The most interesting sights of Italy. Country designed by Michelangelo
The birthplace of famous artists and talented scientists who changed the order of the world, the home of a large number objects world heritage UNESCO and a kaleidoscope of enchanting landscapes - Bella Italia! From all sorts of ancient Rome and charming romantic Venice, to the rolling hills of Tuscany and cosmopolitan Milan, this country is a limitless source of attractions. Based on user ratings, a list of the 25 best attractions in Italy has been compiled. This selection will help all travelers who are planning their route around the country, as it contains really interesting and unique places, as well as helpful tips about how to have a good time and get the most positive impressions.
1. Valley of the Temples of Sicily
Welcome to Sicily, where you will discover one of its most breathtaking sights. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a vast archaeological site containing the well-preserved remains of various prehistoric temples dating from the 5th century BC.
2. Cinque Terre
UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park, one of the cleanest and most tidy regions of Italy and a jewel in the crown of Liguria - the famous 5 lands of Italy Cinque Terre. Five delightful colored cities nestle on steep cliffs Italian Riviera. Some very interesting articles have already been written about these places on LifeGlobe, I strongly advise you to follow the link and read them.
3. Uffizi Gallery in Florence
4. Roman Colosseum
One of Italy's most recognizable landmarks - the largest remnant of antiquity, a typical amphitheater, a technical marvel, the epitome of architectural excellence, a constant proof of the splendor and cruelty of the Roman world - the Colosseum has been duplicated countless times in different cities of the world, but it remains one of the best places to visit in Italy.
5. cave city Sassi di Matera
Carved into the rocks and baked by the Mediterranean sun, the Sassi forms an urban complex of prehistoric dwellings that are essentially simple caves stacked on top of each other. It is a labyrinth, consisting of many underground passages and caves, hiding relics of the past.
6. Ancient Pompeii
Let's go back to 79 A.D. e., when Vesuvius was just a big hill for those who lived around today Gulf of Naples. But one day everything changed when a huge cloud of ash rose into the sky on a sunny day in August, and lava flows announced the end of a prosperous Roman city, turning it into ruins. Read more in the article about the Garden of the Captives, petrified victims of the eruption.
7. Amalfi and its coast
The Amalfi Coast is a vacation paradise, perfect place to stay here as long as possible. The Lattari mountain range, which goes directly to the sea, forms a jagged coastline with colorful villages surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. The city is rich in its history, culture and folklore. If you want to know what the real sights of Italy are, then by all means visit this town. Read about the most beautiful cities of Amalfi in a separate tape.
8. Historic center of Siena
Siena may not equal Florence, its constant rival, and neighbor to the north, in terms of cultural heritage, but its abundance and charm make the city truly unique. Especially popular with tourists and travelers is the Historic Center of Siena, where everyone will find something to admire.
9. Vatican
Although the Vatican is a completely separate state, its magnificent monuments can only be accessed through Rome. Here you will see places like St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza San Pietro. The Vatican is the spiritual center of the Catholic world and one of the most massively visited areas of Rome.
10. St. Mark's Basilica
Chosen as the burial place of Saint Mark the Evangelist, the Basilica di San Marco preserves the history of the country and is the most important symbol of Venice. Located next to the Grand Canal, the majestic basilica dominates Piazza San Marco and inspires many with its beauty. You will find a story about this place in the selection dedicated to the sights of Venice.
11. Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
Resting in a valley between the Palatine and the Capitoline Hills, the Roman Forum is by far one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The heart of the empire will give you incredible emotions, be sure to visit it during your stay in Rome.
12. Blue Grotto on the island of Capri
Symbol of Capri and incredible place, even if we evaluate it on a global scale, the Blue Grotto would not be called that without a good reason. When the rays of the sun sneak through the entrance to the grotto, a neon blue reflection illuminates the cave, and all objects inside are illuminated in silver. One of the most beautiful natural attractions in Italy.
13. Grand Canal in Venice
Get on the river bus and travel along the Grand Canal. This tour will take you back many centuries back in history. The famous Venetian canal runs for more than 3.5 kilometers through all six districts of the historic center, revealing the gems of architecture along its banks.
14. Leaning Tower of Pisa
Another of the symbols of the country, one of the most recognizable sights of Italy. This is not an optical illusion, nor did the architects expect the tower to lean like that. No sooner had construction reached the third tier than the tower began to sag into the ground due to poor foundations, and the slope became apparent. Currently, work is underway to strengthen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in order to preserve it for posterity.
15. Last Supper
One of the most famous paintings in the world and a must see. It is located in Santa Maria della Grazia, in Milan.
16. Duomo - Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
Known for its distinctive dome and expressive colours, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates the Florence skyline and reflects the collective efforts of several eminent artists who have endowed the monument with its status as an architectural masterpiece full of aesthetic lines.
17. Trevi Fountain in Rome
Lurking in the labyrinth of the narrow, meandering streets of Rome is a glittering gem reputed to be a solemn example of Baroque grace and natural watercraft - one of the world's most stunning fountains and a work of art all in one. The Trevi Fountain is not just a cold piece of marble, but a fountain with history. One of the most valuable sights of Rome and Italy.
18. Assisi - a city in the mountains
Approximately 5 million visitors a year have turned the small town in Umbria into a thriving tourist destination in Italy that would have surprised even St. Francis himself, the founder of the city. What is it that attracts tourists here so much? Among many other marvels are the 13th century Basilica di San Francesco, with Francis' sacred relics and magnificent frescoes documenting his life, as well as numerous other churches, Roman ruins, sacred shrines, and narrow medieval streets creating an almost mystical setting under the auspices of UNESCO.
19. Mount Vesuvius
One of the most formidable volcanoes in the world, once destroyed the city of Pompeii to the ground. The ruins of Pompeii are still visible against the backdrop of the huge Mount Vesuvius, which is still sleeping, but can still wake up.
20. Aosta Valley
Italy's smallest and least densely populated region, with pristine Alpine rivers and numerous flower meadows, is a mountainous area that's hard not to fall in love with. If you are a nature lover, then you will love these sights.
21. Lake Como
Covering an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como's virtues are not limited to its immensity. The combination of romance, history, scenic beauty and richness of tradition makes it so charming that even celebrities go crazy to have their own piece of land from this delicious Lombardy pie.
22. Chianti wine route
The fact that Chianti is located between Florence and Siena makes it enough good place for visiting. This wine route should definitely be included in your travel itinerary. You will experience an aesthetic combination of art, history and culinary delights. Here they make great wine that you can taste without any problems. One of the most famous wine regions in the world.
23. Grottoes and caves of the Frasassi Gorge
Even in Italy, rainy days happen from time to time, and if your beach plans accidentally fail, take a dive into the Frassassi Gorge for a trip to the center of the Earth. The 75-minute route through one of the most spectacular Karst complexes in the world, equipped with convenient passages and stairs, will delight anyone.
24. Trulli in Alberobello
Quirky limestone houses with gray cone-shaped roofs, built without the use of cement and carefully retouched every year, dot the province of Bari and Taranto. This place is not as famous as other more famous sights in Italy, but, nevertheless, this amazing white town is worth a visit. I also advise you to read about alternative cities in Italy, which are undeservedly deprived of the attention of tourists.
25. Pizza in Naples
It really doesn't matter where exactly you try your pizza as it's obscenely good everywhere in Naples. Whether you follow the crowds to a popular pizzeria, or visit a quaint little place on the outskirts, you'll be seduced by the great taste of Neapolitan pizza. Well, after you have lunch, you can visit other sights of Naples, which are devoted to a separate article.
This is not the end of our trip to Italy, be sure to go on a magnificent photo tour of Italy, where breathtaking landscapes await you.
rich cultural heritage, mild climate and the Mediterranean Sea make Italy an extremely attractive holiday destination for tourists of all categories. In this European country you can see majestic historical monuments that have come down to us from the time of the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Most of them are religious in nature and consist of a galaxy of cathedrals, churches and chapels. The pages of private history were reflected in the Italian palaces-palazzos.
Each of the Italian cities has its own Old city, where you can admire the architectural sights, sit in cozy cafes, buy souvenirs in small shops. Italian resorts offer both summer and winter views recreation: beach holiday, marine entertainment, visits to water parks and children's entertainment complexes, ski tourism.
As one of the trendsetters, Italy is filled with numerous boutiques where you can buy branded clothes from popular Fashion Houses. Local cafes and restaurants offer their visitors a huge number of pasta dishes, several dozen types of pizzas and amazingly delicious natural coffee. A distinctive feature of the country is the Italian siesta, lasting from one in the afternoon until four in the evening. In Italy, various festivals, carnivals, horse races are held. There are a large number of museums in the country, in the collections of which you can find paintings by world famous artists.
Italy attractions - PHOTOS
St. Peter's Square is located in front of the main Catholic shrine - St. Peter's Cathedral. Believers gather on it in order to listen to a live speech by the Pope. The square looks like two semicircles framed by Tuscan colonnades. In the center of it stands an Egyptian obelisk. There are two large screens on the square.
St. Mark's Square - main square Venice. It consists of two parts: the Piazzetta (the space between and the bell tower) and the square itself (Piazza). Piazza San Marco was founded in the 9th century as a gathering place in front of the cathedral of the same name. In addition to it, the Doge's Palace and other ancient buildings overlook the square.
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is an archaeological park consisting of ancient Greek religious buildings of the 6th-5th centuries. BC. The Valley of the Temples is divided into two parts by road: one contains the temples of Concord, Hera and Hercules, the other - Jupiter, Dioscuri, Aesculapius and Ephesus. Some buildings are well preserved, some have come down to us in the form of ruins.
The largest Roman amphitheater was built in the 1st century. It hosted gladiator fights, sea battles, animal persecution. In the center of the Colosseum, a giant colossus (statue) of Nero was installed, which formed the basis of the name of the amphitheater. The Colosseum has reached our days in a dilapidated state. Today, half-hour guided tours are organized on its territory.
Pisa's high-walled "Square of Miracles" is located in the Old Town. It contains four architectural monuments Medieval times: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta (1064), the Baptistery of Saint John (1363) and the cemetery of Campo Santo, i.e. the "Holy Field" (1278).
Juliet's house was built in the 13th century. The elegant medieval building was inhabited by the Dal Cappello family, which served as the prototype for Shakespeare's Capulets. In the 19th century there was an inn here. In the 20th Juliet's House was restored and equipped with a "Juliet's Balcony" and a bronze statue of a girl (1972).
The Cathedral of Milan is made of white marble in the "flaming Gothic" style. It stands in the historical center and is the main decoration of the city. Milan Cathedral was built from the 14th to the 20th century. According to rumors, there is a nail in it, with which Christ was crucified two thousand years ago. The baptismal font of the cathedral is an ancient Egyptian bath.
The infamous Pompeii was once a prosperous ancient Roman city. After the eruption, it turned out to be buried under a layer of ash, and was excavated in the 17th-18th centuries. and restored in the 20th. Today Pompeii is a museum open sky. Religious, administrative, public, industrial and private buildings are available for inspection.
The Faraglioni rocks are the symbol of the island of Capri. They look like three light walnut limestone reefs protruding from the depths of the sea. The highest rock is Faraglioni di Terra (111 meters), followed by Faraglioni di Fuori (104) and Faraglioni di Mezzo (81). The first reef is connected to Capri by a thin rocky road, the second is a natural arch, under which it is pleasant to sail on a boat.
The smallest state in Europe has a rich collection of sculptures, paintings, manuscripts and other significant cultural exhibits. The main museums of the Vatican are the Sistine and Niccolina Chapels, the Borgia Apartments, the Raphael Stanzas, the Vatican Library and Pinoteka, the Etruscan and Egyptian Museums, as well as Pio Clementino and Chiara Monti.
The historic center of San Gimignano consists of medieval buildings located in the triangular Piazza della Cisterna and del Duomo. The main attractions of the city are fourteen towers built in the XI-XIII centuries. In addition to them, in the historical center of San Gimignano there are luxurious palaces, cathedrals and museums.
Lake Como is one of the deepest in Europe and the third largest in Italy. It lies inside small mountains, forty kilometers from Milan. On the banks of Como there are small towns and villages with luxurious villas. In the center of the lake rises the island of Komacina. In each of settlements you can find medieval architectural monuments.
The Great Venetian Canal is of natural origin - it was formed by a shallow channel flowing along the islands of the lagoon. The Grand Canal runs through the entire city. It looks like an inverted S. The Grand Canal starts at the station and ends at the customs. Along the canal are the most bizarre facades overlooking it.
standing on east coast Sicily volcano Etna occupies a leading position among European active volcanoes. It has a canonical form, reaches a height of more than three thousand meters and has been erupting at regular intervals in recent years. Three tourist routes, which you can walk on your own or with a guide.
Built in the middle of the 16th century, the Florentine Palazzo today functions as a museum of European visual arts. It exhibits paintings by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Velasquez and other world-famous artists. Russian painters are represented by the works of Kiprensky, Aivazovsky, Kustodiev, Alexander and Viktor Ivanov.
The largest Roman fountain territorially belongs to the facade of the Poli Palace. It was built in the middle of the 18th century. The figurative composition of the fountain, made in the Baroque style, consists of Neptune riding a chariot and allegorical images of people and animals located on both sides of it.
A kilometer-long pedestrian path connecting the two towns of the Italian Cinque Terre reserve - Riomaggiore and Manarola, was laid in the rocks at the beginning of the 20th century. It became the road of love thanks to the picturesque views from it and the classic bridge for Europe, on which lovers hang their locks.
The largest Italian lake is located near the southern slopes of the Alps. It is located in a glacial-tectonic basin and covers an area of three hundred and seventy square kilometers. On the banks of the Garda lie numerous resort villages, has its own children's amusement park"Gardaland". The lake is navigable. It has a lot of fish.
The central square of Siena is one of the largest in Europe. It is surrounded by majestic medieval palazzos, the main of which is the Pubblico Palace with the high tower of Torre del Mangia. Twice a year, Piazza del Campo hosts the Palio, a traditional Italian horse race.
Santa Maria del Fiore was built over six centuries, starting in 1296. The Cathedral of Florence combines the architectural traditions of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The majestic dome of Santa Maria del Fiore is lined with marble panels on the outside. The cathedral has a cruciform shape, consists of three naves, two transepts and a semicircular apse.
Sights of Italy. The most important and interesting sights of Italian cities: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.
A land of interest with some fantastic number of cultural and historical masterpieces per unit area, Italy, like a tablecloth, throws a heap of beautiful museums, majestic cathedrals, gloomy medieval castles and luxurious palaces in front of the stunned traveler. Even the most devoted fans of "vegetable" holidays immediately fall under the spell of Italian riches and, with an enthusiasm that is surprising in the first place for themselves, begin to storm the doors of art galleries, museums and treasuries of Italy.
The ladies, bronzed from sunburn, flock off the beaches of Rimini and, on high heels, enthusiastically climb to the top of the dome of St. I’ll eat it with enthusiasm, they are enthusiastically taken to examine the tall towers and cramped catacombs of the Gradara fortress almost brick by brick, and the slender aloof young men, eternally in the mood of “the death of a poet”, suddenly begin to discuss with a gleam in their eyes the silhouettes of the beauties of Raphael and Rembrandt in the Uffizi Gallery. Italy, like a rude but kind nurse, grabs her negligent children by the collar, shakes them vigorously and says: “Hey, it’s good to be sad! Just look how beautiful it is!”
There are almost more cathedrals in Italy than museums, and whatever you take, you will certainly stumble upon a unique monument of architecture and engineering.
Museums in Italy
Painting and sculpture are the two main "horses" of Italian museums. The gentle climate of the Mediterranean, healthy and varied food, and for many centuries the leading position of the country in Europe made up the nutrient substrate in which more than a dozen Italian geniuses of brush and marble were born, matured and raised: Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, Botticelli, Titian, Perugino and many others. By the way, in this context, it would be a mistake not to mention the popularly beloved fioritura and coloratura geniuses - from the cheerful Rossini, Puccini and Donizetti to the equally radiant Caruso, Del Monaco and Pavarotti who perform them (and as evidence of the love of Italians for their idols - several opera museums) . In Italy, fans of modernity will not be left without impressions: Venice, for example, offers a walk through the halls of the Guggenheim collection and the famous international gallery of Santa Croce, and Milan will open the doors of the most interesting Museum of Science and Art, where you can, armed with magnifying optics and reagents, independently learn to distinguish originals of old paintings from skillful fakes.
Cathedrals of Italy
There are almost more cathedrals in Italy than museums, and whatever you take, you will certainly stumble upon a unique monument of architecture and engineering, and a building of simply remarkable beauty. What is worth at least the Milanese Duomo with slender Gothic towers similar to poplars, woven into a single lace somewhere far away in the heavenly heights. From afar, one gets the impression that the cathedral is constructed from frozen ice crystals - the wind is walking between the openwork arches and ceilings, and the lancet domes are so striving upwards that it seems like Balloons, are about to raise the entire structure above the ground. The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence delights with colored stained-glass windows: multi-colored window “candies” definitely live an independent life, and their heroes, with curiosity that has not weakened over many centuries, are examining crowded tourists somewhere far below. By the way, speaking of “delicious” associations, the Siena Cathedral is definitely a figured Tula gingerbread in sugar glaze, and the central round stained glass window, reflecting the light clouds of the Tuscan Riviera, is like a lake of jam!
Castles of Italy
Italian castles are the scene of numerous tragedies - from Verona's Romeo and Juliet to the city's Paolo and Francesca, family and royal castles are generously scattered throughout Italy. For the most part, medieval architecture, of course, is gloomy: two-meter-thick walls, massive pillars of towers, high ceilings in the halls, combined with claustrophobic doors, which seem to be intended for midgets - all this is not very invigorating and reminds that la vita è bella ! However, Italy, with one of its inherent talents, knows how to dispel, distract and cheer: from the battlements of the most oppressive fortress, a view of the sea lulled in a hot haze will certainly open, the aroma of freshly baked bread will penetrate into the sinister catacombs from nowhere, and in the gallery of portraits of the arrogant owners of the castle some melody will flutter some Neapolitan song, whistled by the caretaker of the hall. Well, in order to enjoy unconditional knightly romance, be sure to go to the Trieste Miramare castle - white walls in contrast with dark rocks and the blue of the sea, and fluffy fragrant firs at the foot.
Such huge amount cathedrals, palaces, art museums and ancient monuments, as in Italy, there is, perhaps, no other country in the world. And if you add to this excellent national cuisine, mild climate and colorful temperament local residents, then your trip will become a bright holiday that will forever remain in your memory. Don't know what to see in Italy? Especially for you, we have compiled a rating of popular places in this country, which included the most interesting sights of Italy.
What to see in Italy first
Each of the listed attractions has its own history, and in order to find it out you will need to accompany you in the most interesting places. Consider also the dates of the trip, because, for example, during the period of religious or national holidays, much more tourists flock to the country.
1. Vatican (Rome)
Dwarf state Vatican in RomeLooking through the guide and choosing what to see in Italy, you can not miss the most famous enclave in the world, which is the Vatican. Each building of this mini-state is a landmark known far beyond the borders of the country. Here you can walk along the alleys of the famous Vatican Gardens and see the Pope with your own eyes, climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, visit the Sistine Chapel with its immortal frescoes created by Michelangelo, Botticelli and other great painters.
To enter the territory of the Vatican, you must go through a strict dress code. Guides in Rome they will tell you what rules of conduct must be observed to avoid troubles and misunderstandings.
The first attraction that guests are offered to visit is St. Peter's Cathedral. The dimensions of the building are striking - the height is 136 meters, and the length of the main nave is 211 meters. But the main value here is the numerous sculptural and pictorial masterpieces created by the great masters of Italy.
In the Papal Palace of the Vatican, you can admire the beautiful frescoes of the great Raphael. They decorate the ceilings and walls of four rooms (stanzas).
2. Pantheon (Rome)
Roman Pantheon When choosing the sights of Italy that you should definitely visit on your first visit, you cannot miss such a monumental building as the Roman Pantheon. Originally built in 25 BC, it was destroyed several times by natural disasters, rebuilt and even "changed religion". But until now, hundreds of people daily strive to get under its arches in order to stand under the dome, admire the beautiful frescoes and statues, feel the breath of eternity and the inexorable destructive power of time at the same time.
Greatness and beauty interior decoration The Pantheon is amazing. It is hard to believe that all this was created by the hands of people, and not by the powerful pagan gods, in whose honor it was erected.
Passing under the arch of the portico, supported by 16 marble columns, you find yourself in the main temple building, which is crowned with a dome with a diameter of 43 meters. In its center there is a large round hole, called the Heavenly All-Seeing Eye. According to legend, he was pierced evil spirits wanting to get out of sacred place at the start of Mass.
A feature of the light penetrating the oculus is that at noon its rays do not scatter, but descend clearly vertically, forming a kind of light column and moving from one statue to another during the day, paying tribute to them.
The walls and the altar are decorated with magnificent frescoes, partly created by Renaissance masters. There are statues in numerous niches, and the walls and floor are lined with mosaic tiles. In the center of the temple there are benches for those who want to pray or just relax.
3. Castell del Monte (Apulia region)
Castle Costel del Monte Considering the sights of Italy, it is impossible not to highlight among them the castle of Castel del Monte with its unusual architecture and mysterious history. Despite the fact that it was built in the middle of the 13th century, when there were constant wars, its design is fundamentally different from the buildings of that era:
- The cladding consists of marble, which was practically not used in defense construction.
- There is no defensive moat and earth rampart around the castle, and utility rooms and basements are not suitable for storing ammunition, ammunition and weapons.
- Those who understand military affairs will immediately notice the lack of loopholes and the windows that are too large from a security point of view.
But the greatest interest is the shape of the building, which is a regular octagon, framed by 8 towers. The courtyard and the fountain located on its territory also have 8 corners.
The number "8" was the constant companion of the owner of the castle, Frederick II, who personally participated in the development of the architectural project. According to historical data, the sum of the digits of his date of birth was "8", his right hand was decorated with an emerald ring framed with eight golden petals, and an eight-pointed crown flaunted on his head.
Even during the life of Frederick II, there were rumors about his passion for alchemy. They were “warmed up” by the fact that Michele Scotto, who was considered a famous theorist of alchemy, lived on the territory of the castle. He conducted experiments to turn copper into silver and other metals into gold. Until now, the atmosphere of the castle is filled with magic and mystery, igniting the imagination and causing inexplicable mental anxiety.
4. Colosseum (Rome)
Roman Coliseum The sights of Italy cannot be imagined without the Colosseum. This is a huge amphitheater, built back in 72 AD. and became the main symbol of the Roman Empire. This building at one time accommodated 55 thousand people, and the fame of it spread far beyond the borders of the country.
The Colosseum owes its creation to Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian, who decided to destroy the palace of Nero, thereby eradicating his memory and glorifying himself as a wise ruler.
Even with the development of modern technology and the availability of heavy construction equipment, it is difficult to carry out the construction of such grand structure. Therefore, when choosing what to see in Italy, you cannot miss a visit to the Colosseum.
Its shape is an ellipse with a length of 188 m and a width of 156 m. The strength of the structure is preserved due to the fact that the arch is chosen as the main architectural element, capable of withstanding enormous loads.
During performances, an awning was stretched over the Colosseum, protecting the audience from the scorching sun and rain. For this, ships standing on the Tiber River were used with special cables attached to them, which, after stretching the awning, were fixed on huge poles located on the outside of the building.
Numerous wars, earthquakes and other factors destroyed much of the Colosseum. And the laying of highways that had begun, heavy traffic and air pollution led to the creation of a critical situation. But, fortunately, the forces of modern architects and builders managed to save the structure of the building, which in 2007 was named one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
5. Sistine Chapel (Rome, Vatican)
Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome On November 1, 1509, thousands of Romans, led by Pope Julius II, froze in admiration and bowed their heads before the great genius Michelangelo Buonarotti, seeing the vault of the Sistine Chapel. They say that even envious and slanderous masters recognized his talent and perfection of paintings.
More than five hundred years have passed, and the images of the sibyls, the first people, prophets and other biblical characters continue to attract people from all over the world, make hearts skip a beat and serve as a hymn to talent and hard work. Many who have experienced this feeling say that it is a must to visit the Sistine Chapel in Italy once, and then return and relive it all over again.
Considering himself a sculptor, Buonarotti was simply forced, due to certain circumstances, to take up painting the vault of the chapel. Due to non-compliance with some of the nuances of the technique of creating frescoes, the first paintings disappeared. Then the master had to rip them off and recreate them, after deriving his own recipe for plaster and paints.
The height of the building is 20 meters. Michelangelo independently designed the scaffolding, which was installed on the floor, and not fixed with ropes on the ceiling. For several years, the master climbed them daily, took an uncomfortable position and created his masterpieces. This position of the body led to disability, which became the price for immortality in the eyes of posterity.
Look Beautiful places Italy in this wonderful video!
6. Milan Cathedral (Milan)
Milan Cathedral If you ask the Milanese what to visit in Italy, they will not hesitate to name the cathedral, built in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and which is the symbol of the city. This monumental building can simultaneously accommodate up to 40,000 people, which makes it one of the largest Gothic churches in the world.
The laying of its foundation began in 1386 on the site of the demolished old church Santa Maria Maggiore. The great artist and designer Leonardo da Vinci took part in the development of the project. But the construction was completed only after 427 years by order of Napoleon Bonaparte. Although small changes in appearance facade and interior decoration continued to be introduced until the middle of the twentieth century.
The cathedral is made of white marble and designed in the flamboyant Gothic style. First, the eyes of tourists appear 135 marble spiers, looking to heaven. Having admired this spectacle, visitors go inside the room, where 3400 sculptures are installed, among which the golden statue of the Madonna (the patroness of Milan) is considered the main treasure. The walls are decorated with paintings by great Italian painters, and above the altar you can see the nail that was used in the crucifixion of the Savior.
A visit to this attraction of Italy is not complete without climbing observation deck from where a magnificent panorama of the city opens.
7. Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli (foot of the Tiburtine Mountains)
Marble sculptures along the pond at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli When deciding what to visit in Italy, stop your choice at Villa Adriana, located on 120 hectares in the small town of Tivoli.
Having learned the biography of its owner, Emperor Hadrian, it becomes clear that he did not choose this place by chance. This ruler went down in history as a wise philosopher, connoisseur of painting and architecture. He himself participated in the development of many projects of that time, and in his declining years he decided to build a villa where you can indulge in reflection and contemplation of beauty.
Traveling a lot around the world, Adrian made sketches of buildings he liked, which allowed him to subsequently create a sketch of his own house, in which Eastern, Egyptian and Greek cultures were intertwined. On the territory of the villa, picturesque alleys, flower beds were laid out, garden trees were planted, ponds and pools were dug out, and numerous statues were installed. In addition to the chambers of the emperor, buildings for servants and guards, baths, a theater, a maritime museum, a temple and even an academy were erected here.
An interesting feature of the porticoes located on the territory of the villa is their low height. This is explained by the fact that Adrian was short and, passing through a low vault, could feel taller and more majestic.
Under the villa is a whole network underground passages, along which servants and wagons with provisions moved. This made it possible to maintain peace and silence, which the emperor valued very highly.
Despite the fact that most of the buildings are now destroyed, and the statues are broken or taken out, there are always a lot of visitors on the territory of this Italian landmark.
8. Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
For connoisseurs of art from all over the world, there is a place that is a kind of Mecca, where you should go at least once in your life. Therefore, to the question of what to see in Italy, there is a definite answer - the Uffizi Gallery.
The famous museum keeps the original paintings Leonardo da Vinci , Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo and many other great artists. Many of the masterpieces were created between the 12th and 17th centuries, but most of the paintings date back to the Renaissance.
You can find the building of this museum in Florence by a huge live line, which is lined up since early morning. Therefore, having decided to visit the gallery, you should not plan any other excursions for that day. In addition, the abundance of impressions from the masterpieces seen and the information received requires great internal strength.
The architectural ensemble of the Uffizi Palace is represented by two three-story buildings in the shape of a horseshoe, standing parallel to each other. The main part of the exposition is located on the second floor, where the 126 steps of the famous Vasari staircase, made of gray stone, lead. The vaults of the gallery are decorated with frescoes.
In the corridors and halls, in addition to the well-known masterpieces of painting, there are also valuable sculptures or their exact copies, collections of precious stones, ancient coins, vases and other antiques.
9. Grand Canal (Venice)
Main water street of Venice Grand Canal The sights of Italy are not limited to architectural monuments, sculptures and paintings. Sometimes. A striking example is the Grand Canal in Venice, which runs through the entire city. It starts from St. Mark's Basin and stretches in a capital S for almost 4 km to Santa Lucia Station. The depth of 5 meters allows sea trams and other light vehicles to move freely along it. water transport. Traveling along the water surface of the Grand Canal, you can slowly explore the beauty of this unique city.
Historians believe that it was the canal that became the starting point from which the development and construction of the city began. Merchant ships arriving here brought all sorts of goods, which quickly dispersed throughout Europe. This led to prosperity, and merchants began to build their houses right on its shore. A little later, rich and noble residents joined them, which was reflected in the architectural style of the buildings. Magnificent Gothic palaces, houses with painted arches, spacious loggias and graceful columns appeared along the canal. In the 16th century, they were replaced by bizarre windows, and bright colors were replaced by pastel colors. All this diversity of styles has survived to this day, delighting guests and natives of Venice.
You can get from one bank of the Grand Canal to the other via one of the four bridges, which also serve as a decoration of the city.
10. Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa)
The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in the "Square of Miracles" The list of the most famous sights of Italy certainly includes the "leaning" Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. In addition to its slope, which was formed as a result of the incorrect calculation of the architect, it also has a number of unique characteristics that attract millions of tourists to it:
- The thickness of the walls at the base of the tower is 4.9 m, but gradually thins and on the upper gallery it is already 2.48 m.
- This is the only bell tower at some distance from the cathedral.
- Muslim motifs are visible in the design of the facade.
But even without this halo of mystery, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a real architectural masterpiece. Its first floor consists of a cascade of arches, and majestic bas-reliefs greet visitors at the entrance. All subsequent floors are surrounded by galleries, the outer parts of which form graceful columns. From afar, it seems that they are twisted into an endless spiral, rushing into the sky. The belfry is crowned with a huge belfry, inside of which there is a three-ton bell.
The fall of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has been going on for several centuries due to the peculiarities of the soil and errors in the calculations when laying the foundation, was stopped only at the beginning of our century by the joint efforts of many scientists of the world. And although the building is open to the public, tourists should be aware that the time of one tour is limited to 30 minutes. It is strictly forbidden to move around the building on your own. Before lifting up, all personal belongings remain below, which reduces the level of load on the supporting structures. Children under eight years of age are not allowed inside.
And another important factor is the presence of 297 steps. Their visitors must overcome in less than half an hour. Therefore, when planning what to see in Italy, you should realistically assess the state of your health in advance.
Sights of Italy: what else to visit while in Italy
It is difficult to tell about all the memos that can be seen in this wonderful country. But we have collected information about a couple more places where travelers will definitely like it. If you plan to travel to different cities, it makes sense to order surveys that allow you to explore the main attractions.
11. St. Mark's Cathedral (Venice)
St. Mark's Basilica in Piazza San Marco The architectural sights of Italy include many beautiful buildings, but St. Mark's Cathedral deserves special attention.
Its construction began in 829 with the aim of burying the relics of St. Mark, brought from Alexandria. Subsequently, this apostle became the patron saint of Venice.
The cathedral was built in just 3 years, but in 976 it was badly damaged by a fire. The building was restored several times, but after 1094 only its interior decoration changed.
Those who have seen this cathedral with their own eyes claim that you can admire it all day without even going inside. In the architecture of the building there are several styles that form a perfect ensemble. The decoration used oriental marble, Greek bas-reliefs, Gothic capitals, numerous sculptures by Italian and Byzantine masters.
The cathedral is crowned with five domes, on which gilded crosses are installed. The facade of the building itself is lined with marble, decorated with arches, portals and huge niches. Above the entrance is a mosaic panel and an exact copy of the famous four horses, cast in the 4th century BC. Greek masters.
The decoration inside the cathedral is striking in its luxury, an abundance of gold, precious stones, paintings and statues. In its central part there is a huge golden altar, created more than 400 years ago. The walls are decorated with images of saints and scenes from the sacred history. The most famous image of them is Salome holding the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
12. Positano (Province of Salerno)
The town of Positano in the province of Salerno See the sights of Italy and at the same time have a great rest on the shore Tyrrhenian Sea You can visit the cozy town of Positano.
Everything that allows you to call this place a "paradise" is collected here. An amazing riot of colors created by nature is combined with man-made buildings. On the streets you can see numerous artists who, for a small fee, will draw a portrait or landscape they like. The diversity of architectural styles is due to historical events that have taken place in this area for many centuries.
Due to the mildness of the climate, starting from the first century AD, the city began to attract wealthy merchants and noble patricians, who began to build their stone villas here. After the fall of the Roman Empire, this city turned into a center of trade, where numerous overseas merchants and Saracen pirates reached out.
Each era brought its own characteristics to the architecture of the city, but the most luxurious buildings, made in the Baroque style, appeared in the 13th century and have survived to this day. After World War I, Positano was recognized as one of the the best resorts Italy, and celebrities began to come here.
The palace is the most prestigious hotel in the city. Neapolitan king Murata, in which the magnificent Botanical Garden open to everyone.
13. Spanish steps (Rome)
Spanish Steps and the Barcaccia Fountain in Rome Anyone who has ever seen the film "Roman Holiday" will remember the famous Spanish Steps connecting the Spanish Square and the Trinita dei Monti Church. Now they are considered one of the most romantic places the capitals, where lovers date each other and where newlyweds come to be photographed.
The history of the creation of this attraction in Italy dates back to the end of the 17th century, when the diplomat from France, Etienne Geffier, decided to allocate 20,000 skudos for the construction of the stairs. However, disagreements between Cardinal Mazarin and the Pope prevented the implementation of this grandiose project.
It was remembered only in 1717 and the design was entrusted to the architect Francesco de Sanctis, who managed to diplomatically combine the heraldic symbols of the Bourbon dynasty with an eagle and a crown, representing the power of the Pope. The steps were completed in 1725.
Tourists are also interested in the area, which is located at the foot of the Spanish Steps. In its center is the Barkachcha fountain, made in the form of a small boat. You can only take pictures of stairs without people sitting or walking on them in the early morning.
14. Pompeii (province of Naples)
The famous museum city of Pompeii Pompeii is a unique dead city, freed by scientists from a multi-meter layer of ash and is now huge museum open air.
The city was completely destroyed during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. And only seventeen centuries later, its excavations began. Due to the negligence of archaeologists, many artifacts were destroyed, as they were not of artistic value. But since 1960, restoration work began to be carried out, which made it possible to almost completely recreate the once-dead city of Pompeii.
Now visitors can freely walk the streets and look at the houses of the townspeople who lived here almost 2000 years ago. Most often they are two-story buildings, decorated with frescoes or mosaics. The houses of wealthy people were distinguished by the presence of marble sculptures on the facades.
During the tour, tourists are offered to visit the oldest temple, created in honor of the Greek god Apollo. Of the 28 majestic columns, only 2 were restored, but the beautiful frescoes depicting the Trojan War, found in the inner niches of the temple, have been preserved almost in their original form.
Of interest are also such sights as the temple of Jupiter, the barracks of gladiators, baths, arenas of the Bolshoi and Maly theater and much more.
15. Roman Forum (Rome)
Ruins of the Roman Forum The sights of Italy include the Roman Forum, founded in the VI century BC.
Initially, it was created as a place for trade between the Romans and the Sabines, as a sign of reconciliation between these two peoples. But soon it turned into a square where state affairs were decided, justice was administered and religious ceremonies were held.
This was reflected in the appearance of the forum. The malls were demolished, and in their place were temples, basilicas and other buildings that played a role in the political life of the empire. At first, wood was used for their construction, but after several fires, it was decided to replace it with stones. Thanks to this, some buildings have survived to this day.
Here tourists are offered to see the remains of the temples of Vesta, Saturn and Faustina. And although only a few columns remained from them, one can draw conclusions about the former grandeur of these buildings by their size.
The attraction of the forum is the Black Stone, under which, according to legend, Romulus, one of the founders of Rome, is buried.
It is also worth paying attention to the crevice of Curtius, located in the central part of the forum. The guide will tell you interesting legend about its origin and the death of a brave warrior. Legend has it that the most valuable treasure of Rome is its people.
Next to Italy is a country in whose territory there are medieval cities, Alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches - France. While in Italy, be sure to check out this extraordinary beautiful country! Read about and get inspired for your next trip to Europe!
short information
The famous Russian poet Alexander Blok, having visited Italy, wrote 24 poems about this in 1909. amazing country, which were included in his cycle "Italian poems". Any tourist who visits Italy feels the same enthusiastic impression of Italy, even if he is not a poet. Ancient Roman architectural monuments, unique palaces, castles, cathedrals, museums with paintings by Raphael, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Michelangelo, magnificent ski, beach and spa resorts attract tens of millions of tourists to Italy every year ...
Geography of Italy
Italy is located on the Apennine Peninsula in south-central Europe. Italy borders Switzerland and Austria in the north, Slovenia in the northeast, and France in the northwest. The independent states of San Marino and the Vatican are enclaves in Italy. In turn, Campione d'Italia is an Italian enclave in France.
Italy owns several islands. The largest of them are Sicily and Sardinia. Italy is washed by five seas at once - the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Ligurian and Adriatic. The total area of this country is 301,338 sq. km, including the islands.
Throughout Italy, the Apennine Mountains stretch from north to south, bordering the Alps. The most high peak Italy - Mont Blanc in the Alps (4,808 meters).
There are quite a lot of rivers in Italy, but they are not too big. The most famous of them are Pau (652 km), Adige, Brenta, Piave, and Reno.
Italy has several active volcanoes - Etna in Sicily, Vesuvius near Naples, as well as Stromboli and Vulcano in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Capital
The capital of Italy is Rome, which is now home to about 2.8 million people. According to legend, it was founded by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC. Archaeologists claim that human settlements on the site of modern Rome existed long before this date.
Official language
The official language in Italy is Italian, which belongs to the Romance group of the Indo-European language family.
Religion
About 90% of the Italian population are Catholics belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. And about 37% of Italians go to church every week (or more often).
State structure
Under the current Constitution of 1946, Italy is a parliamentary republic. Executive power belongs to the President, who is elected by the Parliament for a term of 7 years.
Parliament in Italy is bicameral - the Senate of the Republic (315 people) and the Chamber of Deputies (630 people). The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers are appointed by the President, but they need the approval of the Parliament.
Climate and weather
The climate in Italy is temperate, but the weather fluctuates markedly depending on how far or close any italian region located near the Alps and the sea.
Medium annual temperature air in Italy - +15.8C. The warmest months in Italy are July and August, when the average air temperature reaches +31C. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature is +3C.
Sea in Italy
Italy is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Ligurian and Adriatic seas. The total coastline in Italy is 7,600 km.
average temperature Adriatic Sea near Italy:
January - +10C
- February - +9С
- March - +10C
- April - +13C
- May - +18C
- June - +21C
- July - +23C
- August - +22C
- September - +21С
- October - +18C
- November - +15C
- December - +13C
Rivers and lakes
In Italy, most of the rivers flow through the north of the country. The largest Italian rivers are Po (652 km), Adige, Brenta, Piave, and Reno.
There are many lakes in the Alps in eastern Italy. The largest Italian lakes are Garda, Lago Maggiore, Como, and Ledro.
History of Italy
The history of few countries can be compared with the history of Italy. Perhaps only Greece can be put on a par with Italy in terms of the number of historical monuments.
Modern humans settled in Italy about 40,000 years ago. Before the Romans, Umbrians, Latins (actually, the ancestors of the Romans), Samnites, Celts, and many other tribes lived here.
Around the 8th-7th centuries BC. in southern Italy and in Sicily, several of their colonial cities were founded by the ancient Greeks. The Phoenicians built their colonies on the coast of Sicily and Sardinia.
Ancient Rome was originally a small agricultural community that appeared in the 8th century. BC, but gradually he spread his influence to near and far lands. The result was a vast empire that spanned the entire Mediterranean. In the Ancient Roman Empire, Greek and Roman culture were merged into one civilization.
In the 2nd century AD the decline of the Roman Empire begins. It finally broke up in 395 into the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire. In the end, Franks, Vandals, Huns, Goths and other barbarians conquered Italy. In the 6th century AD the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire conquered Rome and Italy from the barbarians, but the Germanic tribes of the Lombards managed to gain a foothold in the north of the country.
At the end of the 8th century AD. part of the territory of Italy was included in the kingdom of the emperor of the Franks Charlemagne. The Frankish kings helped establish the Papal States in Central Italy, which belonged to the Popes.
Many historians believe that it was because of the existence of the Papal States that Italy was divided into feudal city-states for many centuries.
In the Middle Ages, the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire tried to subjugate Italian city-states However, they actively resisted these plans.
During this period, the heyday of the Italian maritime republics begins - Venice, Pisa, Genoa and Amalfi. Very soon, Venice and Genoa became the main merchants in Europe with the East, thanks to which their wealth and power increased even more.
In turn, Florence at this time turned into the European capital of silk, wool, jewelry and banking.
From 1559 Italy was under the rule of Habsburg Spain, and from 1713 it was conquered by Austria.
During the era of the Napoleonic Wars, part of the Italian lands was annexed to France, and the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed on the remaining territory.
On March 17, 1961, after the campaigns of the Italian army led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, the united Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed. But only after 1866 Venice was annexed to the Italian Kingdom.
During the First World War, Italy took the side of the Entente, as a result of which more than 650 thousand Italian soldiers died on the battlefields.
In the late 1920s and early 1935s, Benito Mussolini came to power in Italy. In 1939, Italy occupied Albania, and during World War II fought on the side of Germany and Japan. In September 1943, Italy capitulated.
In 1946, Italy became a Republic, and in 1949 it joined the NATO military bloc. In 1957, Italy was among the founding members of the European Economic Union, which later became the European Union.
culture
Italian history goes back several thousand years, which means that the Italians had a huge impact on the European peoples.
Thanks to Italy, the world received a large number of brilliant writers, artists, philosophers and scientists:
Literature - Giovanni Boccaccio, Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarca, Carlo Collodi, Giosue Carducci and Umberto Eco;
- Classical music - Alessandro Scarlatti, Antonio Vivaldi, Gioacchino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini;
- Art - Giotto, Paolo Uccello, Botticelli, Piero della Francesca, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael Santi, Titian and Michelangelo Buonarroti;
- Architecture - Donato Bramante, Andrea Palladio;
- Philosophy - Boethius, Anselm of Canterbury, Peter of Lombard, Francis of Assisi and Bonaventure;
- Science - Leonardo of Pisa, Paolo Toscanelli and Gerolamo Cardano;
- Navigators and travelers - Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci.
Kitchen
Italy is made up of twenty different regions, and each of them has its own culinary traditions. Moreover, every Italian city, every village is sure to be proud of its own culinary recipe. In addition, the same dish in different regions of Italy is prepared in different ways. So, spaghetti in Naples is quite different in taste from spaghetti in Piedmont.
The culinary traditions of some regions of Italy were formed under strong Arab or Greek influence. To other regional Italian cuisines big influence provided by the French and Austrians.
In Italy, we definitely advise tourists to try the following traditional dishes: carpaccio, Caprese salad, frittata omelette, bruschetta burerbrod, minestrone thick vegetable soup, cacucco thick fish soup, Margherita pizza, “closed” pizza "calzone", pasta "bolognese", risotto, rolls of dough with cannoli cheese.
In Italy, tourists should also try local ice cream, because this country is considered its “homeland”.
Italy is world famous for its wines. The traditions of Italian winemaking date back to the era of Ancient Rome. Wine in Italy is made in almost all regions, from Sicily to Lombardy.
Sights of Italy
Italy is probably one of the first places in the world in terms of the number of attractions. Italian museums contain thousands of paintings and sculptures by the great masters of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the New Age and the present. Tourists in Italy, we definitely advise you to see the following top 10 attractions:
Colosseum in Rome
The ancient Roman amphitheater Colosseum was erected by the Roman emperors in 72-80 AD. Once upon a time, gladiator fights and whole sea battles were held in the Colosseum. Now the Colosseum is a symbol of Rome, which is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
Roman forum
This was the name of the central square in ancient Rome. Until now, the ruins of several ancient Roman temples and basilicas have been preserved in the Forum (the temple of Saturn, the arch of Titus, Basildica Julius, the temple of the Dioscuri).
Pantheon in Rome
This temple was built under the emperor Hadrian in the II century. AD Later, the temple became a Catholic church. The Italian kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I are buried there.
Piazza San Marco in Venice
It is on this square that the famous architectural and historical Venetian monuments are located - the Doge's Palace, Palazzo Dandolo, St. Mark's Cathedral, Loggetta and Palazzo Grassi.
Basilica of Saint Clement
Built in Rome in 384 AD. Until now, this basilica has preserved several amazing, very old frescoes (“The Life of St. Alexis”, “The Mass of St. Clement” and “The Posthumous Judgment”).
leaning tower of pisa
The "Leaning Tower" in Pisa was built in 1360 as the bell tower of the Catholic Cathedral. Now the slope of this tower is about 3 degrees.
Trevi Fountain in Rome
This is the largest in this moment The fountain in Rome was built in the middle of the 18th century by the architect Nicola Salvi. The Italians are sure that if a person throws one coin into the Trevi Fountain, he will come to Rome again. Every year, employees of the Roman public service take hundreds of thousands of euros worth of coins from this fountain.
Duomo Cathedral in Milan
The construction of this greatest Gothic cathedral in the world lasted 430 years. The Italians claim that about 40 thousand people can fit in it. However, this information has not yet been officially confirmed.
Uffizi Gallery in Florence
This palace, which now houses an art gallery, was built in 1560-1581 by the architects Giorgio Vasari and Bernardo Buontalenti. Now this museum houses hundreds of paintings by great masters, including Botticelli, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Titian.
Pompeii near Naples
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was covered with the ashes of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 AD. Now Pompeii is an open-air museum, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cities and resorts in Italy
The largest Italian cities are Rome, Milan, Turin, Palermo, Naples, Genoa, Florence, Bari, Bologna, Catania, and Venice.
In Italy, there are a large number of beautiful seaside resorts with magnificent beaches.
Top 10 best beach resorts in Italy, in our opinion:
1. island of Capri
2. Cefalu in Sicily
3. Amalfi on the Tyrrhenian coast
4. Lido di Jesolo near Venice
5. Rimini
6. island of Sardinia
7. Tropea in Calabria
8. Otranto
9 Scilla in Calabria
10. Castellammare del Golfo in Sicily
Top 10 best Italian beaches, in our opinion:
1. San Vito Lo Capo - Sicily
2. Isola del Giglio - Tuscany
3. Taormina - Sicily
4. Mondello - near Palermo, Sicily
5. Capalbio - Tuscany
6. Domus de Maria - Sardinia
7. Salina - the Eopian Islands near Sardinia
8. Posada
9 Vendicari
10. Castiglione della Pescaia
Italy is also famous for its magnificent ski resorts. The most popular ones are in Dolomites- Cortina d'Ampezzo, Alta Pusteria, Val Gardena, Val di Fiemme, San Martino di Castrozza, Valle Isarco, Madonna di Campiglio, Val di Sole, Pinzolo, and Monte Bondone.
Many tourists come to Italy specifically to relax in local spa resorts. The most famous of them are Abano Terme, Merano, Sirmione, Montecatini Terme, Terme de Medici, San Giuliano Terme, and Ischia.
Souvenirs/Shopping
We recommend tourists from Italy to bring Italian clothes and accessories, jewelry, bijouterie, olive oil, sweet and sour balsamic vinegar, Tuscan pie, various Italian cookies, ceramics (we advise you to buy it in small towns and villages), dishes, bed linen, towels , T-shirts, scarves of Italian football clubs, etc.
Office Hours
Banks work:
Mon-Fri: 08:35-13.35 and 15:00-16:00
On Saturday banks are open until 13.30.
In some tourist regions Banks are open without a lunch break.
Store opening hours:
Mon-Sat: 09:00-13:00 and 15:30-19:30
Some large shops are open without a lunch break until 20:00.
Many shops are open on Sundays as well.
Mail:
Mon-Fri: 08:30 - 13:30
Sat: 08:30 - 13:00
Restaurants in Italy are usually open from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 19:00 to 23:00.
Visa
Ukrainians need to obtain a visa to enter Italy.
Currency
Italy is part of the European Union. This means that on its territory the euro is used as banknotes.
