Italy

Italy (Italia) is a large country in Southern Europe. It is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites anywhere—art and monuments abound throughout the country. Italy is also famous worldwide for its cuisine, fashion, wine, luxury sports cars and motorcycles; as well as for its beautiful coasts, lakes and mountains (the Alps and Apennines).

Italy has a number of world-famous cities, among them Rome, Bologna, Florence, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Pisa, Turin, Venice and Verona. All are spectacular in their own right. Other popular destinations around Italy include Tuscany, the islands of Capri and Sicily, Vatican City and the Italian Alps.

Venice, Italy (Venezia in Italian) is one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was 500 years ago, though it has certainly begun to decay since its heyday. Tourists slightly outnumber residents, but the city’s romantic charm remains.

Venice is made up of different parts. The most famous is the area comprising the 118 islands in the main districts of Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Isola Della Giudecca, San Polo, San Croce, San Marco and Lido di Venezia where the main monuments and sights are located.

The Most Serene Republic of Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine dukedom moved its seat to what is now known as the Rialto, and for the following 970 years prospered on trade and under the rule of a Roman-style Senate headed by the Doge. In 1797 the city was conquered by Napoleon, a blow from which the city never recovered.

The summer may be the worst time to visit: It’s sometimes very hot, the canals sometimes stink (in the most literal sense), there are occasional infestations of flies and there are more tourists than usual. Spring and fall are probably best. Ride a Vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal right before sunset. The Vaporettos are inexpensive, but the sites are priceless: amazing architecture, soft seaside sunlight, and a fascinating parade of Venetian watercraft. Or shop. Venice is packed full of little stores in every corner and crevice. The most common local specialties are Carnival masks, glass and marbled paper.

Piazza San Marco is Venice's most famous piazza. What appears to be a rectangle is actually a trapezium, and when you look up at the basilica, the piazza seems enormous, although it is only 175 meters long. On both sides of the piazza are the Procuratie, which housed the procurators of San Marco. The centerpiece of the piazza is the Basilica di San MarcoThe oldest of these (probably built by Codussi) are on your left when you face the basilica; Longhena built the ones on the right later, in 1640. The most recent buildings, commissioned by Napoleon in 1810, lie behind.

Started in the 9th Century, Basilica di San Marco's architecture shows an eastern and Byzantine influence: note the golden altarpiece and the 13th and 14th-century mosaics that illustrate the cycles of the Bible. The magnificent domes date from the 12th Century. The Basilica houses the Marciano Museum, which contains the original bronze horses, copies of which are now on the terrace. Other great artworks are located in the Pala d'Oro, along with masterpieces of Gothic gold-smithing, located just behind the altar.

Located next to the Basilica di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale has been the symbol of Venice's political life and public administration for hundreds of years. The building has been continuously evolving into its present form since 1340, even though its foundations date back to the early Middle Ages (10th Century). Considered a masterpiece of the Gothic style, it has been destroyed many times, most notably during the fire of 1106. It was rebuilt by Barbarossa in 1177 and modified over the time by the different Dogi reigning in Venice. More than a palace, the Palazzo Ducale is an extensive infrastructure, comprising the apartments of the doge (often used as an exhibition space), the government quarters and the palace of justice. When visiting the palace, many parts are worth the detour. In the Museo dell'Opera, you will see the remaining pieces of the building's medieval façades as well as a collection of sculptures dating from the 14th and 15th Centuries. Before heading towards the Doge's apartments, you will enter the magnificent courtyard. Take some time to walk alongside the Loggias to enjoy the various angles of the Palazzo. In addition to the Institutional Chambers and the Prisons, take some time to see the great collection of weapons and armaments in the Armoury. The hours of operation may vary according to the months, so please visit the website for further details.

You get a splendid view of Venice and the Basilica di San Marco from the tallest bell tower in Venice. It can be seen from the laguna, and once you have reached the top, the whole laguna can be seen from above. Even though the tower was erected at the beginning of the 20th Century, it is an exact replica of the 15th-century bell tower. In 1609, Galileo Galilei exhibited his telescope here, and during the Carnevale, the bell tower used to serve as a stage for the tight rope-walkers who entertained the doge with their acrobatics.

This market sells fruit, vegetables, groceries and fish. Full of local color, a browse through the stalls is a must, even if you have nothing to buy. Prices are lower than in the shops and the fish is always extremely fresh.

For a long time this was the only way to cross the Canal Grande. There was a bridge here at the end of the 12th Century, but the current one, designed by Antonio da Ponte, was built 1554-1591. There are now lots of shops on the bridge selling all kinds of souvenirs and curiosities. Fresh fruit, vegetable and fish markets line the streets in the bustling neighborhood. A second bridge was built in 1854, this bridge is still an important historical landmark and always a bright spot for tourists.

The Medici family reserved rooms for their prestigious collection during use of the gallery as magistrate's court in the 1700s. Made up of 40 rooms, the gallery contains works by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio and Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera. Note the collection of Flemish, French, Dutch and German masters. The corridors, ceilings with splendid frescoes, are lined with Roman and 16th-century sculptures. By reservation, the Vasari Corridor above the Ponte Vecchio offers a link between Pitti Palace and Palazzo Vecchio. The Galleria houses 700 paintings including well-known self-portraits.

Renowned for its panoramic views of Florence and the Arno valley, this terrace is a popular spot with locals and tourists. Created as part of major restructuring of the city walls, Giuseppe Poggi's sumptuous terrace is typically 19th century. In 1871, Poggi designed a monument base dedicated to Michelangelo. The monument itself was to be composed of copies of Michelangelo's works, including David and the Medici chapel sculptures from San Lorenzo. When the terrace was finished, Poggi designed the hillside building, now a restaurant, as a museum for Michelangelo's works.

The world-renowned David, sculpted by Michelangelo between 1500 and 1504, is considered, along with the Pietà, the masterpiece of its creator who was only 26 years old at that time. Made out of an irregular block of marble, the statue portrays the biblical hero David before entering his battle against Goliath. It symbolizes the youth and strengh and is known to represent the power of the Florentine Republic. Originally, the statue stood in front of the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio. For a better preservation, it has been removed from outdoors and is now displayed at the Galleria dell'Accademia. A copy of the statue remains on the Piazza della Signoria. 

The world-renowned David, sculpted by Michelangelo between 1500 and 1504, is considered, along with the Pietà, the masterpiece of its creator who was only 26 years old at that time. Made out of an irregular block of marble, the statue portrays the biblical hero David before entering his battle against Goliath. It symbolizes the youth and strengh and is known to represent the power of the Florentine Republic. Originally, the statue stood in front of the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio. For a better preservation, it has been removed from outdoors and is now displayed at the Galleria dell'Accademia. A copy of the statue remains on the Piazza della Signoria. 

Best known of all Florence's treasures, this glorious bridge was the only one of six spared by the retreating Germans on 4 August 1944. Over the centuries flooding unfortunately took its toll; few traces of the 10th-century bridge remain. Today's bridge, built in 1345, was filled with butcher's shops which would routinely discard the carcasses into the Arno causing quite a stench. Grand Duke Fernandino I issued an edict to replace the butchers with goldsmiths to eradicate the smell and gentrify royalty's route to Palazzo Pitti, reached via the Vasari Corridor that passes over the bridge. Also, do not padlock anything to the statue of Benvenuto Cellini, often practiced by lovers who padlock a lock to the gate of the statue and toss the key into the river - otherwise face a fine of EUR 50!

Florence (Firenze in Italian) is the capital of the region of Tuscany in Italy. The epicenter of the Italian Renaissance, Florence remains a top destination for art lovers; it is a cultural and architectural gem, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany, a stunning province of hills and mountains, it has many famous sons like Leonardo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo.

Among the things you can’t afford to miss are the Uffizi Galleries, one of the best art museums in the world, the Duomo, the Santo Spirito church and the Ponte Vecchio. To get a great overview of the city, you have plenty of choices: climb the “Cupolone” of the Duomo or the Giotto Tower, head for Piazzale Michelangelo in Oltrarno (other side of river Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato.

This building was constructed between 1444 and 1460 by Michelozzo Michelozzi on the orders of Cosimo il Vecchio. It represents the prototype of the Florentine Renaissance style, characterized by mullioned windows of every size. Halfway through the 17th century it was sold to the Marchesi Riccardi family who enlarged it, adding the gallery which has Baroque frescoes by Luca Giordano. The Riccardi family held onto the palazzo until 1814 when it became the site of the Ministry of the Interior and, from 1871, the Prefecture. Inside there is a beautifully porticoed courtyard where there are many Roman remains gathered as well as various sculptures. The Chapel which was designed by Michelozzi is also noteworthy. There you will find frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli which show the journey of the Magi to Bethlehem (1459). Within them, there are various famous people of the period including Lorenzo the Magnificient and Galeazzo Maria Sforza. Go early - only 8 guests permitted in at once!

Located in the Tuscany region of Italy, Siena is a picturesque hill town surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Set at the southern edge of the Chianti area, and within day-trip distance of a handful of Tuscan towns like San Gimignano and Montepulciano, many travelers to the region choose Siena as their home base.

Watch city life in the Piazza del Campo, take romantic walks along the narrow alleyways, visit the spectacular Duomo or see precious medieval works of art in the Santa Maria della Scala museum.

If you’re a racing fan, check out the legenday Palio horse races on July 2 and August 16, set in the Piazza del Campo. The competition occurs between 17 city districts—complete with pageantry and colored flags. The first horse to cross the finish line, whether or not a rider is seated on it, is the winner.

Naples is the capital of the Campania region in Italy and the largest city in Southern Italy. It was founded between the 7th and 6th centuries BC by the Greeks and was named Neapolis, which means "new city." Because of its vast artistic heritage, the historic center of Naples was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Although Naples is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and rich in history and monuments, it is sometimes overlooked by mass tourism and is less visited than other Italian cities. There are, however, many tourist attractions within the city, including 448 historical churches.

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, home to the infamous Mount Vesuvius volcano and is an Italian musical hotspot. The territory of Naples (particularly the iconic sight of the gulf of Naples), coupled with its colorful folklore, make the city one of the most powerful symbolic images of Italy abroad.

Pompeii, the most famous archaeological site in Italy, is located just 25km away from Naples. The excavations are visited by millions of visitors every year and offer one of the most important pieces of evidence of the past in the whole world. Life in this rich and prosperous city was dramatically and brusquely interrupted in 79 C.E. when Vesuvius erupted and totally buried it. The city and its inhabitants were wiped out in moments. A visit to the excavations gives you a pretty good idea of what life must have been like here two thousand years ago. A must visit for history lovers.