Italy photos beautiful sights. Review of places to visit in Italy. Mobile communications and Internet

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 the picturesque hills, lies large area, where Roman emperors and nobles loved to relax. And now the villa of the Pope is located in this area. The nearby unique lakes Alba and Nemi, formed in the craters of extinct volcanoes.

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): ancient temple in Rome, in ancient times the Field of Mars 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.

IN Sistine Chapel and today especially solemn ceremonies are held, and above all 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 peace. 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): famous Opera theatre 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 holding magnificent February carnivals, international film festivals and remaining one of the 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 Jewish quarter 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.

Italy is probably the most attractive country in the world for tourists. In fact, this is the birthplace of the most famous sculptors and artists on the planet, the location of the most famous museums, beautiful castles, Cote d'Azur, fashionable boutiques and charming landscapes.

In Italy, every tourist can choose an activity to their liking. Catholics will certainly head to the Vatican to see with their own eyes the beauty and grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica (however, such an excursion will also appeal to adherents of other religions). Art lovers will not be able to pass by the numerous museums with their rich collections of masterpieces, and those who just want to lie on the beach will definitely find their “place in the sun.”

What else is a must-do in Italy? Be sure to try Neapolitan pizza, which is considered the most delicious in the world, and tagliatelle with ragu and Bolognese sauce in Bologna. Visit a glassblowing workshop on the island of Murano, which is famous throughout the world for its bright and fragile works. See the gloomy, but at the same time attractive ruins of Pompeii. Take a boat ride on Lake Como or in an underwater cave on the island of Capri.

Don’t forget to try Tuscan wine, the pride of the province of the same name, visit the shops of Milan, and add to your collection a photo of you, like millions of tourists before you, propping up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You can also go skiing in the Italian Alps, take part in the Venetian Carnival, climb the active volcano Etna and listen to opera at the famous La Scala theater. And don’t forget to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome to be sure to return to this country.

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What to see in Italy?

The most interesting and Beautiful places, photographs and brief description.

The area of ​​this most beautiful Italian lake is 146 square kilometers. But it is famous not only for its size, but also for its incredibly romantic atmosphere, amazingly beautiful landscapes and luxurious villas. It is on the shores of Lake Como that rich people from all over the world seek to buy a house in order to while away their days, sitting on the open terrace with a glass of wine and enjoying the wonderful view.

2. St. Mark's Basilica (Venice)

This rare example of opulent Byzantine architecture Western Europe located near the Doge's Palace, on the square of the same name. Famous for its mosaics and numerous works of art. Catholics tend to visit the site where the relics of St. Mark are kept; other tourists are attracted by the ancient history and excellent acoustics of the cathedral, thanks to which many musicians perform here.

A very pretty town located in the Dolomites, the capital of the 1956 Winter Olympics. Its permanent population does not exceed 6 thousand people, and during the tourist season it increases more than five times. Beautiful landscape, breathtaking mountains and ski slopes, high level services attract guests from all over the world.

The most dangerous volcano in continental Europe, next to which, despite this, is located one of largest cities countries - Naples. Vesuvius last erupted more than 60 years ago, so now tourists can climb to its top, admire the beautiful views and imagine how formidable this mountain can be.

A real achievement of the building technologies of antiquity, a magnificent temple that became an example of ancient architecture and gave rise to many imitators. The Pantheon, fortunately, has been perfectly preserved, so anyone can visit it. The best time to do this is at noon, when a real column of light breaks through the hole in the roof.

Charming village (commune in Italian) located on the coast warm sea. It was Positano that Sophia Loren chose as her place of residence, and there is no doubt about the good taste of this actress. Narrow streets, colorful houses literally climbing steep slopes - the place is truly charming.

This is not just a villa, it is an imperial apartment, a whole complex of buildings located near Rome. Thermal baths, rooms for slaves, a gigantic vestibule, a large atrium, a Canopic Museum, and in the courtyard there is a beautiful garden and a pond with fish have been preserved here. There is also a Greek theater, the Temple of Apollo, and Roman and Greek libraries in Adriana's villa.

If in most cities the main transport artery is the central streets, then in Venice, the “wateriest” settlement on the planet, this is, of course, the canal. Or rather, the Grand Canal! Most of the most beautiful buildings Venice, so residents of the city traditionally call it the “Canal Palace”.

Well, who doesn't know the Colosseum? This is the hallmark of Rome, a structure that is familiar even to those who have never left their hometown. Today the Colosseum, of course, bears the marks of time and is in need of reconstruction. And yet, a visit to this historical monument is included in the mandatory program of all tourists and leaves an indelible impression.

The most famous medieval castle world, a ready-made set for filming films about knights and beautiful ladies. The strict octagonal shape and powerful towers of Castel del Monte immediately attract attention. It is noteworthy that the second floor of the castle, thanks to the unique arrangement of the openings, is a sundial.

A city in Tuscany, near Florence. San Gimignano is famous for the fact that it has managed to preserve its medieval appearance and from afar it seems that horse-drawn carts still move along its streets and knights with swords walk sedately. Be sure to see the 14 ancient towers and the local history museum.

The Cinque Terre is not just one village, but a whole national park, located on the steep slopes of the sea coast. There are five settlements with charming colorful houses, stone, pebble and one sand beach, vineyards and historical sites. A great place to relax, combining the beach and exploring interesting places.

What can you say about this unique structure? If it were not for the tilt, which was considered a drawback of the tower, it most likely would have remained a very ordinary monument of history and architecture. And now millions of tourists come to take pictures in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and, of course, pretend that they are the ones holding it with their own hands.

The very first painting academy in Europe, which opened its doors five hundred years ago. Be sure to come and admire the antique, classical beauty of Michelangelo’s statue of David, “The Rape of the Sabine Women” and other unique masterpieces. The Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts is rightfully considered the largest collection of paintings in Florence.

This body of water is worth seeing if only because Lake Grada is the largest in Italy. However, it is famous primarily for its picturesque landscapes, views of mountain peaks, fjords in the narrow part, as well as excellent recreational opportunities. There are many famous resorts here offering a wide range of entertainment and excellent service.

A magnificent building in the flaming Gothic style, the fifth largest church on the planet, a symbol of Milan and simply an incredibly beautiful building. The Milan Cathedral is famous for its collection of statues, the number of which exceeds three thousand, its rich decoration, as well as a stunning view of the entire city from the roof, where tourists are allowed to climb.

The central place of Ancient Rome, a real concentration of historical and architectural monuments. The Roman Forum is a market, a place of public meetings, and the center of the political life of Rome during the times of emperors and great conquests. Today people come here to look at the preserved temples, basilicas, arches, Lake Curtia, the House of the Vestals and other interesting objects.

Since the times of the Roman Republic, this island has been a favorite holiday destination for the rich and famous. It was here that Winston Churchill, Maxim Gorky and Ivan Bunin, several emperors, Lenin and Lunacharsky, Jean Cocteau and Tchaikovsky, Paustovsky and Stanislavsky once lived and vacationed. Agree, a good recommendation for the resort!

This central square the city of Siena, famous for its huge number of historical buildings and medieval architecture. Tourists are attracted by the Fountain of Joy, built almost 600 years ago, as well as the opportunity to admire the horse races twice a year, which are held right along the perimeter of the square, along a specially made sand path.

This Sicilian volcano is the tallest and active in Europe. The top of Etna often begins to smoke, and lava flows from numerous side craters, warning that the volcano is just sleeping, do not relax! You can climb Etna along three routes; hikers are strongly advised to use the services of a guide.

The main cathedral of Florence, the most striking and famous example of Florentine Quattrocento, Italian art of the Early Renaissance. The symbol of Florence - the red dome of the cathedral - seems to float over the entire city and is clearly visible from almost any point. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is famous for its mosaics, unusual clocks and bas-reliefs.

These islands of volcanic origin are located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Sicily. You can get here by ferry from Naples or by boat from Messina. The Aeolian Islands are known as a pleasant holiday destination, especially Lipari, with its oldest settlement on Earth. The Aeolian Islands also attract geologists who can trace the formation and destruction of volcanic formations.

The largest and most famous fountain in Rome, where all tourists who want to return to the “Eternal City” throw coins. By the way, every year utility workers collect about 700 thousand euros from here! The Trevi Fountain has been featured in several famous films. In addition, couples come here to drink from “lovers’ straws” in order to always be together.

Of course you are familiar with sad story this Italian city, which was completely destroyed by a volcanic eruption almost 2 thousand years ago. But seeing all this with your own eyes is a completely different matter! The ruins, securely hidden under volcanic ash, are well preserved, as are the bodies of the unfortunate people who did not have time to leave the city.

Agree that UNESCO does not include in its list World Heritage ordinary villages and valleys. This means that the natural and cultural landscape of Val d’Orcia deserves this honor! This is part of Tuscany, famous for its vineyards and wine. Val d'Orcia has repeatedly inspired artists, and many of those who came here for the first time simply cannot leave such a fertile land.

Sights of Italy. The most important and interesting sights of Italian cities: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.

A country of interest with a fantastic number of cultural and historical masterpieces per unit area, Italy, like a self-assembled tablecloth, spreads out 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 “plant-based” holidays immediately fall under the spell of Italian riches and, with enthusiasm surprising primarily for themselves, begin to storm the doors of art galleries, museums and treasuries of Italy.

Bronzed from the tan, ladies in a flock take off from the beaches of Rimini and, in high heels, enthusiastically climb to the top of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (after humbly putting on a headscarf and covering the upper and “lower” neckline with stoles), fans Italian cuisine in the “I won’t eat that much” weight category, they enthusiastically begin to explore, almost brick by brick, the tall towers and cramped catacombs of the Gradara fortress, and slender, detached young men, always in the “death of a poet” mood, suddenly begin to discuss the silhouettes of Raphael’s beauties with a sparkle in their eyes and Rembrandt in the Uffizi Gallery. Italy, like a rude but kind nurse, grabs her careless children by the collar, shakes them vigorously and says: “Hey, it’s good to be sad! Just look at how beautiful it is!”

There are almost more cathedrals in Italy than museums, and no matter which one you take, you will certainly come across a unique monument of architecture and engineering.

Museums in Italy

Painting and sculpture are the two main strengths 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 constituted the nutrient substrate in which dozens of Italian geniuses of brush and marble were born, matured and grew: 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 geniuses of grace and coloratura - from the cheerful Rossini, Puccini and Donizetti to the no less radiant Caruso, Del Monaco and Pavarotti who performed them (and as evidence of the Italians’ love for their idols - several opera museums) . In Italy, fans of modernity will not be deprived of impressions: Venice, for example, offers a stroll 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 antique paintings from skillful fakes.

Cathedrals of Italy

There are almost more cathedrals in Italy than museums, and no matter what, you will certainly come across a unique monument of architecture and engineering, and a building of simply remarkable beauty. Just look at the Milanese Duomo with its slender Gothic towers resembling poplars, intertwined into a single lace somewhere far away in the heavenly heights. From a distance, one gets the impression that the cathedral is constructed of frozen ice crystals - the wind is blowing between the openwork arches and ceilings, and the pointed domes are so high that it seems, like balloons, they are about to lift the entire structure above the ground. The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence delights with its stained glass windows: the multi-colored window “lollipops” definitely live an independent life, and their heroes, with a curiosity that has not weakened over many centuries, look at the crowding tourists somewhere far below. By the way, speaking of “tasty” associations, the Siena Cathedral is absolutely 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 Gradar's Paolo and Francesca, family and royal castles generously scattered throughout Italy. For the most part, medieval architecture is, of course, gloomy: two-meter thick walls, massive pillars of towers, high ceilings in the halls combined with claustrophobic doors, seemingly 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 amuse: from the battlements of the most oppressive fortress there will certainly be a view of the sea lulled in a hot haze, the aroma of freshly baked bread will penetrate into the ominous catacombs from nowhere, and in the gallery of portraits of the arrogant owners of the castle a melody will flutter some Neapolitan song, whistled by the hall keeper. Well, in order to enjoy unconditional knightly romance, be sure to go to the Miramare Castle in Trieste - white walls in contrast with dark rocks and the blue of the sea, and fluffy fragrant fir trees at the foot.

The rich cultural heritage, mild climate and 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 times of the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Most of them are religious in nature and consist of a whole galaxy of cathedrals, churches and chapels. Pages of private history are reflected in Italian palazzos.

Each Italian city has its own Old city, where you can admire architectural sights, sit in cozy cafes, and buy souvenirs in small shops. Italian resorts offer both summer and winter activities: 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 clothing 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. Distinctive feature country is the Italian siesta, lasting from one in the afternoon to four in the evening. Italy hosts various festivals, carnivals, and horse races. The country operates a large number of museums, in whose collections you can find paintings by world famous artists.

Italy attractions - PHOTO

St. Peter's Square is located in front of the main Catholic shrine - St. Peter's Basilica. Believers gather there to listen to a live performance 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 is the main square of 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 from the 6th-5th centuries. BC. The Valley of the Temples is divided into two parts by the highway: in one there are the temples of Concord, Hera and Hercules, in the other - Jupiter, Dioscursos, Aesculapius and Ephesus. Some buildings are well preserved, while others have reached us in the form of ruins.

The largest Roman amphitheater was built in the 1st century. Gladiator fights, naval battles, and animal persecution were held on it. A giant colossus (statue) of Nero was installed in the center of the Colosseum, which formed the basis for the name of the amphitheater. The Colosseum has survived to this day in a dilapidated state. Today, half-hour guided tours are organized on its territory.

Enclosed by a high wall, Pisa's "Place of Miracles" is located in the Old Town. There are four architectural monument from the Middle Ages: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (1064), the Baptistery of St. John (1363) and the cemetery of Campo Santo, that is, the “Holy Field” (1278).

Juliet's house was built in the 13th century. The elegant medieval building was home to the Dal Cappello family, who served as the prototype for Shakespeare's Capulets. In the 19th century there was inn. In the 20th, Juliet's House was restored and equipped with a “Juliet's Balcony” and a bronze statue of a girl (1972).

The Milan Cathedral 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 centuries. According to rumors, it contains the nail with which Christ was crucified two thousand years ago. The cathedral's baptismal font is an ancient Egyptian bath.

The infamous Pompeii was once a prosperous Roman city. After the eruption, it was buried under a layer of ash and was excavated in the 17th-18th centuries. and restored in the XXth. Today Pompeii is an open-air museum. 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 most high rock– Faraglioni di Terra (111 metres), followed by Faraglioni di Fuori (104) and Faraglioni di Mezzo (81). The first reef is connected to Capri by a thin rock road, the second is a natural arch, under which it is pleasant to sail by boat.

The smallest state in Europe has rich collection sculptures, paintings, manuscripts and other significant cultural exhibits. The main Vatican museums are the Sistine and Niccolina Chapels, the Borgia apartments, Raphael's stanzas, the Vatican Library and Pinoteca, 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 area of ​​the triangular Piazza della Cisterna and del Duomo. The main attractions of the city are fourteen towers erected in the 11th-13th 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. Comacina Island rises in the center of the lake. In each of settlements You can find medieval architectural monuments.

The Great Venetian Canal has a 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 letter S. The Grand Canal begins at the station and ends at the customs office. Along the canal there are the most, facing it with fancy facades.

Volcano Etna, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, occupies a leading position among European active volcanoes. It has a canonical shape, reaches a height of more than three thousand meters and last years erupts at regular intervals. There are three tourist routes to Mount Etna, which you can walk either independently or with a guide.

Built in the mid-16th century, the Florentine palazzo today functions as a museum of European fine art. It exhibits paintings by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Velazquez and other world-famous artists. Russian painters are represented by works by Kiprensky, Aivazovsky, Kustodiev, Alexander and Viktor Ivanov.

The largest Roman fountain geographically 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 out on a chariot and allegorical images of people and animals located on both sides of him.

A kilometer-long pedestrian path connecting two towns of the Italian Cinque Terre reserve - Riomaggiore and Manarola - was laid in the rocks at the beginning of the 20th century. She became the road of love thanks to the scenic views and the classic European bridge 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, have your own children's amusement park"Gardaland". The lake is navigable. There are a lot of fish in it.

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 high tower Torre del Mangia. Twice a year, the Palio, a traditional Italian bareback horse race, is held in Piazza del Campo.

Santa Maria del Fiore took about six centuries to build, starting in 1296. The Florence Cathedral 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.