Why is Italy so attractive to tourists? The main attractions of Italy What is interesting in Italy
It would seem that there are almost no places left in Italy that experienced travelers do not know about. And yet the most popular travel destinations traditionally remain Rome, Milan, Venice, as well as the Mediterranean resort of Rimini. But there are other places you can go to in Italy and not be disappointed.
Daniel Stockman/Flickr.comWhy go
The Cinque Terre National Park unites five small settlements, which together are considered one of the most scenic hiking routes in western Italy. Monterosso, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Corniglia were once fishing villages and are today UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These towns are located on rocky cliff terraces and consist of colorful houses and vineyards. They represent an amazing monument, connected to each other by the Road of Love.
You can explore the park both by land and by water - many excursion boats ply along the coast. While admiring the architectural monuments, churches, towers, fortifications, do not forget to look at the small secluded beach in Monterosso. The water here is surprisingly clean, the shore is flat and sandy, and the beach itself is excellent for swimming.
How to get there
Getting to the Cinque Terre is not at all difficult - direct trains run regularly from Milan and Genoa. Travel time varies from 1 to 3.5 hours.
Or you can rent and drive along the picturesque highway No. A12/E80, and in the summer you can also take a boat ride from Genoa.
2. Stresa and Borromean Islands
Sharon Hahn Darlin/Flickr.com Why go
Stresa is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy largely due to its location. Sandwiched between the mountains and Lake Maggiore, Stresa boasts amazing natural scenery. In addition, tourists have something to do here. You can take the funicular to the top of Mount Mottarone, visit the local Alpine botanical garden, take a boat ride to the Borromean Islands, or visit one of the many villas in the area.
The Monastery of Santa Catarina is definitely worth a visit, as are Villas Pallavicino and Villa Taranto with their exotic landscaped gardens.
The Borromean Islands, located on Lake Maggiore near the shores of Stresa, also deserve special mention. These islands are connected by a water excursion route. Here you will see luxurious palaces, parks, peacocks peacefully walking on the lawn, hanging gardens, sculptures, statues and other works of art.
How to get there
There are direct high-speed trains from Milan to Stresa. Travel time is about an hour.
If you wish, you can spend just one day on a trip to Stresa without an overnight stay. However, there are so many attractions here that you should definitely stay in the city for at least a couple of days.
Victoriano Javier Tornel García/Flickr.com Why go
Turin is a luxurious baroque city with many architectural attractions and unique museums. It is home to the Royal Palace, which is the seat of the Savoy dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Turin Cathedral and the Art Gallery, which houses works by Italian and Dutch masters.
You should also definitely visit the Valentino Castle, the Antonelliana Tower, the Basilica of Superga, and the Madama Palace. Turin also has numerous museums. Some of them are quite original, such as the Martini Museum.
How to get there
There are direct flights to Turin from Moscow. If you fly to Milan, getting to Turin will not be difficult - both cities are connected by direct train connections.
If you plan to travel by car, you should stick to highway No. A4.
Francisco Anzola/Flickr.com Why go
Bergamo is a mix of man-made and natural attractions. Situated in the foothills of the Alps, Bergamo is surrounded by picturesque landscapes. And La Rocca Castle, Bergamo Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, medieval towers and lavishly decorated palazzos create a unique atmosphere inside the city.
Bergamo's location makes it a convenient starting point for further travel in northern Italy. From here you can go to Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, as well as visit the historical city of Brescia and explore the mountain routes of the Dolomites.
How to get there
There are direct flights to Bergamo from Russia and trains from Milan. You can also get there by car - Milan and Bergamo are connected by highway No. A4/E64.
Approximate travel time is about 50 minutes by car and about an hour by train.
Son of Groucho/Flickr.com Why go
The picturesque town of Limone sul Garda is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Garda. Getting here is not easy, but it's worth it.
Overhanging huge rocks, the blue of the lake, houses decorated with the symbol of the city - lemons - all this sets this small but atmospheric town apart from others.
In Limon, you should definitely visit the Casa della Finanza and the Gepardi Palazzo, the Church of San Rocco and the Cathedral of San Benedetto. It is also worth taking a walk through the Limone greenhouse, where lemon and olive trees grow.
It is also convenient to take boat trips from the town. You can, for example, go to the small but extremely picturesque town of Malcesine, which is located on the opposite bank of Garda, or get to the northernmost point of the lake - the town of Riva del Garda.
How to get there
There are no direct train connections to major Italian cities in Limone. You can only get here by bus from the south side of the lake. The bus stop is located in the town of Desenzano del Garda, which is served by trains from Milan, Verona and Bergamo.
Be sure to check the schedule so you don’t have to spend the night in an unfamiliar city!
The total travel time is about 3–3.5 hours one way.
Matteo Galli/Flickr.com Why go
Cervinia is a famous Italian ski resort located on the border with Switzerland in northern Italy. Despite its winter focus, it is interesting to visit it at any time of the year thanks to the beautiful alpine landscapes.
In Cervinia you can not only ride. There is also a go-cart track, paragliding, dog sledding, hot air ballooning, glacier riding, and numerous hiking trails around the Aosta Valley.
All conditions have been created for skiers: 150 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty, a snowboard park, freeride opportunities, and glacier skiing.
How to get there
You can get to Cervinia from Turin or Milan. These are the closest major cities with international airports.
In winter, a bus transfer is organized between the cities and the resort; in summer it is better to travel by car. You should take route No. A4/E64 from Milan and route No. A5 from Turin.
Montecatini Alto/Flickr.com Why go
When the beach season in Italy ends, Montecatini Terme continues to welcome tourists, because you can swim in the healing waters of the thermal springs all year round.
In Montecatini you can not only relax in the local thermal baths. It is also worth visiting the old part of the city, which has many historical monuments. In addition, from Montecatini you can easily go for a few days to neighboring Pisa, Lucca and Florence.
How to get there
The cities with airports closest to Montecatini Terme are Pisa and Florence. Travel time by train from both cities will be no more than an hour. This is the most convenient way to get to the thermal resort.
Taxis and car rentals are also available. The second option is especially relevant if you plan to travel all over Tuscany.
David van der Mark/Flickr.com Why go
Few people outside of Italy have heard of this beach resort, but the Italians themselves simply adore Orbetello.
The town boasts several truly valuable historical monuments, but the main attraction of the resort is its nature. Here lies the Orbetello lagoon, from which three sand spits extend towards the Monte Argentario peninsula. All this creates a unique natural composition.
The place is considered ideal for, and you can go on an excursion to the peninsula to explore its fortresses and villages.
How to get there
The most convenient way to get there is from Pisa - there are direct flights from Russia. You can get from Pisa to Orbetello by train in just 2 hours, by car along the E80 highway - a little faster. Or you can come to Orbetello from Rome. There are rail and road connections between the cities.
Avinash Kunnath/Flickr.com Why go
Tivoli is located just 35 km from Rome and has a lot of interesting attractions. The Tivoli excursion program includes visits to Villa D'Este, Villa Adriana and Villa Gregoriana. Here you can also swim in the local thermal complex and wander through the picturesque mountainous surroundings.
How to get there
You can get there in just 40 minutes by regional train, which runs 2-3 times an hour. Or take a regular bus, but it will take longer. If you are traveling by car, follow highway No. A24.
Greg Willis/Flickr.com Why go
Amalfi is the soul and heart of the Amalfi Coast, located just south of Naples. The rocky shores here give way to secluded sandy beaches, and most of the houses are hidden on stone terraces where mountain vineyards grow.
Among the attractions, the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called and the Emerald Grotto off the coast of Amalfi are impressive.
Amalfi is one of the few towns on the coast where there are sandy beaches. Although they are quite small, it is still possible to combine an excursion holiday with a beach holiday. However, it is worth considering that at the height of the summer season it can be quite crowded.
How to get there
You can get to Amalfi from Rome or Naples. Both cities have international arrival airports where planes from Russia also arrive. You can get to Amalfi by regular bus. Travel time will be about an hour from Naples and about 3 hours from Rome.
The most convenient way to travel around the country is by train or car. The current train schedule can always be checked on the official website of the Italian railways Trenitalia. But the bus service is less developed.
In Italy you can find many secluded corners that are known to a small circle of travelers and local residents. This country is able to impress with both its natural beauty and man-made monuments.
Rome, pizza, the Venice Canal, the Colosseum and fashionable Milan are just a small part of the words, the mention of which immediately brings to mind the sights of Italy. This country has been famous for hundreds of years for its color, unusual atmosphere and very rich excursion programs. Even the most spoiled tourist will have something to see here.
Historical sights of Italy
One of the most significant landmarks in Italy, the Pantheon was built back in the 27th century BC. by order of the then ruler Marcus Agrippa. This ancient temple became the personification of the greatness of the Roman Empire. Externally, the building is a large 42-meter dome with a hole in the center through which a beam of light penetrates. The inside of the temple is decorated with caissons, statues and paintings. The Pantheon is one of the TOP 40 amazing sights of Rome.
An equally significant place that almost every tourist wants to visit is the Roman Colosseum. It can be safely called one of the most grandiose buildings of the entire Roman Empire. It was here that all the most significant celebrations and events were held for more than 4 centuries. The appearance of the building is very restrained and simple. This is due to the fact that Emperor Vespasian, who replaced the wasteful Nero, considered it unnecessary to spend money from the treasury on the construction of expensive buildings.
The sights of Italy are not limited to metropolitan monuments. The Castel del Monte castle, located in the south of Italy, near the city of Andria, is also interesting in terms of excursion. The castle was erected in the mid-13th century by order of Emperor Frederick II. It is a two-story octagonal structure surrounded by eight towers. According to scientists, this shape of the castle was chosen for a reason, because it exactly resembles the octagonal crown of Frederick II.
It is impossible to imagine a trip to Italy without the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. At first glance, it does not represent anything special, if not for one thing. For more than 800 years, this building has been slightly tilted to the side and looking at it, it seems that it is about to fall. Initially, it was believed that this position of the tower was the author’s idea, but scientists still agreed that the reason for everything was a banal error in the design.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built in the Roman-Pisan style using Carrara marble and stone. The monument consists of 8 floors decorated with figures of mythical creatures, tympanums and capitals.
True connoisseurs of architecture will certainly not ignore the Duomo Cathedral in Milan. The shrine bears the title of the main symbol of the Catholic faith. Construction of the cathedral took place in the second half of the 14th century. The Duomo was built in the Flaming Gothic style using exclusively white marble. The external decoration of the shrine is striking in its pomp. 3,400 statues and several thousand stucco decorations were used to decorate the façade.
The interior of the cathedral is not inferior in beauty. Colorful stained glass windows, paintings, stucco moldings, majestic columns and marble sculptures are just a small part of what can be seen in the Duomo. The highlight of the shrine is the ancient Egyptian font, dating back to the 4th century.
Another reminder of the former greatness of the Roman Empire is the Roman Forum. It is an entire architectural complex, including temples, basilicas, arches and other historical objects. Some of the forum's buildings have not survived to this day, and some have only partially preserved their appearance. Initially, the forum itself was used as a market, where traders from all over the empire gathered. Later, the building began to be used for political purposes. Nowadays, this place is one of the best historical attractions in Italy.
The world famous city of Pompeii also left its mark on the history of Italy. It was founded on the site of settlements of the ancient Oscan tribe. Later the city came under Roman rule. The favorable location of Pompeii (near the Sarno River) gave residents the opportunity to quickly improve their economic position. For hundreds of years it was a major trading center of the Empire. But the tragedy that happened in 79 AD. once again violated the entire idyll of a prosperous city.
Volcano Vesuvius, which erupted on Pompeii, buried both the city itself and many of its inhabitants under piles of ash in a matter of hours. The first excavations in the “dead city” began in the 16th century. Since then, many artifacts have been found, which you can look at in the Open Air Museum.
The Valley of the Temples, located in the city of Agrigento in Sicily, has a truly mythical atmosphere. Here, in the period from the 5th to 6th centuries BC. Several temples dedicated to the ancient Greek gods were erected. The most majestic of all was the Temple of Zeus, covering an area of 6,500 km². Thousands of Carthaginian slaves worked day and night to create it, most of whom did not live to see the completion of construction.
To this day, only ruins and several 7.5-meter statues of titans serving as supporting columns remain from the temple. The tour of the valley includes visits to all the temples, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento.
The small town of Matera, in eastern Italy, is also interesting in terms of excursions. The first settlements were formed here in Neolithic times. This is evidenced by numerous cave dwellings, as well as palaces and churches carved into the rocks. Particularly noteworthy is the central district of the city - Sassi. Here tourists have the opportunity not only to see ancient buildings, walk through underground tunnels and visit museums, but also to spend the night in a unique cave hotel.
It is worth adding the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to your list of must-see places in Italy. It is in this shrine that the famous work of the great Leonardo da Vinci, the fresco “The Last Supper,” is kept. However, it will be interesting to stroll through the church itself, made in the Renaissance style. It is part of a large monastery complex, which, by the way, became the first site in Italy to be included in the World Heritage List.
Italy can be safely described as a “self-assembled tablecloth”, on whose territory there is a fantastic number of historical and cultural masterpieces. This state is the epicenter of art, culture, majestic palaces, proudly towering medieval castles and magnificent cathedrals.
For any traveler, the country serves as the most attractive magnet. But how can one not get lost in the jungle of all this cultural diversity and pay attention to the most valuable Italian historical specimens? In the article we will turn our attention to the five most “juicy, tasty and magnetic” places.
Italy attractions: photos and descriptions
Epic amphitheater in Rome - Colosseum
Coliseum- This is perhaps the most magnificent reminder of antiquity, a miracle of technology, an example of excellence in architecture and constant proof of how cruel and magnificent the Roman Empire was. The construction of this ancient miracle took about five years. The structure is presented in the form of an ellipse, the longitudinal axis of which is 188 m, but the height of the walls of the attraction is 48.5 meters.
The year 80 BC is the time when the first spectators visited the Colosseum, among whom it was customary to sit on the benches according to their position in society. Only the emperor and his entourage had the right to be closest to the arena.
In the first tier, consisting of twenty rows, the nobility, horsemen and a number of honorary city citizens enjoyed the spectacle. The Roman population, belonging to the middle class, was located in the next sixteen rows. The amphitheater became a place where many destinies were decided.
Here, criminals who were sentenced to death had to give up their lives; gladiators and wild animals died for the amusement of restless spectators. Even the Catholic Church of Rome has its involvement in the history of this building. In 1750, the Colosseum acquired the status of a “holy place” thanks to Pope Benedict XVI, who believed that many martyrs died here for Christ.
And although the Colosseum, due to the turbulent history of the state, was not preserved in its original condition, different cities and states have tried countless times to duplicate this incredible historical monument.
You can find out about many others on our website.
This miracle is located on Piazza del Colosse.
Its visiting hours depend on the time of year: from mid-April to the very end of September it can be done from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; the time is reduced to 17 pm between mid-March and mid-April; from mid-January until the fifteenth of March, visiting hours are limited to 16:00 and until 15:00 in October and until mid-January.
A single entry ticket, valid for two days and allowing you to see the Roman Forum, Colosseum and Palatine. It's kind of a trick.
The city of Pompeii rising from the ashes
The attention of the living tirelessly continues to be attracted by the ancient Roman dead city called Pompeii. In the 79th year from the birth of Christ, due to the eruption of Vesuvius, he was buried under lava and ash. Today, Pompeii is a full-fledged city, only it has no inhabitants, a famous landmark of Italy and an open-air museum, which ranks 389 among historical monuments protected by UNESCO.
Pompeii was one of the richest and most developed cities in the Mediterranean. The city, with a population of thirty thousand, was not just a large trading center or port for Rome, it was considered an important strategic unit on the military map.
At the time of Pompeii’s existence, there were approximately thirty different alleys and streets, nine hundred residential buildings, built mainly with two floors, less often with three. On almost every building one could see mosaics, frescoes and even marble sculptures.
Today, the territory of this complex may interest tourists with a large palaestra, an amphitheater, a forum, a temple of Apollo, residential buildings, of which the best preserved are the house of the surgeon, the house of the Faun, the house of the Vitti and the house of the tragic poet; in addition, there are baths and a lunaparium.
Pompeii is located at the foot of Vesuvius, in the southern region of Italy. From Naples the distance to the city is 12 km.
The complex receives visitors every day from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm; from November to March, evening hours are reduced to 5:30 pm.
An entrance ticket to the city for an adult will cost 11 euros (the price is for the period of 2011).
World Center of Catholicism - Vatican City
The heart of Italy and its significant landmark, the city-state, where Latin represents the official language - Vatican. This smallest state in the world got its name from the Vaticanus hill on which it is located.
Today the city consists of 44 hectares of land, which are fenced on three sides and on which approximately 1,000 residents officially live and perform their duties. These are state infrastructure managers, archivists and nuns.
The Vatican, being a tourist attraction, is itself filled with attractive and famous historical monuments, which tourists and pilgrims from all over the world come to admire. St. Peter's Square It is considered the largest in Rome and in its very center stands a 25-meter Egyptian obelisk.
If we talk about the Baroque and Renaissance eras, then from this point of view the most valuable monument is St. Peter's Cathedral, crowned with Michelangelo's creation - a huge dome. The museums and palaces of this mini-state are recognized in the world as one of the largest architectural complexes.
Their countless lobbies, libraries, gardens, courtyards, galleries and halls house priceless works of art collected over centuries. A significant part of the city is closed to tourists, a considerable part of 0.44 square meters. meters are .
This state is surrounded on all sides by Rome, because to get to it you just need to use one of the means of transport in the city: metro, taxi or bus.
To visit the Vatican you will need a Schengen visa, so it’s hard to say that the visit is free. In addition, the tourist will need permission from Rome.
Wonder of the World of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa, called the “Leaning Tower” in history is considered a huge mistake by the builders. However, contrary to logic, she managed to turn into an Italian symbol and gain fame throughout the world.
Its construction took place over almost two centuries in two stages, and already during the construction of the tower it became clear that it had some kind of unnatural slope, which did not prevent it from being completed completely by 1360.
Since that time and today, work has been tirelessly carried out to help strengthen the structure, but the efforts do not yield results - the tower is also gradually moving away.
Not everyone knows that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is not a separate structure, but is part of an architectural ensemble. It was actually built as a bell tower and was planned together with the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Campo Santo cemetery, and the Square of Miracles.
Inside the tower there are many covered galleries, which are connected by arches decorated with various ornaments. The hall has an open ceiling, and its walls are represented by bas-reliefs depicting inhabitants of the deep sea. The belfry of the tower has the oldest bell, which is more than 400 years old.
This wonder of the world is located on Campo dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in the city of Pisa.
You can visit the attraction every day from 9 am to 7 pm from March to October, from April to September this time is from 8:30 to 20:30, and from November to February visitors are accepted from 9:30 to 5 pm. In addition, from mid-June to mid-September this can be done at night from 20:30 to 11 am.
You will need 15 euros to climb to the top, where there are 294 steps. Entry is made every twenty minutes for 10 people.
The legendary city on the water - Venice
Once in Venice, the first thing you will see is, of course, the Grand Canal. The Grand Venice Canal is considered a unique piece of cultural heritage that divides Venice into two jagged areas. Its length is 3,800 meters.
Grand Canal can be called a kind of museum, where the exhibits present a variety of palace buildings demonstrating the strength and glory of Venice in different centuries.
You can call this canal the main street in Venice. Well, you just can’t say that this is a traditional street. The facades of houses are perceived as peculiar shores. Each building here is built on stilts, therefore it has both sea and land access.
The most architectural monuments here are the famous golden house of Ca'd'Oro, Palazzo Vendramin Calergi, Palazzetto Dario, Dandolo, Palazzo Barbaro, the facades of which are decorated with multi-colored marble.
The best way to explore Venice is to take the number one vaporetto and take the longest route - from Santa Lucia Station to St. Mark's Square, considered the most pigeon in the world. An all-day ticket will cost 16 euros.
Return more than once
In order for you to get the right impression of one of the European pearls, you need to be a visitor to several cities, or return here more than once.
The most common things heard in reviews of Italy are the most disparate objects - oranges, pizza, modern shopping centers that fit perfectly into the ruins of historical cities, temperamental and cheerful Italians, a feeling of unearthly happiness and boundless sea space.
When you find yourself in this country, you will not lose the feeling that you are in another world, which is overflowing with bright emotions and colors, while the setting and landscapes are so good that they simply cannot be reality. Having prepared for excursions and new experiences, tourists often make discoveries right on the streets, while walking.
Rarely has a European state had such a significant influence on the development of Western civilization and, like Italy, has such a great history, culture, and architecture.
Italy was and remains the cradle of world culture and art.
Almost 60% of the objects included in the List of Cultural Heritage of the Planet declared by UNESCO are located in Italy. Therefore, it is not surprising that the close attention of tourists from many countries is focused on this beautiful land.
Rome is the capital of Italy. In ancient times, Rome was one of the most important cities in Europe, the political and cultural center of the Great Roman Empire. The ancient city on seven hills was also the capital of the Papal State, and today the Vatican City State is located on its territory. Since 1871, Rome has been proclaimed the capital of a united Italy.
The city is also famous for its priceless architectural monuments, in particular its ancient ensembles, and also bears the title of the cultural capital of the world. Its numerous museums and exhibition galleries are an integral part of the world's cultural heritage.
In the vicinity of the city, on picturesque hills, there is a large area in which Roman emperors and nobles loved to relax. And now the villa of the Pope is located in this area. The unique appearance of the nearby lakes Alba and Nemi, formed in the craters of extinct volcanoes, gives the landscape a unique look.
Colosseum (Rome): grandiose building of Ancient Rome. It was opened in 80, and the grand opening lasted for 100 days. For three centuries, gladiator fights (banned in 405), animal baiting (ceased to exist in 526), and naval battles took place within the walls of the Colosseum. In the 11th-12th centuries, the Colosseum even served as a feudal castle-fortress.
In the mid-14th century, a church was built in the arena, and religious brotherhoods settled; this was prohibited only in the 16th century. Over the centuries, the building was noticeably destroyed, this was facilitated by natural disasters (earthquakes, fires); also in the Middle Ages, the blocks from which the building was built were taken to build palaces and churches. It was only in the 19th century that reconstructions began to be carried out here and they began to take care of the preservation of the monument.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Rome): one of the Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome, outwardly it looks like a true Baroque church, but behind the newest façade hides an excellent example of decoration made in the classical Byzantine style. The temple is considered the second most beautiful after St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible dating back to the beginning of the 5th century have been preserved.
Castel Sant'Angelo (Rome): Castel Sant'Angelo on the banks of the Tiber River, which has perhaps the most turbulent history in the world. Originally, built in pre-Christian Rome, the castle was a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. After Rome was surrounded by a fortress wall, the castle became one of the fortifications.
It later became a repository for the popes' treasures and then became a prison. Giordano Bruno and Galileo were imprisoned here. Nowadays the whole history of Castel Sant'Angelo is told in the exhibition on display there - in our time it is one of the most famous museums in Rome.
Pantheon (Rome): the oldest temple in Rome, in ancient times the Campus Martius was located on this site. This temple is the largest domed building that has survived to this day. The Pantheon has survived to this day in relatively good condition. Such great people as Raphael and the first king of a united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, were buried on its territory.
Roman catacombs (Rome): The exact number of catacombs surrounding Rome is unknown. To date, about 70 have been opened, and openings are still ongoing. Scientists estimate that their total length is more than 500 km.
Apparently, it will not be possible to discover all the burial places of the first Christians - most likely, modern buildings now tower over them. Judging by the inscriptions on the walls of the catacombs, the first burials appeared in the pre-Christian period.
These were people waiting for the Coming, and the first Christians appeared here around the 2nd century. AD After the proclamation of Christianity by Emperor Constantine in 313 and until the end of the 4th century. Popes were buried here. Those underground burials that have been found contain more than 750,000 graves on 5 levels, some tunnels reaching a depth of 30 m.
Trevi Fountain (Rome): the most popular among the many Roman fountains, it was built in 1732-1751 according to the design of the Italian architect Bernini.
At that time, the architect was fond of theatrical effects, and his creation was made in the form of a monumental theatrical stage. In the middle of the stage is a shell pulled by seahorses, controlled by the mighty god Ocean.
There is a belief that by throwing a coin over the left shoulder into the fountain, a person informs Ocean of his desire to return to Rome. They say that the Ocean always fulfills this wish. Despite the fact that the authorities of Rome tried to introduce a ban on throwing coins, this had no effect, and at least 1.5 thousand euros remain in the fountain every year.
Mouth of Truth (Rome): one of the most mystical attractions in Italy. The famous "Mouth of Truth" is located in the portico of the Roman church of St. Mary in Cosmedin. The stone mask of Ercole the Victorious (Ercole Vincitore) for a long time terrified the local population, because, according to legend, it was believed that if a person who puts his hand in a stone mouth tells a lie, he will immediately lose it, because the stone deity will immediately bite it off .
There was a shopping area next to the temple; there were many dishonest people. Many traders who were brought to the “mouth of truth”, fearing to lose their hand, repented of their deeds.
Vatican (Rome): the smallest state in the world, located on the territory of Rome, on the right bank of the Tiber. In ancient times, the circus and gardens of Nero were located on its territory, called Ager Vaticanus.
The Pope, as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has full legislative, executive and legal powers. There were 826 permanent residents in 2009, about 110 of them served in the Swiss Guard, approximately 400 had Vatican citizenship.
St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican): One of the main attractions of the Vatican, the largest Christian church in the world. In ancient times, on the site of the cathedral there was a circus. Here, during the reign of Emperor Nero, the Apostle Peter was killed, and the cathedral was built in memory of this.
Sistine Chapel (Vatican): The most famous chapel of the Vatican was built by the architect Giovannino de Dolci according to the designs of Baccio Pontelli between 1475 and 1481, during the reign of Pope Sixtus IV.
Even today, especially solemn ceremonies take place in the Sistine Chapel, most notably the famous Conclave, a meeting of cardinals at which a new pope is elected. The believers gathered in the square learn about the voting results thanks to a conventional smoke signal: white smoke announces the election of a new pope, black smoke indicates the continuation of the Conclave.
Milan: business and industrial center of Italy, European fashion trendsetter and city of arts. The architectural appearance of Milan was mainly formed during the period in which Benito Mussolini was in power, as well as after World War II.
Duomo Cathedral (Milan): an outstanding building, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. Its beautiful Gothic spiers rise high into the sky above the center of Milan, and the golden statue of the Madonna (4 meters tall) which soars into the skies above the Duomo on the highest spire, is visible from many areas of Milan. After St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and Seville Cathedral, the Duomo is the third largest Catholic church in the world.
La Scala Theater (Milan): the famous opera house in Milan, was opened on August 3, 1778 with a production of Antonio Salieri's opera "Europe Recognized". The La Scala theater building is designed in a strict neoclassical style and has impeccable acoustics. Initially there were no chairs in the stalls - they were replaced by folding and mobile chairs.
The lighting was quite poor. Candles were lit in the boxes, and those who sat in the stalls did not risk taking off their hats and other headdresses, since molten wax was dripping on them. There was no heating in the theater. But the theater hall was wonderful - made in white, silver and gold colors.
Everything took place in this wonderful hall - from balls to gambling and bullfights. During the Second World War, the theater was destroyed and restored to its original form by engineer L. Secchi.
Castello Sforzesco (Milan): residence of the Milanese Dukes of the Sforza dynasty in Milan and Vigevano. At the beginning of the 16th century, Leonardo da Vinci was involved in decorating the castle; Of his works, only a pergola and a manuscript with literary experiments have survived.
Currently there is a museum here. The ball game room and the “elephant portico” have survived to this day; also in the castle you can see the last (unfinished) sculpture of Michelangelo, paintings by Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, as well as an interesting collection of musical instruments. The castle is considered the prototype of the Moscow Kremlin.
Gallery Vittorio Emmanuel (Milan): designed by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni between 1865 and 1877. This work cost the life of its creator: during construction work, Mengoni fell from the scaffolding and died. The central part of the gallery, located at the intersection of the side galleries, is made in the shape of a rectangular cross.
This “street enclosed in glass” is one of the centers, home to famous bookstores, famous cafes and restaurants. Here you can also find one of the symbols of Milan - the famous mosaic of a bull, made directly on the floor.
The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci (Milan): Leonardo began The Last Supper in 1496, commissioned by Louis il Moreau, and it became the pinnacle of his work. Leonardo's slowness while working on The Last Supper has become legendary. The master painted it not with oil, but with tempera on a two-layer plaster coating that could not withstand humidity.
Despite this, Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" never ceases to amaze viewers. This fresco represents a new solution to perspective: the entire space goes into depth, from where light emanates, washing all the figures evenly. Today the Last Supper can be seen in the Church of Maria della Grazie. Tickets must be reserved several weeks in advance of your visit.
Venice: a city-museum on the water. Venice is spread over 118 islands, interconnected by a network of canals and fondamenta - a kind of Venetian “embankments”. The water level is constantly rising, which creates many problems for the city authorities, but this does not prevent the city from hosting magnificent February carnivals, international film festivals and remaining one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Grand Canal in Venice: the central transport artery of Venice. This wide canal, lined with picturesque palaces and houses, divides the city into two uneven parts and connects all its districts through three bridges and 45 canals flowing into it. Peculiar canals wash the houses and palaces of Venice; their width ranges from 4 to 5 m, so only gondolas float to them.
Cathedral of San Marco (Venice): a magnificent basilica, a spiritual center, the main symbol of power and the integrity of the Venetian state.
Doge's Palace (Venice): The palace takes its name from the residence of the Doge, the supreme head of the Venetian state. When creating the gigantic palace complex of Venice, the idea was to amaze foreign ambassadors and instill in them involuntary awe - this explains the luxury of the interior spaces on which the greatest artists of the time worked: Bellini, Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto, etc.
Florence: a unique city that gave the world the greatest masters of the fine arts, and the famous birthplace of the Renaissance. To this day, this city lives up to the name given to it by the Romans, who founded a military colony off the banks of the Arno called Florence, that is, “blooming.”
Florence is a city that inspired such masters of fine art as Donatello, one of the fathers of the Renaissance, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli and many others. Their works today delight visitors to museums and art galleries in Florence.
Duomo Cathedral in Florence: The Duomo was erected on the site of the old Cathedral of Santa Reparata, which by the end of the 13th century began to collapse, counting nine centuries of its existence. A prosperous Florence was expected to surpass the grandeur of the cathedrals of its Tuscan rivals, Siena and Pisa.
The interior of the cathedral features an unusual clock, created in 1443 and still running to this day. The hand of this clock moves against the normal direction, similar to the clock on the town hall in the Jewish quarter of Prague.
Baptistery (Florence): baptismal chapel dedicated to John the Baptist. It is the oldest building in Piazza Duomo (Romanesque structure from the 5th century).
Basilica of Santa Croce (Florence): One of the city's most popular attractions. Franciscan Gothic church, famous for Giotto's frescoes and the tombs of great men of Italy.
Uffizi Gallery (Florence): a palace in Florence, built in 1560-1581 and now one of the largest and most important museums of European fine art.
Palazzo Pitti (Florence): The building served first as the residence of the Grand Dukes of the Medici, then the dynasty of the Dukes of Lorraine and, finally, the Italian royal family. Today it is one of the largest museum complexes in the city.
Verona: Thanks to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the whole world knows about this city. There are many architectural monuments here, including the second largest ancient Roman arena after the Colosseum. Every year in July-August Verona hosts the large opera festival Arena di Verona, and in April the famous wine tasting exhibition, which attracts winemakers from all over the world.
Juliet's House (Verona): one of the most romantic attractions in Italy. Thousands of lovers come here from all over the world to attach a note with a love wish to the wall with a piece of chewing gum. According to legend, representatives of the Capello family, which is believed to be the prototype of Shakespeare’s Capulets, lived here for several centuries. In the courtyard of the house there is a bronze statue of Juliet by sculptor Nereo Constantini
Naples: The southern pearl of Italy, a city on the coast of the Gulf of Naples, is famous for its natural beauty and clean mountain air. This city has a special “Neapolitan” style, which has developed over many centuries thanks to the unimaginable mixture of languages and cultures of the peoples who inhabited it.
Vesuvius (Naples): one of the most dangerous and famous volcanoes in the world, which almost 2 thousand years ago destroyed one of the cities of the Roman Empire, Pompeii. The height of Vesuvius is 1277 m, its last major eruption occurred in 1944. Not far from the volcano there is a laboratory that monitors its activity.
Pisa: the city of the Leaning Tower and one of the most famous universities in Italy, located at the confluence of two rivers - the Arno and the Serchio.
Leaning Tower of Pisa: part of the ensemble of the city cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore in Pisa. The tower, 56 meters high, is http://www..gif the bell tower of the cathedral and is adjacent to its north-eastern corner. Galileo also used the Leaning Tower of Pisa for his experiments. From its upper floor he threw various objects to prove that the speed of the fall does not depend on the weight of the falling body.
There are different assumptions explaining the reasons for the leaning of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Researchers assume that during its construction, pumps were used to pump out water, which were located in the center, and the pumped water flowed in one direction - in the direction of the Arno River. In 2001, work was completed to prevent the possible fall of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Gardaland: Italian Disneyland, the most famous amusement park in Italy
Amusement park "Italy in miniature" in Viserba (between Rimini and Rome): the oldest amusement park in Italy. On the territory, repeating the outlines of the Italian “boot,” models of almost all architectural masterpieces, as well as the most striking natural attractions of Italy, are presented.