Italy is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, there are so many beautiful places in Italy to see. What you can find in Italy you cannot find anywhere else: Art-filled cities to heart-stopping,Food, Wines, History,
incredible culture,iconic cities such as Rome and Venice, coastlines and gorgeous landscapes, stunning sights, landscape so different from one place to another.Italy is home to an endless number of gorgeous landscapes.
The Coliseum in Rome The Colosseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome.
The construction began built between 72 A.D and 80 A.D under the Emperor Vespasian by up to 100,000 slaves.(Around 60,000 Jewish slaves).
His youngest son Domitian constructed the underground tunnels and added an extra level to increase its seating capacity.
In 80 A.D., when the Colosseum was finally ready, Emperor Titus (the son of Vespasian) threw a giant opening party, with games that ran for 100 days straight. the Colosseum is nearly 2,000 years old and remains the largest amphitheater ever built.
The Colosseum became the largest Roman amphitheater, with an elliptical structure of 188 meters long, 156 meters wide and 57 meters high. Made in brick and covered with travertine was divided into five levels with a capacity for more than 50,000 people.
The Colosseum was selected as one of the 7 wonders in 2007.
For an almost 2000 years old building, the Colosseum is in pretty good shape.
That’s because several earthquakes have shaken the famous site, causing damage mainly to the south side.
This building had 80 entrances and could seat approximately 50,000 spectators who would come to watch sporting events and games.
To protect the spectators from the blistering sun and heat of Ancient Rome, there was the velarium – an awning that could be pulled over the top of the seating area to provide shade. Approximately 4.2 million tourists visit the Colosseum per year.
In order to gain popularity, emperors organised and paid for events in the Colosseum themselves.
Entry was free for all, and free food.
San Gimignano, a small walled village known as the Town of Fine Towers, about halfway between Florence and Siena in Tuscany, north-central Italy.
San Gimignano is famous for its medieval architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses,rolling hills covered with rows of grapevines, terra cotta roofs, and fortified towers from the 11th and 13th centuries,it is a magical spot with the glorious landscape.
The "Historic Centre of San Gimignano" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Milan Cathedral is the cathedral church of Milan. and the Cathedral has been the icon of Milan for centuries. it is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, currently Archbishop Mario Delpini.
Before the arrival of Christianity, the location of this Duomo was a sacred Roman site.
Construction work on the Duomo of Milan probably began in 1386 and ended in 1965. The construction of the cathedral took place over a period of five centuries during which different architects, sculptors and artists made their professional contribution.
Milan Cathedral is 158 meters long and 92 meters wide, its height is 108.5 meters or 356 ft. the church is based on a Latin cross form that covers 11700 square meterst and with a capacity for more than 40,000 people.
Thing that sets the Duomo apart from most churches around the world is the lack of visible bell towers.
The Duomo is the fifth largest Christian church in the world.
Napoleon conquered the city and wanted to be crowned King of Italy in the Duomo.
There are over 3,300 statues, and 700 figures that decorate Milan Duomo(some are images of saints and figures from the history of Christianity, but some others are rather peculiar: sirens with double-ended fishtails, the portrait of boxer athlete Primo Carnera,and the face of Benito Mussolini) and about 100 gargoyles and 135 spires,more than any other churches in the world (You can go up to the rooftop accessible by stairs and an elevator) and look out closer views of the needle-like spires, each topped with a religious figure).
The Dolomites The beauty and diversity of the landscape of the Italian Dolomites will enchant you.The Dolomites are splendid mountains and visitors are always guaranteed a picturesque view, plenty of magnificent vistas to hikers, cyclists and casual tourists.
The site of the Dolomites comprises a mountain range in the northern Italian Alps,(The Italian Dolomite Mountains stand between Switzerland, Austria, and Italy). numbering 18 peaks which rise to above 3,000 metres and cover an area of 1,419 square km and include nine mountain ranges.known as the “Pale Mountains” due to their unique pale color.
In August 2009, the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to speaking Italian and German, the people who live in the Dolomites have their own language called Ladino. The name Dolomites comes from the French geologist Dieudonne Dolomieu. He identified the calcium-rich rock, and it was named in his honour. (Powdered Dolomite Could Have Incredible Health Benefits, when administered as a supplement).
They Were The Site Of Some Of World War I’s Fiercest Battles Since the Dolomites straddle the border between Austria and Italy The Dolomite Mountains have been scarred with the Via Ferrata or “iron paths”. The paths were created in World War I to assist the Italian military units as they traveled through the mountains to fight their enemies.
Interesting Facts and Information About Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Drive The name of a section of road which runs along the stretch of the Amalfi Coast between the southern Italian towns of Sorrento and Amalfi.
The Amalfi coast is a popular tourist destination, it’s only 80km, and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape in 1997.
The road along the Amalfi Coast is famous for its hairpin bends, zigzags, the views over the sea, and the narrowness in some parts.
The road winds along the cliffs, and it was built at a very steep angle, so zigzags backwards and forwards, each one is more cinematic than the last with the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea crashing below.
The absolute best time for driving the Amalfi Coast is April and very early May or late October into November. If you have to travel in peak season, go early in the morning or on a weekday. Avoid weekends and peak hours where at all possible.
Interesting Facts About the Amalfi Coast.
Lemons are the unofficial symbol of the Amalfi Coast, the Amalfi lemons are known as Sfusato Amalfitano,The most famous product made out of lemons is probably the Limoncello.
Wonder Woman movie released in 2017 was filmed on the Amalfi Coast (in the the Villa Cimbrione, in Ravello).
Ancient watchtowers are sprinkled along the coast.
These towers are Saracen forts, used to defend against the Saracen pirates from North Africa.
It is one of the most popular honeymoon spots for Hollywood couples. Some high profile people that have spent an evening or two there include Kim Kardashian, Mark Zuckerburg and Jamie Oliver.
This beautiful road has been used as a scene for many movies
Interesting Facts and Information About Casa di Giulietta Verona
Juliet’s house (Casa di Giulietta) is one of the main attractions of Verona with the most famous balcony in the world (Together with the Arena di Verona).
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, first published in 1597, is considered to be the first romantic tragedy ever written. and all this even though the two main characters never really existed and William Shakespeare never went to Verona in his lifetime.
Juliet’s House is a medieval palace, but today not everything we see dates back to that period.
So how did a 13th-century house in Verona become linked with Romeo and Juliet for evermore?
The Palazzo of the XIIIth century at Via Cappello 23 belonged to the Cappello family. Other sources call them the Cappelletti, a rich Veronese family. This was so similar to the name of Juliet's family, the Capulets that the house became her family home in everyone's imagination and in the process gave a great boost to Verona's tourist industry.
Those who enter the courtyard of Juliet’s house for the first time will be struck by the thousands of small scraps of paper which cover the floor to the ceiling. All who write down their love vows to their partner and stick them on the wall will – according to the popular belief – stay together with their partner for the rest of their lives and will be very happy.
Touching the right breast of the bronze statue of Juliet in the small courtyard will bring luck to all who are trying to find their true love.
If you wish, you can enter the House and go up to the famous balcony where Romeo and Juliet made their declaration of eternal love, that continues to live today in Verona city.
you can pay 5,000 euros to spend their first honeymoon night in Juliet’s house.
To this day, people write letters to Juliet (more than 5,000 letters are received every year) asking for relationship advice. The responses are from people who call themselves the “Juliet Secretaries” and write from the upstairs room in Juliet’s house..
Add: Via Cappello 23, near the main Market Square (Piazza delle Erbe).
Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful areas of Italy and is a huge attraction for visitors.
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy.(with a surface of 370 km² It is 350 meters deep and has a circumference of 160 kilometers.) Its wider part to the south is surrounded by morainic hills, while the narrow northern part is enclosed by the mountains that createits fjord-shape (of which Mont Cadria, at 2,254 meters) configuration and provide a very mild Mediterranean climate.
Due to the mild climate, a lush Mediterranean vegetation prevails around the lake. Olive trees, oleanders, magnolias and palm trees thrive on the shores, in addition to the picturesque villages, beaches and little ports, parks and nature reserves it is known for.
Just about every sport can be taken up, both on and near the Lake, and with gusto – think swimming and sailing, mountain-climbing and biking, hiking and horseback riding, rafting and hang-gliding.
Lake Garda is known to be the site of at least three historic battles. The Battle of Benacus in AD 269. Battle of Rivoli in 1797 and the Battle of Solferino in 1859.
The lake is also host five main islands (and several smaller uninhabited ones) including, Isola del Garda, Isola dell’Olivo, Isola di Sogno, Isola di Trimelone and Isola San Biagio.
Lake Garda is the birthplace of the violin ,Gasparo De Salo, one of the most respected music pioneers, was born in Salo, on the Lake Garda area. Gasparo is known as one of the most famous violin makers who brought the musical instrument to the world.
Interesting Facts and Information About Venice Carnival
The Carnival of Venice is an annual festival held in Venice and is one of the most famous carnivals around the world.
The Venice Carnival began in 1162 in celebration of the Venice Republic’s victory over its enemy: The people of Venice gathered in Saint Mark’s Square (San Marco) dance and celebrate their victory. Ever since then, the victory was celebrated in the streets of Venice.
The wearing of the Venetian mask was a way for people to hide their social status and identity and socialize with whoever they wanted to freely.Masks also created the opportunity for an equality that didn’t exist within society. When you were wearing a mask you could be rich or poor, a man or a woman, a Christian or a Jew and no one would know.
In Venice, there was a ban on work during the Carnival, everyone was supposed to have fun. If someone was noticed engaged in some useful occupation, they could be arrested and taken to church.
Venice Carnival lasts about two to three weeks long.
When Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Venice by the end of 1796, the carnival celebrations were forbidden as a measure to prevent conspiracies against him.
The Carnival of Venice attracts approx. 3 million visitors per year.
The typical sweets of the Carnevale are Frittelle and Galani, which can be purchased in every single bakery and patisserie in town, but only during Carnival time.
Rome is the capital of Italy, as well as the capital of the Lazio region. (Rome became the capital city of unified Italy in 1870, taking the title from Florence).
Rome's history spans 28 centuries,Beginning in the eighth century B.C., Ancient Rome grew from a small town on central Italy’s Tiber River into an empire that at its peak encompassed most of continental Europe.
Rome was called the “Eternal City” by the ancient Romans because they believed that no matter what happened in the rest of the world, the city of Rome would always remain standing.
With its unparalleled history, from the Colosseum to the port of Ostia Antica to majestic Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel Rome is the third most visited city in Europe ( It embraces about 10 million people each year).
Interesting Facts About Rome
There are more than 2000 fountains in Rome, Most of the fountains are small fountains, known as nasone, Italian for big nose, providing free drinking water to all Romans.
But there are also some pretty impressive fountains, way bigger than the nasoni, built in ancient times.
The city of Rome was built on 7 hills, also known as the 7 hills of Rome.
Over 3,000 Euros are collected from the bottom of the Trevi Fountain every night. All this money is donated to a catholic charity.
St. Peter's Basilica is no longer the world's largest church In 1985, the president of Ivory Coast, began construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, with construction completed in 1989. At 322,917 square feet, it took the title from St. Peter's Basilica, which has a total square footage of 277,070
The current Pantheon dates to approximately 126 A.D. and has been in continuous use ever since.
The nickname of Rome is Caput Mundi, Capital of the World. This nickname came from the central position of Rome in ancient times, when it dominated most of the known world.
Approximately 90 percent of the ancient city has not been excavated.
Rome is home to more than 900 Christian churches, which is currently more than any other city.
It is estimated that Rome is home to approximately 300,000 cats, and they are basically allowed to run free.
Vatican City is located inside Rome, Vatican city, ruled by the pope recognized as independent from Italy on 11 February 1929.There is a secret passage from Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo It was used during the siege of Rome in 1527, when Pope Clement VII escaped when the army of Charles V killed almost all of the Swiss Guard.
Interasting facts about Rome Read more
Vatican City Is the Holy See's independent city state (The Vatican's position as a sovereign state within a state was quaranteed by the Lateran Treaty of 1929 Benito Mussolini signed Vatican City into existence.
The official Italian name of the city is Stato della Citta del Vaticanoת Is the smallest state in the world.The Vatican’s history as the seat of the Catholic Church began with the construction of a basilica over St. Peter’s grave in Rome in the 4th century A.D.The main things to see when visiting the Vatican are Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums(Inside the Vatican you can find 11 Vatican Museums with the restored Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel). The Vatican Museum receives This is a huge number approximately 5 and a half million travelers each year.
Interesting facts
Housing one of the biggest book collections in the world ( Over 1.1 million printed books and 75,000 historical manuscripts are held in the library), the Vatican Library is part of the Vatican Museums.
Vatican City is the only country in the world which is also a UNESCO Heritage site.
The Vatican has its own Post office and issues its own stamps. The Vatican mail system is widely used by Romans as in most cases is a lot quicker than Italian mail.
The Cinque Terre is a coastal area, is a string of five fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera. These five picturesque towns offer a unique panorama.
This unique landscape is the only one of its kind in the world.
Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Over the centuries, people built stone walls and terraced the steep slopes to cultivate the land,the land is still lined with vineyards and olive trees.
The network of paths were once the only routes between villages and now offer visitors hiking options. the system of footpaths is the best way to visit the five villages.
Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It lies at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, about 30 knfrom the city of Naples, the island consists almost entirely of volcanic rock and rises to 2,585 feet (788 metres), Universally known as “the green island” due to its lush vegetation.
It is the largest of the three islands off the coast of Naples, (Procida, Capri and Ischia), Its name, translated from the Greek means "look around" due to the marvellous views to be had from its heights.
Ischia Relaxed, yet seductive, the volcanic island is home to over 100 thermal springs that have countless healing properties and make it a popular wellness destination for the lucky few in the know. But the island also boasts scenic mountain trails, vineyards perched above the sea, archeological sites, charming villages.
with its stunning selection of sandy beaches, Being a volcanic island the beaches on Ischia are smooth sandy beaches that are perfect for spending a long beach holiday. Depending on your beach-going style, time of day, and what you’re in the mood for, there are so many gorgeous beaches to try, perfect place.There are several towns scattered about the island, each distinctive and charming. You will love walking through the narrow streets of this paradise
At Lacco Ameno you should visit the Sanctuary of Santa Restituta. The crypt gives access to the remains of a palaeochristian basilica with finds that narrate the island’s history from the Greeks to the early Christians.
Visit Villa La Colombaia and Giardini La Mortella in Forio d'Ischia, the Aragonese Castle in Ischia Ponte.
All these beauties are to be discovered and enjoyed and were immortalised forever in the classic film "Cleopatra"..
Tuscany is a region in central Italy and a population of about 3.8 million inhabitants. Tuscany is a wealth of historic treasures considered one-of-a-kind worldwide.
There is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, has an abundance of history, landscapes and legacies. Many come in search of fine art in cities as Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano and Lucca, others to explore the extraordinary countryside.
In Toscana some of the most sought after holiday locations such as Florence Siena and Pisa..
Tuscany is well known for its fine wines.One of the wine regions in particular, Chianti, is incredibly popular with touristsIntersting. Facts about Tuscany.
Tuscany has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city of Florence,Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa,the medieval towers of San Gimignano,Siena historical center,the historic center of Pienza,the landscape of Val d’Orcia,the 12 Medici Villas and pleasure gardens.
Tuscany It’s home to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa – which is not the only leaning tower in Tuscany.
The astronomer Galileo Galilei was from Tuscany.
Tuscany was the birthplace of sculptor and painter Michelangelo.also Pinocchio is from Tuscany, the story about a puppet who wanted to be a real boy was written by Carlo Collodi, who was born in Florence.
Tuscany has a rich Etruscan heritage,Etruscans lived mostly in what’s called today Tuscany, and the region has many artworks and ruins from this historical period.
The Italian language which is spoken today is based on the Tuscan dialect.
This Region Was The Birthplace of the very first operas.
Calabria is a region in Southern Italy, is at the toe of the boot.
It has a population of about 2 million. The capital city of Calabria is Catanzaro.
This amazing region offers rare places, the beautiful colors of the sea, rocky coasts that alternate with sandy beaches, a nature that is wild and mysterious, the strong and genuine flavors of local food and the vestiges of its ancient origins make Calabria a unique place that vacationers can enjoy.
It is separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina.
Dont miss
-Tropea The beautiful cliffs, the stunning beaches, and the image of the famous Santa Maria dell’Isola monastery make up a landscape that is one of Italy’s most well-known. Tropea Small town is a succession of narrow streets, rich of ancient lords palaces, that imprisons among its walls.
-Crotone with a beautiful historic center, and the Castello di Carlo V and Le Castella.
-Pizzo full of stunning views.
Calabria Intersting facts
Calabria has wonderful summer time weather from May – September and relatively mild fall and winter months.
Coastal regions along the Tyrrhenian Sea are well known for their abundant production of different types of citrus fruits and their olive groves, plums and pears that grow well. Vegetables like zucchini, beans, cauliflowers, eggplants, pumpkins, peppers, etc.
Siena is a city in Tuscany. It is the capital of the province of Siena. Siena, located in Tuscany, 43 miles (70 km) south of Florence.
Siena is likely Italy's loveliest medieval city.Siena is a city where the medieval rubs shoulders with the Renaissance.
Lying at the heart of a proud and wealthy state, Siena reached the height of its power in the late medieval and early Renaissance period, when it was one of Europe's wealthiest cities and many of its buildings and artworks originate from that time.
The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation's most visited tourist attractions.
The fan-shaped Piazza del Campo is at the heart of the city, and the place where visitors will find many of Siena's historic attractions.
Piazza del Campo is the home to the famous summer horse-race, known as Il Palio.
Siena's most famous festival is Il Palio di Siena, a horse race run in
Piazza del Campo on July 2 and August 16.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.
Construction was begun in 1174 but wasn’t completed until concluding the installation of a bell chamber in 1372.
Amazingly, the builders noticed this error early in the construction project.
The Tower was built in the Romanesque style.
This famous tower is only one of the four buildings that make the Cathedral complex in this square.
The tower is situated behind the Pisa Cathedral and is the third-oldest structure in the city's Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), after the cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry.
Top Attractions in Italy-Pisa Tower Tower of Pisa Read more
