Italy sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

Nearly every city in Italy is a large historic centre with numerous places of interest. Rome, Milano, Venice and Florence remain major tourist destinations, and all of them are totally worth visiting. Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world. Almost every building in this city has historic or architectural value.

The magnificent Coliseum was built almost 2 thousand years ago. Before that, the site of the Coliseum was the location of Nero’s Palace and a big artificial lake. The building of the Coliseum was joyful for inhabitants of Rome because it was much more pleasant to see a beautiful forum rather than a tyrant’s palace. Circus Maximus is another large and unusual landmark. According to some experts, Circus could provide seats for 200 thousand visitors. The venue was used to host competitions of carts and other important public events. Mons Palatinus is an interesting place from the historic point of view. According to scientists, homes of first settlers of Rome were located there. Later, noble Romans built their houses on Mons Palatinus. There were many temples in that area and many important celebrations took place there.

Milan is a beautiful city with many wonderful landmarks like Duomo Cathedral that is considered one of most beautiful churches in the city. Its building started in the end of the 14th century and lasted till 1965. The mural painting “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci is the main decoration of the shrine. Other interesting landmarks are La Scala Theatre, The Pinacoteca di Brera, Francesco Emmanuelle Gallery and Castello Sforzesco. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Grand Canal has become the signature landmark of Venice. All most beautiful palaces and castles are located along the canal. Palazzo Ducale is often called the most beautiful castle in Venice. This is a wonderful historic building, which halls have retained their original look of past centuries.

Santa Maria del Fiore is probably the best known landmark of Florence. This magnificent cathedral was built in the 13th – 15th centuries. The building is made in elegant gothic style and decorated with green, red and white marble. Its inner premises are no less beautiful and are decorated with paintings and sculptures. Galleria degli Uffizi is a well-known centre of European art. The gallery exhibits works of Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Rafael, Titian, Giorgione and many other internationally famous Italian artists.

History and Entertainment

Already in the first millennium BC, large settlements of Italic people appeared on the territory of modern Italy. Later, the Latin Union was formed. This is one of the first forms of the ancient country headed by the Council of Elders. The Latin Union included over 30 large districts, civitases under Rome. In the times of the Roman Empire, the old country gained a new status. It was divided into large provinces governed by consulares and praeses.

In the middle of the 6th century, the entire territory of the big country was conquered by Byzantium. After this, several independent duchies were formed. Consequently, the struggle for uniform Italy continued until the middle of the 19th century. After uniting it behind the Kingdom of Sardinia, Florence became a capital of Italia. By 1870, Rome became a new capital joined the new Kingdom of Italy. The economic and cultural development of the union country was seriously hindered by the First and Second World War. They resulted in a long reform period.

At present, Italy attracts travelers not only with its precious cultural attractions, but also wonderful beach resorts. The most popular beach resort is Rimini. The total length of its beaches is over 15 km. Among accessible beach resorts, there are quite noisy and youth ones, such as Sanremo, as well as luxurious ones, for instance, the Venetian Riviera.

Italy is also famous for its breathtaking holidays, among which the most remarkable is the Venetian Carnival. This is a marvelous festival that is celebrated 40 days before Easter. It is a historical holiday and has a lot of interesting traditions. The climax event of the carnival is a festive parade in the main Venetian streets. On the festive day, there are beautiful costume balls in historical Venetian palaces. In the streets, you can witness theatrical and musical performances.

It is very interesting to visit Italy on Christmas Eve. During this period, there are traditional festive fairs in all cities. You can catch big sales in shopping malls. You also can taste here special national treats that are not sold at other time of the year. A lot of interesting street festivals are held in summer. In late August, the traditional Venetian film festival is organized.