Eye-Popping Tourist Tally: Italy Outdraws Its Own Population at Museum Visits for the First Time
For the initially unprecedented occasion, Italy witnesses a greater number of museum-goers compared to its total populace.
Got your attention? That's because Italy's major attractions are drawing record-breaking crowds! With over 60 million paying visitors last year, these sites have now surpassed Italy's population for the very first time.
Leading the charge is none other than the iconic Colosseum in Rome, bagging a whopping 14.7 million visitors, followed closely by the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (5.3 million) and the ancient city of Pompeii (4.3 million), which was left in ruins by a volcanic eruption. Foreign and local tourists combined contributed an impressive 382 million euros to Italy's treasury.
When compared to the previous year, the number of visitors saw a healthy increase of two million. Revenues also rose by a substantial 68 million euros, thanks in part to some pricey entrance fees. The Colosseum, the nearly 2,000-year-old arena in the heart of Rome, Singlehandedly pocketed over 100 million euros for the state. Most other attractions also experienced an upward trend.
Some of the most significant museums in Italy's capital, such as the Vatican Museums containing the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV's Sistine Chapel, were left ignored in the study, as they belong to the Catholic Church State within Rome and thus don't fall under Italy's jurisdiction. The Vatican Museums reportedly attract over six million visitors annually.
Italy's cultural scene boasts over 400 state museums. Apart from the aforementioned hotspots, the Pantheon (4.1 million visitors) in Rome, the art museum Galleria dell'Accademia (2.2 million) in Florence, the Castel Sant'Angelo (1.3 million), and the Egyptian Museum (one million) in Turin, also make the list of must-visit locations.
Source: ntv.de, DPA
Did You Know? The Colosseum, Italy's most popular museum, is an architectural marvel that attracts millions of visitors annually, thanks to its historical importance and imposing structure. Learn More
Interesting Fact The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is known for its extensive collection of Renaissance art treasures, making it a top destination in Italy. Check out the masterpieces
Warning Caution should be exercised during visits to Pompeii as the ruins may become hot and humid, especially during the summer months, potentially posing risks for tourists. Keep hydrated and informed about the weather conditions when planning your visit.
The record-breaking number of visitors at Italy's major attractions has led to a scenario where the number of visitors surpassed Italy's population for the first time, with the Colosseum alone recording over 14.7 million visitors.
The impressive influx of tourists at these attractions has significantly contributed to Italy's economy, generating over 382 million euros in revenues, with the Colosseum alone earning over 100 million euros for the state.
