What's New

New & Renewed Landmarks, Rome

The Spanish Steps are wowing once more after a major restoration. Further south in the EUR district, heads are turning thanks to La Nuvola, a new, cutting-edge convention centre designed by Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas.

Tuscan Gastronomy 2.0, Tuscany

Tuscan gastronomy is finding new-school verve at Florence's Essenziale, stomping ground of bold, young chef Simone Cipriani. In Pietrasanta, Lorenzo Barsotti's Filippo Mud Bar is redefining the region's cocktails and fusion fare.

Cutting-Edge Architecture, Milan

Milan has reaffirmed its 'Design Capital' status with Herzog & de Meuron’s conservatory-like Fondazione Feltrinelli. Home to a bookstore and bar, it's one of several striking new developments in town, among them CityLife.

Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples

Italy's foremost archaeological museum is showcasing its booty of ancient Egyptian artefacts in impressive new galleries. Improvements are also visible at Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte, with rehabilitated parkland and a museum shuttle bus.

'Gate of Heaven' Tour, Siena

Exploring Siena's iconic Romanesque-Gothic Duomo is now even more breathtaking thanks to its Porta del Cielo (Gate of Heaven; MAP GOOGLE MAP ; http://operaduomo.siena.it; Duomo; €15 Mar-Oct, €10 Nov-Feb; h10.30am-7pm Mon-Sat & 1.30-6pm Sun summer, 10.30am-5.30pm Mon-Sat & 1.30-5.30pm Sun winter) tour, which takes visitors up to the cathedral's roof and dome for a close-up inspection.

Top Budget Digs, Lago di Como

The latest trend to sweep across northern Italy’s A-list lake is top-notch budget accommodation. Live the high life sans breaking the bank at Ostello Bello ( GOOGLE MAP ; %031 57 08 89; www.ostellobello.com; Viale Fratelli Rosselli 9; dm €29-32, d 100-110; aiW) and Locanda Barchetta.

A Week of Glass, Venice

Murano's glass masters have wowed the world with their alchemy for centuries. September's new Venice Glass Week (www.theveniceglassweek.com; hSep) festival showcases their finest work, with behind-the-scenes insight.

Messner Mountain Museum Kronplatz

Reinhold Messner's final museum of mountain culture in the South Tyrol, with 360-degree Alpine views and sublime architecture from the late Zaha Hadid.

Museo Archeologico Regionale, Palermo

Palermo's magnificent Museo Archeologico Regionale has reopened, with new exhibition spaces worthy of its extraordinary ancient treasures, uncovered across Sicily.

For more recommendations and reviews, see lonelyplanet.com/Italy