Universale (The Last Judgment).
Our Remarkable Venue Award is presented to the most popular and top-rated venue, and the Vatican Museums certainly get the all-round top vote from customers who’ve left reviews on Tiqets.com.
Best Museum: Museo Ferrari Maranello
“It is a very nice museum, my boys loved it! Must see when in Italy!”
– Ingry, USA
It’s no surprise that Museo Ferrari Maranello won best museum in Italy. The Best Museum award recognizes the best museums and art galleries, based on happy customers who’ve left reviews on Tiqets.com.
Ferrari’s illustrious history comes to life at the speedy and oh-so-sporty Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Visitors can get revved up over the winning Formula One cars, including the F2008, winner of the World Constructors’ Championship, and check out limited special series models, such as the F50, the Enzo and the LaFerrari.
See the 500 F2, which helped Alberto Ascari win Ferrari’s first world driver’s title in 1952. Then imagine being behind the wheel of the F2004, the Ferrari that marked the end of Michael Schumacher’s epic world title run!
Best Attraction: Catacombs of San Gennaro
“I loved it. The guide was entertaining and knowledgeable. I learned so much.”
– Jamie, USA
The Best Attraction award honors the best attraction, from theme parks and zoos to guided visits of cultural locations. It recognizes venues that stand out for their appeal to all types of visitors.
A quick look at the reviews on Tiqets.com will show you that the Catacombs of San Gennaro are a staple for families, couples, and even solo travelers from all over the globe.
Visitors to the Catacombs of San Gennaro can deep-dive into Italian history and discover the final resting place of its most revered saints and nobility. The San Gennaro Catacombs hold the remains of the patron saint of Naples, and offer visitors a thrilling glimpse into Italian life through the ages. The oldest sections date way back to the second century AD.
Many major figures from Christianity are buried here, including Saint Agrippinus and Saint Januarius, the patron saint of Naples. With its high vaulted ceilings and expertly restored frescoes, it’s an awe-inspiring (and only slightly eerie) adventure into the past.
Best Landmark: Milan Cathedral – The Duomo
“It was really nice. Entering the different areas of the Duomo was smooth and easy with Tiqets. The building itself is wonderful and we had a great experience.”
– Eniko, Hungary
The Best Landmark category recognizes venues such as cathedrals, churches (or any place of worship), castles, natural landmarks, historical or iconic buildings, and observation decks. In this case, it’s rare to find a cultural landmark in Italy more remarkable than the Duomo.
The Duomo di Milano took almost six centuries to complete – luckily it only takes an hour or so to explore. Visitors love adding optional rooftop access to enjoy spectacular views over Milan and beyond it to the Alps on a clear day. The Duomo is a powerful example of human endeavor. It’s 108 meters high, holds 40,000 people, and is studded with Gothic gravitas.
From the baptistery to the museum, and the rooftop to the central nave of this renowned church, every element is fantastic: its spires, arches, and stained-glass windows. But the crowning aspect is undoubtedly the famous rooftop.
Best Onsite Experience: Parco Cavour
“The park was so much fun! I have kids aged 10, 9 and 6 and we all enjoyed the attractions. Our favorite was the polar bear slide. The park wasn’t crowded as we went on a Monday… So much fun!”
– Hazel, Italy
This category is focused on recognizing the venue that offers the best onsite experience. The selection for this award is based on customer reviews on Tiqets.com relating to the onsite experience, including staff interaction and information available at the venue.
Life is simply better when you’re careening down a water slide, or chilling under the shady leaves of a palm tree with your toes in the warm sand. At Parco Cavour families get the best of both worlds with a sprawling outdoor water park themed around a tropical lagoon.
With tons of thrilling water slides and aquatic activities as well as a huge artificial beach – complete with palm trees – everyone is guaranteed a swimmingly good time. Become one with your inner cannonball and make a huge splash at one of the most chilled-out water parks in Italy – just 20 minutes from Lake Garda.
Best Hidden Gem: Giardino della Kolymbethra
This year, Italy’s best hidden gem is Giardino della Kolymbethra. This award recognizes the unique or niche attractions that may be off the beaten path, but always stun their visitors. This exceptional, one-of-a-kind experience always wows its audience, so it might not be a “hidden” gem for much longer.
Located in Agrigento, Kolymbethra Garden is a tranquil, shady corner of paradise, where visitors can’t get enough of the centuries-old olive trees and orange blossoms. They also rave about the tours of the Ancient Greek underground chambers.
Most Innovative Venue: Mostra di Leonardo
“Excellent museum…enjoyed every moment. Great displays, including good background information, and a great testament to Leonardo da Vinci. Definitely worth seeing!”
– Brenda, Spain
Italy’s most innovative venue of 2021 is the excellent Mostra di Leonardo. This award recognizes the museums and attractions that are pushing the industry forward through creative marketing strategies, new technology, sustainability initiatives, or other means. The Mosta di Leonardo definitely goes above and beyond when it comes to creativity at its Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition – The Genius of Leonardo.
Featuring reproductions of some of Da Vinci’s most forward-thinking inventions, and a newly animated hologram section, you’re flung into the heart of the Renaissance without leaving the center of Rome.
