Italy, situated in north Europe, is a country of varied landscape and lush cultural legacy. A chic, sophisticated, and genial land, Italy has encouraged writers, visual artists, and the path of European development from the cultural and political point of views. Offering ancient to modern environs, the renowned cities of Venice, Florence, Siena and Naples are full of unique modern styles; while the hill towns such as San Gimignano in Tuscany are famous for their medieval period.
Italy holds a fusion of skills, historic events, and modern style. Having a spectacular natural topography, the azure waters of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda form the beach of sand and sunshine, while the snow-clad slopes of the Dolomite Mountains are the abode of winter sports.
Originally occupied by the mysterious Etruscans, their civilization was taken up by Rome in the 3rd century B.C. Then, gradually, the Roman Empire extended from Egypt to England that ruled for several centuries. This cultured civilization’s rich architectural heritage – Rome still holds the buildings of that style such as the grand Colosseum. In the 15th century, Italy became the hub of the Renaissance and later the home place of many artists such as Fra Angelico, Raphael, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, whose workings today enjoy a royal status in the galleries.
Italian is the formal language. However, German, French, and English are also spoken in Italy.
Italy Tourist Attractions:
- Historical Sites:
Explore the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Pantheon. Also, do feel at home in Rome by throwing a coin in the waters of the Trevi Fountain. - Vatican City:
This is the worldwide popular city of Italy after Rome. Having its own independent sovereign state, the Vatican City offers the superb St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Palace (the Pope’s residence). In this palace, do visit the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum.
- Venice (Venezia):
This city itself is considered as an effort of talent. Attractions here are the St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace overlooking St. Mark’s Square famous for Canaletto paintings and the Galleria dell’Accademia for its numerous Venetian paintings. - Turin:
This area offers different eye-catching sites including the second largest museum of the world – the Egyptian Museum, the first being in Cairo; the Mole Antonelliana (the symbol of the city) hosting Museum of Cinema, and the Cathedral hosting a replica of the popular Turin Shroud. - Milan (Milano):
Here, you can admire the Leonardo da Vinci’s artwork, The Last Supper, kept at the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie and La Scala as the world centre of opera. If you love shopping, this is simply a perfect place to do so in Italy.
- Genoa (Genova):
Famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, do visit the Galleria di Palazzo Bianco that holds an extraordinary series of paintings by the Genoese artists. - Verona:
This is popular for its arrangement of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House), and the Roman Arena of 290 A.D. that holds the opera festival every year. - Ravenna:
Explore the ancient Byzantine and Christian structures adorned with astonishiong mosaics and the charming Tomb of Galla Placidia, which is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. - Florence (Firenze):
Do explore the Brunelleschi’s revolutionary design for the Duomo (cathedral), the art collections of the Uffizi Gallery, and Michelangelo’s popular statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. The last two attractions can be seen after crossing the historic Ponte Vecchio Bridge. - Siena:
A walled historic city, the main attraction for the visitors is the excellent humbug-striped cathedral (Duomo) and its elaborated patterned floor (pavimento) uncovered only in September. The other attraction is the spectacular Piazza del Campo, which is the shell-shaped core of Siena located in southern Tuscany. Stand there particularly in the early morning or at sunset.
- Naples:
This town is famous for its invention of pizza. Do visit the imposing Museo Archeologico Nazionale that hosts an extraordinary series of Greco-Roman artifacts along with the mosaics from Pompeii. - Pompeii:
The relics of Pompeii and Herculaneum, mostly absorbed during the great eruption of 79 A.D. speak about the life of Romans in first century. - Assisi:
Popular as the birthplace of St. Francis – the pioneer of the Franciscan monks community, do not miss the Basilica di San Francesco. - Sicily (Sicilia):
Accessible through waterways, you can see this island situated across a 3 km strait from the mainland. Famous for its active volcano Mount Etna and volcanic emission fields, the visitors are offered the relics of consecutive invading backgrounds. Next, there are some vital old Greek sites – the temples of the Valle dei Templi at Agrigento and the mausoleum in the Capuchin Monastery holding many mummies.
- Italian Art Courses:
If you love this art and language, you can opt to join an Italian language and art course that are offered across Italy. Language courses are offered with topics such as cooking or architecture. For art courses, visit Florence wherein Palazzo Spinelli and Università Internazionale dell’Arte are famous. - Thermal Spas:
Do experience these spas at one of the health resorts of Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme (Veneto); Acqui Terme (Piedmont); L’Andana, Tombolo Talassa Resort, Terme di Saturnia, and Montecatini Terme (Tuscany); and Fiuggi (Lazio). - Venice Carnival:
Tourists enjoy wearing a detailed costume and mask here. - Coastal Fun:
At the coast of Italy, try out the Italian Riviera in Liguria and the Adriatic and Amalfi coasts. Also, visit the beaches in Sicily and Sardinia. Sardinia is famous for its best diving adventure. - Boating:
Do enjoy the boat ride from the Marina Grande to the Blue Grotto in the frequently throng island of Capri. - Skiing:
Try this out in the Italian Alps. - Climbing or Hill Walking:
Do so in the Gran Paradiso National Park and Mont Avic Regional Park that houses wildlife along with the chamois and ibex in the Valle d’Aosta region. For hiking, also try out the Dolomites on the Swiss border.
- Winter Sports:
Piedmont and Val d’Aosta offer a few highest mountains in Europe that are ideal for winter sports - Wildlife Watching:
In the National Park of Abruzzo, look for the unique Marsican brown bears, wolves, chamois, and eagles; while, in the Molise region, the Matese mountain range will allow you to watch wolves and various birds.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa:
Take a memory with you while taking your photo near this architectural marvel. - Truffles:
Try obtaining in Umbria, which is an outstanding region famous for its expensive but worth truffles. Black truffles are seen with an annual festival in the Norcia, while the rare white truffles are seen between October and December.
