The most beautiful towns in Italy The most beautiful cities in central Italy. Sanremo - beach mecca

Italy belongs to the list of countries for which tourism is an important component of the economy. The industry brings significant income, as it satisfies the most diverse needs of the guests of the state. There is something to see for lovers of architecture and antiquity: from Rome to Florence, where unique sights of the past have been preserved.

Inveterate romantics without fail visit Venice and Verona. Fans of a serene holiday will easily choose one of the beaches of Positano. Gourmets and wine connoisseurs will appreciate the cuisine of Sorrento. Not the last role in the list is played by religious tourism, such as pilgrimages to the Vatican. Developed infrastructure helps to get to exotic places and enjoy comfort even in the conditions of provincial Italy.

Italy - list of the most interesting and beautiful cities

The best cities and resorts for holidays in Italy

Rome

All roads, as you know, lead to Rome - a city where history and modernity collided and were tightly intertwined. Here is the oldest European aqueduct, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, many iconic squares and more than nine hundred churches. Since ancient times, there has been a rather small area of urban development, especially when compared with other capitals. Another feature is that it is good to come here at any time of the year.

Venice

The fact that Venice is slowly sinking into the water only adds to the popularity of the city. More than a hundred islands have become a single entity, and it is customary to move between them on gondolas or river buses. Numerous bridges and frescoes are the main attractions of the city, where every little thing is connected with an important stage in history. It also hosts the Venice Film Festival, a world-class status event.

Milan

Milan does not get tired of competing with the capital for the title of the most popular city in the country. In addition to architectural sights from the past, there are enough trends of the present. Milan is the center of high fashion. Both the shows of famous designers and simple shopping attract tourists every year. Theater La Scala has not lost ground for many decades. And football is the second religion for local and visiting fans.

Florence

Created as a cultural and commercial center, Florence continues to be so. At different times, prominent citizens of Italy lived and worked here: da Vinci, Galileo, Michelangelo, Dante and others. Galleries, cathedrals, palaces and squares are the main goals of tourist groups. They introduce you to the spirit of the city, which is quite cozy and green, given the density of buildings.

Sorrento

Another Italian city located on the coast. Its development was influenced by different peoples and countries, so there is enough color here. Visitors take with them porcelain figurines produced by a small manufactory, and liqueurs. Neapolitan music was born here and is popular all over the world. Seafood dishes and olives grown nearby are the hallmark of the region.

Verona

Verona owes its popularity primarily to Shakespeare. The fictional characters of his "Romeo and Juliet" made the city one of the romantic centers of the world. Another reason for the endless tourist flow is architecture. Several eras and styles coexist perfectly side by side. The streets are lined with ancient Roman and medieval buildings and monuments, as well as churches and palaces of later periods.

Positano

After World War II, many artists from different countries, including the USSR and Germany, moved here. They attracted the attention of the world community to the city. Sunny weather, mountainous scenery and long beaches make tourists come throughout the year. The commune is a great place for sedate rest: leisurely walks, a couple of hours on a sunbed and local cuisine.

Naples

The proximity of Naples to Vesuvius does not bother tourists at all. But the criminal situation on the streets is overgrown with legends and may scare away some potential guests of the city. Naples is the birthplace of special music and pizza. The neighborhood of modernity and architectural monuments of different periods is very noticeable here. The resulting contrast is the highlight of a region that advocates diversity.

Turin

The fourth most populous city in Italy. Several of the local palazzos and castles are included in the UNESCO heritage list. The Shroud of Christ is kept in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The museum of Egyptian culture stands out from the general ensemble, which, however, has become popular. Football occupies an important place in the life of the city, since the Juventus club is based in Turin.

Palermo

The Royal Palace of Palermo - a lot of styles brought together: the Arab approach, the work of Constantinople masters, the symbiosis of wood and stone, not to mention the uniqueness of the interior decoration. There are about three hundred churches, cathedrals and former monasteries in the city. They also belong to different eras. A gloomy but unique attraction is an underground cemetery with eight thousand graves.

Ischia

A small volcanic island located in the Gulf of Naples. Most of the sights here are natural, but there is an exception - an ancient fortress, rebuilt into an Aragonese castle. Tourists are more attracted to thermal springs, a medical resort that uses them, as well as sulfide silt mud, a botanical garden and volcanic emissions of water vapor.

Bologna

Despite the constant development and growth, Bologna has retained the atmosphere of the old city. The local university is one of the most respected in Europe. Tourists never bypass numerous squares with their arches, unique architecture and monuments. In the vicinity of the city there is a monumental cemetery, more like an object of art.

Genoa

The largest port in Italy is located in Genoa. Palazzi dei Rolli is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture is largely typical of a typical city in the north of the country. The surroundings are rich in interesting places. Here is the largest aquarium in Europe. And the marble tombstones of the Staglieno cemetery are no less valuable and majestic than the city monuments.

Cagliari

The historic center of Cagliari will not leave anyone indifferent. Along with architectural monuments, here you can find modern shops, cozy restaurants with local cuisine and wines. The archaeological museum will allow you to get acquainted with the history of the region. There is also a botanical garden and art festivals. The rest of the time, tourists spend mostly not on the beaches, if the weather allows.

Catania

Catania is located at the foot of Mount Etna. The city was built mainly in the Baroque style from dark volcanic stone. Cathedral Square is the heart of Catania. Wide and narrow streets diverge from it, where you can meet churches, fountains, statues and other beauties in a chaotic manner. The fish market is an addition to the local color that stands out from the general decor.

Syracuse

There are not many historical monuments in Syracuse. The most important of them can be bypassed in less than one day. These include Piazza Arcimede, the Cathedral of Syracuse, the Temple of Apollo, the Arethusa Fountain, the Grotticelli Necropolis, the Maniace Castle, the Gothic Theater and others. There are museums focused on different time layers. The city is also famous for its Drama Festival in May and June.

Pisa

It's not just a leaning tower. Numerous palaces, cathedrals and simpler buildings, decorated with frescoes, as well as galleries created during the heyday of the Medici family - this is the true look of the city. The local cuisine will test the taste buds of gourmets, as it is often spicy and aromatic. Pisa is quieter than other tourist centers. It is less crowded, but in demand.

Lucca

A city for those who like to follow not only all known tourist routes. In the middle of the plain of the Serka River, you can admire nature and sights and escape the hustle and bustle of megacities. A special pride of the locals is the Guinigi tower with its oaks growing directly on the upper platform. The fortress walls and fortifications are better preserved here than in any city in Italy.

Padua

The outskirts of Padua are a place of concentration of villas that once belonged to the Venetians. The city itself is a haven for the remains of St. Luke, the author of one of the Gospels. Astronomy lovers will be able to examine in detail the numerous frescoes on this subject. The palace and defensive redoubts are also perfectly preserved and accessible to the public. And the Botanical Garden of Padua is included in the list of UNESCO monuments.

Rimini

The city is considered the center of the Roman Riviera. Rimini has many beaches with rich entertainment programs and parks within walking distance. The cuisine is simple and colorful at the same time: Parma ham and mortadella sausage are beyond competition. Antiquity lovers can explore the ruins of the amphitheater or the arched bridge from the time of Tiberius. There are also churches here, one of which contains part of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Trieste

Outwardly, it looks quite modern, although some prints of past centuries have been preserved in it. Tourists are interested in the ruins of ancient Greek buildings, the tombs of contenders for the Spanish throne, several castles, one of which was built on the basis of a Venetian fortress. The beach of Trieste is divided for vacationers by gender, which is an exceptional case for Europe.

Lecce

The buildings in Lecce are invariably flashy. No matter what period of construction they belong to, there is something attractive in the architecture of the whole city. The ancient amphitheater does not stand idle: even now artists give performances in it. The Basilica of Santa Croce looks a little more modest, but the interior painting is amazing. Politeama Greco is an old theater with great sound. As for the cuisine: it is traditionally "poor", simple and satisfying.

San Gimignano

The development of San Gimignano largely stopped in the Middle Ages in terms of expansion and building density. Well-preserved walls and stone towers, from a distance looking like skyscrapers. There are fourteen of them in total, the highest reaching fifty meters. The historic center of the city is rich in frescoes and amazing buildings from different periods. And the local museum consists of ten galleries.

Salerno

A seaside town with a rich history. The mild climate allows you to relax on the sea almost all year round, albeit in different qualities. Indigenous people are hospitable and love to bargain. A whole street is dedicated to the sale of souvenirs and other shops. The sights are varied: numerous palaces, Mercatello Park, Minerva's garden, fragments of an ancient waterfall, the fortress of Areki and others.

Perugia

Picturesque city surrounded by greenery. The panorama of the area is impressive, but in fact the streets here are quite narrow. There is little architecture of historical value. Although there are churches built in different centuries. The wedding ring of the Virgin Mary is kept in St. Lawrence Cathedral. Many shops open throughout the city add to the noise. The locals love to hold festivals.

Sienna

The center of Siena is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The old town has been perfectly preserved, its narrow streets and cramped buildings are the face of the region. It is in Siena that the Palio festival is held - a horse racing competition in the square between the Sienese contradas. The event is divided into two dates. The school of painting of the same name, which has its own traditions, was born in the city.

Taormina

In Taormina, at every step you can find something amazing and ancient. Most of the churches were built between the 15th and 17th centuries. The Greek theatre, naumachium and odeon are well preserved, and the latter has geographical features of the location that distinguish it from similar structures. The squares, castles and towers are in a different state: some are fully functional, some are in need of reconstruction.

Bergamo

The city is divided into two halves: old and new. They are located at different heights and are connected by a funicular. There are many attractions in Bergamo: the fortress wall, the Colleoni Chapel, the Baptistery, the Covered Staircase, the City Palace and others. It is noteworthy that with such a rich and diverse collection of interesting objects, the city is not included in most tourist routes.

Cinque Terre

The association of five settlements received a common name - the Cinque Terre. Car traffic is almost completely prohibited here. In one of the villages it is allowed, but with restrictions. Among the must-see sights are the statue of Neptune, an impressive size, the Aurora Tower, the local confectionery and wine cooperative, the Capuchin monastery and the path of love. Walking between them is worth admiring the beauties of nature.

Vatican

The Vatican City State is the seat of the Pope. Pilgrims flock to the Holy See-ruled enclave from all over the world, regardless of religion. The main attractions are predictably connected with Catholicism: St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Library and others. The city is also interesting for its decoration and traditions. There are few residents here, and they have special passports.

Italy is the most beautiful and amazing country, having visited it once, you will find something for yourself that will make you come back here more than once. This country is rich in its history and art, famous for its incredibly delicious cuisine and the atmosphere of true romance.

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of how much time you need to spend in Italy in order to visit the whole country and taste all its delights. The problem is that not all tourists can afford to rest for a long time, and someone simply does not have such funds.

For those who really want to visit the best places in Italy, feel the unique atmosphere of romance and learn a lot of interesting information about the history of the country, fitting their entire trip into a specific period of time, we have prepared this article.

Today you will learn about the most beautiful and popular cities in Italy, which are very fond of tourists from all over the world. We recommend starting your acquaintance with sunny Italy by visiting these amazing places.

Verona
Many people know this city from the production of "Romeo and Juliet", which was the birthplace of the main characters. But this is not the only point that attracts the city of Verona.

Filled with an incredible spirit of romance, this ancient city has prepared many exciting sights for you! These are ancient ruins, medieval castles, beautiful squares with old churches, and unusual old streets with interesting buildings.

There is also an ancient arena, perfectly preserved to this day. There are so many places to visit in Verona! This city is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Venice

Such as this unique city of Italy, there is no other place in the world. Why is he unusual? First, its architecture. In this most beautiful city in the world, there are unusual churches and medieval buildings, and St. Mark's Square can compete in uniqueness with other famous squares in the world.

Secondly, all this picturesque beauty in Venice is built on canals, which can be traveled by boats, and instead of the roar of engines and exhaust gases, you will hear only a quiet splash of water.

In the winter season, the beauty of Venice becomes different - the whole city is covered with thick fog, which adds mystery and romanticism to an already magnificent city.

Bologna

Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and its largest city. Here are the ancient universities that will plunge you into the academic, ancient atmosphere. Right there, you can see another falling tower and even climb it.

Bologna is a very beautiful and wealthy city, famous for its left-wing politics and incredibly delicious cuisine, which you can enjoy in local taverns.

The streets of Bologna are unusual - they are lined with picturesque arcades, which allows you to walk around the city even in the rain.

Bologna has a medieval center and some very beautiful squares. You will definitely enjoy this amazing, ancient city.

Fairy-tale Rome is the most beautiful city in the world, with a history dating back more than 2.5 thousand years. The wealth of Rome lies in the diversity of its archaeological sites and museums, ancient ruins and churches, squares and parks. Traveling around Rome will be truly exciting and exciting.

Although the historical center of the city is not very large, you will not be able to get around all the objects even in a month. Use the services of guides who will tell you about the history of each attraction and help you not to get lost in their diversity.

To visit Italy and not to visit Rome is simply criminal!

Naples

Naples is a vibrant and lively Italian city located on the coast south of Rome. In Southern Italy, this city is of great importance for the development of the region.

Naples marvelously combines elegant and beautiful palaces with majestic castles from the Middle Ages, and although the city has changed a lot in recent years, a huge part of its ancient heritage is still available to the population.

Naples is a repository of artistic and historical treasures that you can discover by visiting the city's many museums. A tour of Naples will energize you for a long time!

Florence

Having visited Florence once, you will understand what inspired so many writers and artists to create world masterpieces. This city is an open-air museum of architecture!

You will not be left indifferent by the works of such famous personalities as Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio and others, which you can see in the Uffizi Gallery.

Be sure to visit the gallery at the Academy, the Old Palace and the Dam's Cathedral, which offers a magnificent view from the tower. Florence is delightful with its cobbled streets and unusually beautiful buildings.

Speaking of Tuscany, one cannot fail to mention the delicious cuisine and wines that you will be offered to try in any local cafe.

Lecce

Lecce is a city in Italy with a population of 100,000 and is the largest among the Puglia region.

This city is beautiful with its architecture in an interesting baroque style; in its beauty it is not inferior to Venice and Florence.

Walking around Lecce, you will see an ancient castle of the 16th century, a beautiful and very important church for Italy, an amphitheater from the times of the Ancient World and much more.

Lucca

The birthplace of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, Lucca is not far from beautiful Florence. This city has 85 thousand inhabitants and does not look quite ordinary.

Beautiful elegant Renaissance palaces, standing on cobbled streets, old churches and medieval fortress walls, turned into paths for cyclists and pedestrians, create an atmosphere of comfort and romance.

This city will appeal to its quiet rest and a sense of calm and tranquility.

Pisa

This ancient city, known to us from many photographs and stories about the leaning tower, is attractive not only for it. Yes, you will definitely enjoy having a picnic on the grass near the tower, taking beautiful photos and realizing that in reality the Leaning Tower of Pisa looks more majestic and beautiful.

However, in Pisa you can also look at the cathedral of the 11th century, the ancient baths for baptism and the divine beauty of medieval palaces.

Perugia

This city is the capital of the Umbria region and its largest center. The history of Perugia begins with the times of Umbria and the Etruscans, and everything that is in this city reminds of that period of life - Etruscan tombs, the National Museum of Archeology of Umbria, in which you will see a lot of interesting finds from ancient times, and much more.

Perugia has many beautiful squares and buildings, the National Gallery of Umbria is open. The ancient churches located in the city have a very important religious significance for the whole country.

The location of Perugia is unique - it stands on top of a hill and is a walled city that offers an unforgettable view of the surrounding valley.

In Italy, like in any other country, almost every town is able to please the traveler with a couple of bright sights.

But there are so “delicious” settlements on the “Boot” that it is simply vital to visit them for every self-respecting tourist. So, the most famous and beautiful cities in Italy.

Rome - Eternal City

Let's start with the Eternal City. The once impregnable capital of a thousand-year-old empire, now welcomes millions of tourists with open arms. One of the oldest settlements in the world (founded somewhere in 753 BC), overflowing with ancient monuments.

The largest amphitheater of the ancient world - which got its name from the statue of Nero "Colossus". The heart of the Eternal City is the Palatine, the place where Romulus and Remus were fed by the she-wolf. "Temple of all gods" - dedicated to divine essences in bulk. Triumphal arches on the Place du Forum, the spiritual ancestors of the Parisian landmark.

And there is no way to pass by the smallest power in the world, located at the clawed paws of the Roman she-wolf - the Vatican. Here you will find the giant St. Peter's Basilica - the leader in size among the Christian churches of the planet. St. Peter's Square - which can accommodate 400 thousand believers. A lot of museums, including the Egyptian one, the Gallery of Geographical Maps and, of course, the famous Sistine Chapel.

Where to stay in Rome: There is . A good option - or.

Milan - the capital of shopping

The second largest city in Italy, its financial and fashion capital. It is also famous for its nightlife, shopping and gastronomy. .

Photo by: © Henry Bonn - Fotolia.com.

In addition, you will certainly be pleased with the Gothic, the fifth largest temple in the world. - the home of the Milanese dukes of the Sforza dynasty, now - a shelter for various museums. Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the main temple of the Dominican monastery, where the famous "Last Supper" by da Vinci is kept. - the capital of opera culture of the whole world.

Where to stay in Milan: as in Rome, . For example, or.

Venice - a city on the water

The beautiful cities of Italy are about Venice. A unique floating city on stilts, located on more than a hundred small islands connected by a bunch of bridges. There are no roads in its historical center, instead they are canals where the famous gondolas float, as well as less famous, but cheaper water buses. vaporetto.

Being here, do not miss - a 4-kilometer "highway" that runs through all of Venice, and is built up along the banks with chic palazzos from different eras, among which it stands out.

Photo by: © Iakov Kalinin - Fotolia.com.

Where to stay in Venice: . For example, or.

Verona - home of Romeo and Juliet

One of the oldest, and thanks to the Great Bard, one of the most romantic cities in the world - a beautiful city in northern Italy. Here everyone will find a corner to their liking. Some are noisy squares crowded with tourists, some are quiet narrow streets leading to the stunning beauties of ancient Verona. Someone will go.

Photo source: tourister.ru.

Florence is an interesting city in Italy

The capital of Tuscany, the Italian Athens, famous for its creators, philosophers, thinkers, sailors and ... poisoners. Today it combines the features of a modern, rich in shops, entertainment, metropolis and an "open-air museum", full of masterpieces of architecture.

Photo by: © Mihai-Bogdan Lazar - Fotolia.com.

Pisa is the #1 city for original selfies

This Tuscan city is known as one of the most fun and youthful centers in the country thanks to the university, where about 60,000 students study.

And, of course, the notorious tower, where would we be without it. , more precisely the bell tower of the Duomo Cathedral. Its inclination is now almost 5 degrees from the vertical axis. Very capricious soil under the Field of Miracles. Be sure to pay attention to the Duomo itself, consecrated in honor of the Annunciation of the Virgin, and its ancient relics. Selfies with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the background are amazing.

Photo source: zolotova.com.

In addition to them, the Baptistery of San Giovanni awaits you - this place of the sacrament of Baptism, almost 55 meters high, is still amazing.

Campo Santo (“Holy Field”) is a “memorial cemetery” built where in the 12th century the Archbishop of Pisa threw a handful of holy earth upon his return from the 4th Crusade.

And a lot of beautiful palazzos and churches located at a distance from the Cathedral Square.

Where to stay in Pisa: . For example, or.

Siena - medieval city

A city famous for its careful attitude to its architectural appearance, created in the 12th-15th centuries. It is considered the place where the atmosphere and spirit of the Middle Ages are most fully preserved. This is one of those cities in Italy that not everyone knows about, but this does not make it less interesting.

Here you will see a magical cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. At the temple there is a museum of Opera del Duomo, full of exhibits related to the cathedral. Inside the Duomo is also the unique Piccolomini Library.

Photo source: wikimedia.org, author - Myrabella.

You will see the central Piazza del Campo, paved with red stone, with an interesting shape of a concave shell, and the Palio races, the most famous among the “colleagues” throughout the country. The 102-meter Torre del Mangia ("Food Tower") is one of the towers that gives you a great view of the city.

Where to stay in Siena: in one of , for example or .

Palermo - the capital of Sicily

The capital of Sicily, the birthplace of the bloody Cosa Nostra, tourists are not interested in this. And an amazing mixture of rich shopping centers and old houses requiring renovation. Modern slums and medieval monuments of architecture.

The holidays and carnivals of Sicily deserve special attention. .

Photo source: darsik-dasha.livejournal.com.

Among the places of interest in Palermo is Piazza Pretoria with an elegant fountain, sculptures and churches from the 17th century. The magical Palatine Chapel, located inside, built in honor of the Apostle Peter. Widely known among Melpomene fans is the Teatro Massimo. Catacombs of the Capuchins, the final resting place of the monks of the Capuchin order, as well as other prominent Sicilians.

Where to stay in Palermo: . Attention is worth the hotel or.

Naples - the birthplace of pizza

The third largest city in the country. , and the world-famous Italian gesticulation - a way to "talk with your hands." He is also no stranger to organized crime, which in these parts bears the name of "Camorra".

You are waiting for the legendary and mysterious - the residence of Charles of Anjou. Egg Castle on Magaride Island. According to the myth, based on the place where the poet Virgil buried the enchanted egg. As long as it is intact, the castle and the whole city are in complete safety. Royal Palace, native home of the Neapolitan monarchs in the 17th century. - an active volcano 15 km from the city. For now, until the next eruption, the National Park is laid out here. - the most famous victim of Vesuvius, the city ceased to exist on August 24 "79. Now an open-air museum.

Photo source: nice-places.com.

Nearby, in the Gulf of Naples, there is also the most popular Italian seaside resort - the Island of Capri with its stunning Blue Grotto, old and not very villas, Mount Solaro, 589 m high, delicious cuisine and absent as a class in winter. However, in which cities of Italy you would not get, the cuisine is everywhere at the highest level.

Where to stay in Naples: . For example, or.

Genoa - port city

Genoa is one of the most interesting cities in Italy. The birthplace of the Ligurian shipbuilders and sailors, who for a long time were one of the masters of the Mediterranean. The largest port in the country. One of the possible birthplaces of Columbus.

An original settlement located near Rome. Notable for the old town, where you can enjoy the beauties of the Rocca Pia fortress and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. We can say about it: a small beautiful city in Italy.

In Tivoli you will see the villa of Emperor Publius Aelius Trajan Hadrian built in the 2nd century AD. It is clear that time is inexorable and only ruins remain of the estate, however, giving an excellent idea of the arrangement of ancient Roman dwellings. Villa Gregoriana is worthy of attention - a beautiful garden-park, which arose in 1835 thanks to Pope Gregory XVI.

Italian cities are beautiful! You will be convinced of this in Tivoli when you see the Villa d'Este - a masterpiece of the 16th century, consisting of a palace and a garden, the most beautiful park in Europe, according to the late 2000s. Local fountains, of which there are a huge number, have become the spiritual inspirers of their counterparts in Peterhof.

Photo source: transfer-ekskursii-italy.com.

Sanremo - beach mecca

One of the most luxurious resort towns in Italy is able to please guests not only with beaches, a 24-kilometer bicycle path, but also with a lot of architectural delights. Such as the most ancient cathedral in the city of San Siro. Church of the Madonna della Costa with an extraordinary interior and convenient points for exploring the surroundings. Art Gallery - Pinacoteca Rambaldi, which houses hundreds of magnificent paintings from different centuries. Villa "Nobel" - the residence of the inventor of dynamite from 1890 to 1896, now a museum and library. What are not interesting cities in Italy. So, in San Remo there is the oldest Municipal Casino - one of the largest "houses of excitement" in all of Europe.

Photo source: advent-club.ru.

Where to stay in Sanremo: . For example, or.

Cinque Terre - "Five Lands"

Perhaps the most attractive and beautiful cities in Italy are by the sea. So. Cinque Terre. The most beautiful National Park of Italy on the coast of the Gulf of Genoa, where 5 small towns are located. No cars, clean air, marvelous colorful architecture, picturesque nature, beaches, vineyards, man-made terraces. Everything is nearby, each city offers tourists its "chips", ancient churches and castles. Natural Paradise, the right word.

Where to stay in the Cinque Terre: a huge choice of more than 112,000 accommodation options ! For example, or.

Just a dozen of the many hundreds of charming cities in Italy. And impressions for several lifetimes. One of which I really want to spend here - between the sun and the sea, caressing the country of calves beloved by the gods.

- these are not only the wonders of the water surface and picturesque land donated to mankind either by nature or by the creators, no matter how they are called by representatives of different faiths, but also huge funds invested by people who ennoble the places around them over the centuries. Therefore, the most beautiful cities in Italy, as well as villages, small villages on the territory of this ancient land, remembering the Romans, barbarians, countless trading guests from all over the inhabited ecumene, appeared not by magic, but as a result of painstaking, hard work of many generations. their inhabitants.

The history of the modern state, called Italy, to the surprise of many tourists, has not so much time - since 1861. This is due to the fact that before that, for many centuries, city-states, separate provinces, united territories ruled by princes, dukes, kings, popes of Rome, including the Emperor of France Napoleon I, the unsuccessful conqueror of Russia, independently existed on its territory.

It is a curious fact that the capital of the new country - the Kingdom of Italy - was successively Turin (since 1861), Florence (since 1865), and Rome since 1871. It became an Italian republic in 1946.

But, basically, tourists are not interested in the smiles of history, for example, when, through the efforts of revolutionaries who fought for the unification of Italy into a single state, King Victor Emmanuel II came to power, whose ashes now rest in the Pantheon of Rome.

Much more interesting for visitors to Italy from all over the world is the earlier history of these lands, when they were successively inhabited by the following peoples:

Ancient Greeks. Although they inhabited only part of its lands, mainly along the mainland coast, on the island of Sicily, starting from the 8th century BC. e. They left a memory of themselves for centuries, including having built the cities of Messina and Syracuse - the birthplace of the legendary Archimedes. And today, throughout the territory of Sicily, tourists can see traces of the ancient Greek civilization - the remains of urban, temple buildings, sections of roads.
Latins. They lived here from the 1st millennium BC. e. By the VI century BC. e. Rome became the center of the unification of the Latin tribes. They gave the whole world their language. Latin is what virtually all of the original terminology, the classification of most theoretical/applied science disciplines such as medicine, law, biology and botany, is based on. By the way, although it is called a dead language, it is official for the Vatican and the Order of Malta.
Romans. By 290 B.C. e. Rome completed the unification around itself of all the lands on the Apennine Peninsula, subjugated all the Italic peoples that inhabited it. From that moment began the period of ancient Rome, which left a huge mark on the history of all mankind.

After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the lands of Italy changed hands. There were barbarians, Byzantines, the rulers of almost all neighboring states were noted, trying to grab a tidbit of the Mediterranean.

But those times are long gone, and today Italy is the third economy of the European Union, a country where millions of tourists annually seek to visit beautiful cities, world attractions in them and / or relax on the beaches of the picturesque coast.

Italy - from north to south

Since beauty is mostly subjective, i.e. depends to a large extent on human perception in all respects, as well as on mood, general well-being, it is worth using more objective criteria in order to appreciate the magnificence of Italian cities: convenience of location - in a valley, on the shore of a lake, river, sea, foot of a mountain / volcano, picturesque surrounding settlements, other natural factors.

The second block, of course, will be the deeds of generations of citizens and visiting architects, builders, sculptors, painters, who created a single open-air museum from many Italian cities, where every turn, intersection, modest in size, but not in beauty, medieval squares with installed on fountains, sculptures, ancient buildings - residential buildings, temples, palaces, stretching into the sky from the narrow streets, makes the heart stop, holding your breath, convulsively grasping the camera or video camera.

For information: in Italy there are 155 monuments belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as officially declared for inclusion in it. This is more than in any other country on the planet.

This is the whole of Italy - a country filled with natural, architectural beauty, natural delicious Mediterranean cuisine, hospitality and expressive speed of speech of its tanned inhabitants.

If you drive through Italy, descending from the north, from the borders with Switzerland, France, Austria south to the Mediterranean Sea, in which there are two huge islands that are also part of this country - Sardinia and Sicily, then tourists can visit, see the beauty, with which all these cities are filled:

Milan is the capital of northern Italy. The industrial, financial and economic center of the country, which is also considered one of the world's trendsetters in clothing, footwear, accessories, in the suburbs of which most of these products, which are of excellent quality, are produced. In this regard, visiting it, especially during the Milan Fashion Week, held twice a year in February and September, is the dream of beauties from all over the world.
Turin is the center of education and culture in northern Italy. The Egyptian Museum opened here was the first in the world where they began to collect exhibits, documents of ancient civilization, and study them by scientific methods.
Verona is a city filled with both architectural monuments and annual cultural events, such as the opera festival held in summer in the Arena di Verona amphitheatre. The result is more than 3 million tourists a year.
Venice is a fabulous ancient city in the Venetian Lagoon, known throughout the world. Doesn't need a special introduction.
Florence is the former center of the Republic of Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, in which the number of architectural monuments / sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, picturesque paintings of temples, palaces of the noble nobility, art paintings in them per square meter of area can compete with any museum on the planet. The cradle of the Renaissance is the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci and Dante, Michelangelo and Galileo, Niccolò Machiavelli, Amerigo Vespucci, Donatello. The city, whose inhabitants laid the foundations of banking, entrepreneurship, the principles of creating modern commercial and industrial companies. The world-famous Uffizi Gallery, dozens of cathedrals, basilicas, churches, palazzos are the visiting card of the city.
Sienna. Tourists are especially interested in the well-preserved architectural ensemble of the historical center of the medieval city.
Rome. The Eternal City is known to all. Along with Paris and Prague, it is recommended to lovers of beauty for a mandatory visit. The entire center of Rome with the ancient Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the complex of buildings of the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, the squares of Spain, Navona, and other attractions included in the world TOP-100, is a single museum under the sunny sky of Italy, which everyone who wants to consider must visit himself as a cultured person.

Italy is a country that people fall in love with at first sight. Here you want to forget about all the problems and enjoy the fullness of life. The Apennine peninsula welcomes tourists with bright sun, expressive southern dialect and striking beauty of cities. Every corner attracts with a special, unique charm. The most beautiful cities in Italy seem to compete with each other for the palm and the attention of travelers.

It is very difficult to single out the most attractive places. Which cities in Italy are the most beautiful - everyone decides on their own, based on personal tastes. And yet, some places will leave an indelible impression on everyone who visits them.

Perugia

The colorful and crowded city pleases with sunny weather and picturesque views. Perugia is built in a mountainous area and from afar looks like the steps of a huge staircase. Natural viewing platforms were created by nature. The large terrace of the covered market offers a stunning view of the lower quarters, where life is in full swing.

Local streets and arches inspired the great Goethe. The city-sun bathes in the jets of the medieval Fountain Maggiore. The Great Fountain is considered the most beautiful in Italy.

Pisa

Most tourists tend to prop up the leaning tower with their shoulders. And only a few know the secret of the beauty of Pisa. All the magic of the city opens up to travelers in the early rainy morning.

The streets are deserted and deserted. The marble laces of the cathedrals are woven into Gothic and Romanesque motifs. Piazza dei Cavalieri, washed by rain, quietly and solemnly welcomes tourists. This place is guarded by the palace of the knights - Palazzo della Carovana. The yellowed marble of the church of San Michele in Borgo seems to tell about the ancient history of Pisa.

Bologna

Another city of the Apennine Peninsula is famous for its leaning towers. In the 13th century, there were about 200 "skyscrapers" here. Each rich family built a tower according to the principle: the higher, the more prestigious. Today, about 20 of these sights remain. Tourists can climb Garisenda and Asinelli and feel the pleasant coolness of freedom. From above, a view of the red carpet from the roofs opens, which is why the “city of towers” is called the “Red Bologna”.

This city fascinates with its ancient beauty. Here is the oldest university in Europe. This city inspires youth. About half a million inhabitants of Bologna are students.

Genoa

The City of Palaces amazes with the luxury and splendor of medieval buildings. Genoa is called the capital of European culture. More than 40 buildings are protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The well-preserved medieval city center is the largest in Europe.

Luxurious interiors of the White, Red, Royal and other palaces delight tourists. Even St. Peter's Church is more like a rich mansion, which inside is filled with the soft light of white marble. The central street - Via Garibaldi - is considered the most beautiful road in Europe. The charm and charm of the city gives the atmosphere of an old seaport.

Naples

Perhaps this is the case when the frame is prettier than the picture: the beauty of Naples is not conceived without the surrounding nature. The picturesqueness of this corner of the "Italian boot" is given by the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the towering volcano Vesuvius.

The coast of the Gulf of Naples is so beautiful that it gave rise to a lot of legends and proverbs. One of the stories tells that it was here that the sirens lured Odysseus and his companions with their voices. And the expression "to see and die" at first did not refer to Paris, but to Naples. No wonder the locals sang the beauty of the coast in the famous "Santa Lucia".

Florence

Eternally blooming, sophisticated lady - such epithets allow Florence to claim the title of "The most beautiful city in Italy." This is an ideal place for walking tours. The birthplace of the Renaissance is so densely packed with sights that the term "Florence Syndrome" has arisen. Tourists lose their heads. Even those who have never held a camera in their hands become photographers.

Spring City is an open-air museum. Florence Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is striking in size and beauty. The marble cladding of the church shimmers with primordially Italian colors: red, white and green. All 90 thousand inhabitants of the city were once placed under the dome of the cathedral. This miracle was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The famous Michelangelo said to the architect: "I will not be able to surpass you."

Verona

Only love can overcome everything. Verona proved it. The city is saturated with the atmosphere of love. Tourists from all over the world come here to see the famous Juliet's balcony. Another nice place is Ponte Pietra. An amazing panorama of the city will open from the "Stone Bridge". This is a piece of heaven on earth.

In the evening, music lovers will enjoy the voices of the best opera singers. The romanticism of the performances is that one of the scenery is the starry sky. Arena di Verona is an antique pink marble amphitheater. This is the largest open-air opera house in the world.

Milan

The famous La Scala is the eternal rival of the Arena di Verona. The most famous opera singers sing here. Milanese have an innate sense of beauty. Residents of the informal capital of Italy love to live with taste.

Milan is the center of world fashion. There are many beautiful girls on the streets of the city. Even the famous Duomo in Milan flaunts fashionable marble lace towers. This third largest Christian church in the world is magnificent and elegant. White marble, from which the walls were built, gives a special sophistication to the cathedral.

Venice

The city on the water is very fond of tourists, so it is worth visiting it in the off-season. Crowds of staring visitors will not interfere with enjoying the atmosphere of this unique corner. Many travelers believe that Venice is the most beautiful city in Italy. This place is like a fabulous theatrical scenery. The secrets of many generations are kept here.

Venice is famous for its canals, over which 400 bridges are thrown. Gondolas glide silently along the "water streets". It seems that a light whisper of lovers is heard. The largest "water street" - the Grand Canal - is framed by the facades of marble palaces. Time itself flows between these buildings. Having sailed to St. Mark's Cathedral, you can see the most beautiful square in the world. This is Piazza San Marco.

Rome

The list of the most beautiful cities in Italy is headed by the capital of the southern country. Here, every stone breathes history.

The greatness of Rome is emphasized by the visiting card of the capital - the Colosseum. The Flavian Amphitheater still amazes with its beauty. Power and strength come from the symbol of imperial power. You can enjoy the magic of lighting effects in the Temple of All Gods. In the center of the grandiose dome is the famous "eye of the Pantheon". It seems that the temple is the center of the whole world, because there are no other sources of light.

The list of the most beautiful cities in Italy is not limited to ten cities. This sunny country surprisingly combines the magic of architecture with the beauty of nature. Every corner, every village will reveal its charm to travelers. And again it will seem that the most beautiful city in Italy is the one where you have not yet been.