Italy Tourism | Trip to Italy | Italy Travel Guide & Information

Italy is located in Southern Europe, with Rome as its capital. Italy has always held a special place in history, both for the cultural movements and influences that were born here and for being the seat of Catholic power. Of course, one cannot forget Rome, for having been the birthplace of a very important civilization. Through the Renaissance era, Italy made significant contributions to the arts, which are still heralded by the world, as masterpieces.

Italy today has a booming economy with tourism forming the biggest industry. Although, Italy is home to foreigners from other countries too, ethnic Italians are in the biggest majority. Italians appear to have touched almost every creative field, with their contributions. Names in literature such as Dante was Boccaccio, Tasso and Ariosto are famous. The poet Petrarch who gave the world the sonnet, was also born here. One cannot forget the name of Galileo, who raised many questions in science. Enrico Fermi, who helped in building the world’s first nuclear reactor, the physicist Alessandro Volta and mathematician Fibonacci are a few Italian names in science. The ‘opera’, as we know it today, first originated in Italy. Instruments such as the piano and the violin were invented here. Composers such as Palestrina, Corelli, Vivaldi, and Verdi, have each made significant contributions ranging from Classical music to Romantic.

It is said that Italy is home to the largest number of World Heritage Monuments, in the world. That alone should be exciting news for a traveler who wishes to get a taste of this beautiful country.

Rome – Latium (where Rome is located) is said to be the cradle of the Roman civilization, where traces of the Etruscan civilization is also found. The Vatican City, the seat of Catholic power is located in Rome. The 17th century St Peter’s Basilica, located here is famed for its beauty. Next to it, stands the Vatican Palace where the Pope lives. One can see many archaeological artifacts at the National Museum, and classical sculptures at the Capitoline Museum. The Barracco Museum, and the Museum of Rome are worth a visit for the ancient relics and documents that are displayed. Art lovers should head to the National Gallery of Ancient Art and to the Vatican Museums to see ancient masterpieces. One shouldn’t miss out on the beautiful architectural building known as the Colosseum, which is still being studied extensively. The Trevi Fountain famed because tourists throw a coin into it, to ensure they are back, is located east of Via del Corso. In west Via del Corsa, one can see the best example of an ancient Roman building- the Pantheon, which was completed in 125 AD. The nightlife in Rome is also fabulous, with many restaurants and pubs offering choicest cuisines.

Naples – Campania (where Naples is located), is a history lovers dream. Amphitheaters, villas, Roman Imperial Age Tombs, etc are just a few ancient structures that can be seen here. Cathedrals in the Byzantine style are also here. The National Museum in Naples, is very important to those interested in art and history. Greek statues, mosaics and wall paintings from Pompeii, jewels and other artifacts are also displayed here. The Museum and other galleries in Capodimonte, are home to masterpieces by names such as Michaelangelo, Titian and Raphael. The Amalfi Coast south of Naples, is a popular holiday spot. The beauty of cliffs, combined with blue waters, is too alluring.

Sicily – This region is important because of the many influences of foreign lands that can be found here in the architecture and culture of the region. The Roman style, the Gothic style and the Baroque style are all prominent here. The Archaeologic Museum, Civic Museum of Catania and the Regional Gallery of Sicily, each have their share of priceless artifacts, a rich art collection, and other local history relics. The capital- Palermo, is home to the Palazzo dei Normanni, San Giuseppe dei Teatini , Santa Maria di Gesù churches and the catacombs at the Capuchin Monastery where mummified bodies can be found. Greek sites too can be found here. The temples of the Valle dei Templi at Agrigénto and the vast Temple of Apollo at Selinunte are two examples.

Veneto – It has Venice as the capital, and is home to the best in Venetian art, besides being the place where the most number of Roman traces can be found. Shakespeare too has used this setting for his plays. The Academy galleries and the G. Franchetti Gallery have paintings from 1300 – 1700. The Correr Museum is exclusively dedicated to Renaissance art pieces. Padua is famed for the Scrovegni Chapel, and has the oldest botanic garden in Europe.

Lombardy – Milan, considered one of the fashion capitals in the world, is its main city. It is home to many beautiful buildings. The Gothic Duomo, is one of the world’s largest churches, full of delicate and intricate carving. The Castello Sforzesco, is a castle which today has many museums in it. The Pinacoteca di Brera, has some of the city’s most valuable masterpieces in art. The convent of Santa Maria della Grazie, is home to the much disputed Da Vinci piece- The last Supper. The Teatro della Scala, reputed to be the capital of opera is worth visiting too.

Italy has much to offer a nature lover too. The lakes in the north, which run down and enter the plains from the Alps are beautiful. Of them, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda are the most spectacular of them all. The peninsula of Sirmione, is famed for its countryside, and one can visit the caves of Catullo there too. Trentino and Alto Aldige, are mountainous regions, which have a blend of both German and Italian cultures. The Riviera di Ponente has many sandy beaches, while the Riviera di Levante, has small bays covered by high cliffs. The beach at Santa Margherita Ligure, south of Portofino, offers a fantastic view of nature and one can even swim there.

Italy has something new to offer on every visit. With so much to learn, see and do, a tourist will keep coming back.

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