Holidays to Italy – Places to See

Italy, there’s just something about it that draws people.  As one of the most visited countries in the world, it undoubtedly has something to offer everyone.  Defined as the home of the Renaissance, with its neoclassic style of architecture to its breath-taking landscapes, roman ruins, food, wine and just plain fun, a visit to this amazing country is sure to not disappoint.

But that’s just a start as those features are the ‘obvious’.  The lure of Italy is really the unspoken aspects that only become obvious once you take time to reflect on what you have just experienced.  Each city has its own unique characteristics that offers a different  experience from the others.

Rome

‘All roads lead to Rome ’, so the saying goes, and you’ll be glad they do.  The architecture alone of this renowned city speaks of the history and influence behind it.  As a major influence of world history, the evidence of its role can still be seen in museums, buildings and art found throughout the city.  Not being left behind, the modernization of the city also brings an additional flavor that creates the ability to ’travel through time’ all in one location.

Naples

As one of the oldest cities in the world, the historic mark of the generations that have passed through it since its founding in the 8th century BC, leaves much to be experienced.  Originally being a Greek colony, there are aspects of this cosmopolitan center that you will not discover elsewhere.  From the main city square to the palaces, castles, religious buildings, museums, and parks, to the tunnels under the city, there is little chance of boredom here.

Florence

Considered the birthplace of Italian Renaissance, this city in a 2007 study was nominated as the most desirable tourist attraction in the world.  The Arno River running through the old part of the city adds to the city’s character.  Coined the ‘art capital of Italy’, some of the world’s most famous works of art can be found in the art galaries in Florence.  Having a major European impact in philosophy, religion, science, fashion, music, cuisine, education and architecture, it would be hard to find something missing in this amazing city.

Venice

Located along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy, this city lies across 117 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon.  With all its canals and bridges, its beauty must be seen.  Considered by some as one of Europe’s most ‘romantic cities’, why wait to go.  Venice is also known for it’s contribution in musical history, particularly in the operatic arena.  Ever hear of Venetian blinds?  Once the fashion capital of Italy, Venice gave rise to a unique flavor of decoration, style and design which can still be seen in this beautiful city.

Milan

Nicknamed by its own inhabitants as the ‘moral city’, Milan was originally called Mediolanum, when settled by the Insubres, a Celtic people.  It was later taken over by the Romans and thrived under the Roman Empire.  Today it is Italy’s largest metropolitan area, with almost 14 percent of it’s population being from abroad.  The global influence of this city in music, sport, commerce, industry, media, fahsion, design, art and literacy entices millions of visitor each year to stop by and check it out.

Verona

Verona is home to Italy’s third largest amphitheatre, The Arena, which can seat 25,000 people in its 44 tiers of marbel seats.  It is also known for the story of Romeo and Juliet.  There are a variety of Roman remains and Roman monuments to see while visiting this city that has been awarded world heritage site status by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Turin

Seen around the world while hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics, Turin is a flourishing city located in northern Italy.  Known as ‘the Automobile Capital of Italy’ its the headquarters of Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo.  With numerous art galleries, churches, museums, operahouses, theatres, palaces and libraries, and known for its baroque, rococo and its neo-classical architecture, there is much to see and do here.

Perugia

Located in central Italy near the Tiber River, Perugia is home of the Palazzo dei Priori (Town Hall), which is one of Italy’s greatest buildings.  Perugia has become known for its chocolate, holding a chocolate festival every October, hosts a world-famous jazz festival in the summer.  Perugia is one of Italy’s notable artistic centers. Pietro Vannucci, a famous painter nicknamed Perugino, came from the Perugia area and is the teacher of Raphael, the great Renaissance artist.

Genoa

Genoa is a major seaport in northern Italy and one of the country’s biggest economic centers.  Christopher Columbus was a native of Genoa.  Historically going back to ancient times, Genoa has had its ups and downs. In 2004 the European Union designated Genoa as the European Capital of Culture.  From churches to promenades, parks and the old harbour, art galleries, and the largest aquarium in Italy, the Aquarium of Genoa, you won’t be sitting around too long wondering what to do.

So, whether you get a chance to visit them all, or you select only a few, you are sure to have many stories to share with friends and family back home, and will likely create a desire to visit this beautiful country again to experience even more of all it has to offer.