The official name of Italy in English. Italy: background information

The city on seven hills, the eternal city, the mother of cities, the capital of the world - and all this is Rome - one of the oldest cities in the world, the ancient capital of the mighty Roman Empire. Here you can get in touch with the centuries-old past - from time immemorial to the present day.

Rome has been the capital of Italy since 1871. administrative center province of Rome and the region of Lazio. It is not easy to understand the administrative division of Rome: its central part is divided into 22 districts, the area around the historical center consists of 35 quarters, and the suburban area consists of 6 administrative units. In modern Rome, there are about three million inhabitants, and this majestic city is spread over an area of ​​150 square meters. km. The city is built on a hilly terrain: it occupies 12 hills, on seven of which its historical centers are located: the Palatine (from which the construction of Rome began), the Capitol, Esquiline, Viminale, Aventina, Caelia and Quirina. highest point of the city is Mario Hill (139 m). The Tiber River crosses Rome from north to south. Once it was full-flowing and suitable for navigation, and sometimes it could even overflow its banks, but today its obstinate temper has been tamed, “shackled” into stone parapets.

From the history of the city

Rome, or, as the ancient Latins called it, "caput mundi" - the Head of the World - has been the capital for 2000 years, the whole history of Rome has about three thousand years. As the main city of the Roman Empire, Rome ruled the world in ancient times. As a result of excavations, scientists have established that the first settlements on the territory of Rome appeared somewhere between the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age. But the birth of Rome as a city is considered to be April 21, 753 BC. According to legend, two twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, were left without parents and were fed by a she-wolf who lived on Capitoline Hill. Later they were found and brought up by shepherds - Faustul and his wife Akka Larentsia. Having matured, the brothers returned to King Numitor - their grandfather. According to his will, Romulus and Remus went to the Tiber to find a place to found a new city. Remus chose a place between two hills - Capitoline and Palatine, but Romulus wanted to build a city on the Palatine Hill by all means. Turning to signs and prophecies did not help, a quarrel broke out between the brothers, in the heat of which Romulus killed Remus. Repenting for the murder of his brother, he founded a city to which he gave his name (Roma), and became its king. It was on April 21, 753 BC that the first furrow was drawn around the Palatine Hill with a plow, outlining the construction site of the new city. Archaeological excavations confirm this date: the remains of the Etruscan culture of the reign of the Tarquins, dating back to 650-500 years, were found. BC uh..

The era of kings (753-509 BC) begins with the reign of Romulus. The next rulers of Rome were Numa Pompilius and the last king - Tarquinius the Proud. Both of them were Etruscans - representatives of the people who, long before the Romans, created advanced civilization. In the X-IX centuries. BC. on the hills of Palantine, Quirinal, Esquiline and Viminal, the first settlements arose, which is confirmed by archaeologists. Gradually, the settlements grew, and later united - this is how the City on seven hills gradually arose.

After the expulsion of Tarquinius the Proud, a republic was proclaimed (510 BC). And by the middle of the third century BC. e. Rome turned into a large state - the whole territory of Italy was subordinate to it. Rome's attempts to establish control over the entire Mediterranean led to a conflict with another powerful maritime power - Carthage. Only in 146g. BC, after three Punic wars, Carthage was finally defeated and wiped off the face of the earth.
The next two centuries - 2nd and 1st centuries. BC. - were alarming for Rome: there were civil wars, inevitably accompanied by social upheavals. At 45 BC. Gaius Julius Caesar defeated Pompey, but fell victim to a conspiracy organized by Brutus and Cassius.

And the long period began again civil wars, in which the adopted son of Caesar, Octavian, managed to win. At 27 BC. the senate awarded him the honorary title of Augustus - "Sacred". This moment is considered the beginning of the Roman Empire. Octavian Augustus built marble buildings in Rome, and subsequent emperors erected majestic palaces, beautiful temples, arches and columns.

During the reign of Emperor Trojan (II century AD), the Roman Empire reached its maximum limits: it is hard to imagine, but this ancient state occupied almost the entire territory of Europe, Asia and North Africa, Iraq, Spain and Britain.
In 395 The Roman Empire was divided into Eastern and Western. But already in 476g. The last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed from the throne by Odoacer, the leader of the barbarians.

In the 12th century, large city-states arose in the north, supporting the Pope or the emperor. In the XV century, the Renaissance began - the heyday of Rome and all of Italy. It is to this period that the most famous works of artists, architects, sculptors, poets and philosophers belong.
In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was created. Its capital was originally Turin and then Florence. And only in July 1871, Rome acquired the status of the capital of Italy.

Treasury of culture and art

Rome was built for more than one day or even more than one century, and therefore, to get to know it, see all the sights, visit museums and admire the works of immortal masters, even three lives will not be enough. Rome rightfully enjoys the fame of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. During the Renaissance, Rome was decorated with their creations by the greatest Italian masters: Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, Bramante and many others. Perhaps there is no other city in the world that has preserved so many monuments of antiquity, renaissance, baroque and neoclassicism. The most ancient of them are more than two thousand years old, while others were created quite recently - in the 19th - early 20th centuries. Rome can rightly be called the world's treasury of culture and art. Historical monuments, ancient buildings and ruins, ancient squares, magnificent palaces and gothic cathedrals, many Catholic churches and Christian churches - all this can be found in Rome at almost every step. Rome, the cradle of civilization and art, drew inspiration from poets and artists from early countries, including Stendhal, Goethe, and Henry James. The ancient ruins became the subject of admiration for famous English romantics - Byron, Shelley and Keats. Many Russian artists, writers and composers came here more than once.

Turgenev, Gogol, Pogodin, Batyushkov, Tchaikovsky, Herzen, Nekrasov - these and many other masters of Russian art, having visited Rome, were captivated by its grandeur and beauty. Our tourists who want to follow in their footsteps and want to get to know the great city as best as possible can be advised to visit, first of all, its most famous places: the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Baths of Caracala, the Troyan Column, the Theater of Marcellus. It is impossible to visit Rome and not visit the Cathedral of St. Petra is the largest cathedral in the world. the most famous masterpieces of art are kept here: one of the first works of Michelangelo - Pieta, a bronze statue of St. Peter, the papal throne by Bernini, as well as the tombs of popes. Be sure to visit the museums and galleries of the Vatican: the Pinakateku Art Gallery, the Etruscan Museum, see the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps galleries, Raphael's Stations. It is impossible not to visit the Sistine Chapel, painted by great masters - Michelangelo, Botticelli, Perugino and Ghirlandaio. On the territory of Villa Borghese, one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Rome, is the Galleria Borghese. In its halls there are priceless exhibits - sculpture and painting from the collection of Cardinal Sapion-Borgese: paintings by famous masters Raphael, Durer, Pinturicchio, Cranach, Fra Bartolomeo, Correggio, G. Bellini, Caravaggio, Veronese, Rubens and Titian, beautiful sculptures by Bernini, famous "Paulina Bonaparte as Venus" by Canova.

A favorite place of youth recreation and mass pilgrimage of tourists is Plaza de España and the famous Spanish Steps. Walking around Rome, one cannot help but admire its numerous fountains. The real symbol of Rome was the Trevi Fountain, depicting Neptune's chariot led by Triton. Tourists from different countries have a belief: in order to return to Rome again, you need to throw a coin at it. Throw a penny into it and you, and perhaps soon you will return to this a beautiful city with a thousand-year history and an eternally young soul.

Italy is one of the most amazing countries. It contains an unimaginable number of attractions and cultural traditions. It is famous for its opera, fashion, cars and, of course, food.

Italy on the world map

Italy is located in Southern Europe on the Apennine Peninsula and part of the Balkans. The state passes through the territory of the Padan Plain and the southern Alps along the Mediterranean coast. Sardinia and Sicily are also part of the Italian Republic (more about the cities on the map of Italy).
The list of neighbors includes France, Slovenia, Austria and Switzerland. And inside the country there are two states - the Vatican and San Marino.
The time difference with Italy in Moscow is 2 hours.

Climate of Italy

Some regions of Italy have a temperate climate - very warm summers +22 +24 degrees and calm winters around 0. Sicily and Sardinia have a subtropical climate - hot and dry weather in summer, and mild and warm +8 +10 degrees in winter. Mountainous areas are characterized by low temperatures (up to -20) in winter. Due to this variety travel business offers and fabulous beach holiday and unforgettable active holidays in ski resorts.

Territory of Italy

The country is divided into 20 large regions, consisting of smaller territories: Basilicata, Abruzzo, Liguria, Marche, Sardinia, Valle d'Aosta, Molise, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Piedmont, Umbria, Emilia -Romagna, Lazio, Calabria, Campania, Apulia, Tuscany and Sicily. Each region has its own main city. The capital of the whole country is Rome (more about Rome). The regions are striking in their customs and traditions, but each boasts unique features, which is why there are so many amazing tourist routes in this country.

Expert advice! Going to Italy, it is worth considering in advance the purpose of your trip. The diversity of this country will not allow you to enjoy all its beauties at once. Therefore, various thematic programs are so popular: gastronomic, beach, sightseeing, shopping - tours and skiing.

Population of Italy

According to this indicator, Italy closes the top four European countries. Today, more than 60 million people live in the republic. Nearly half opt for more comfortable economically strong regions of the north, such as Lombardy (the capital is Milan). More about Milan.
Almost 3 million people live in the capital of Italy - Rome. A little over a million in one of the largest economic and business centers of the country - Milan. Third place is occupied by Naples.

Italian flag

The Italian flag boasts of its history. The tricolor has been around since the late 18th century. It appeared in Emily in 1797 as the state symbol of the republic proclaimed by Giuseppe Compagnoni. Then he was to become a symbol of the revolution in France, and later a sign of freedom and other revolutionary events.
The Italians are so proud of their flag that they even created a Caprese salad that matches the green-white-red tricolor as seen in the photo of the Italian flag.

The most amazing Italian cities

Italy is a country of modern fashion and ancient art. Millions of tourists go every year to where "all roads lead". To Rome. It is here that the legendary buildings erected back in the days of ancient rome: Pantheon and Colosseum. Lovers of ancient art rush here to see the Castle of the Holy Angel, the abandoned city of Ostia Antica, the Forum, Villa Andrian and the legendary Pompeii buried under a layer of ashes.

Romantic Venice attracts with its Medieval spirit (more about Venice). Here, the Renaissance comes to life in front of you, which is also captured in the Milan Cathedral, and continues to live in the small Italian towns of Umbria and Tuscany. Florence is considered to be the cradle of the Renaissance (more about Florence). It was here that the best masters of this style lived. Behind him go to Verona, Ravenna and others small towns northern Italy.
In this amazing country, the pompous baroque, which you will find in the Vatican, Rome and the capital of this style, Naples, was also born. But the famous modest outside and luxurious inside, the La Scala Opera House is an ideal example of classicism.

Unusual sights

Italy is an amazingly poetic country in which different traditions, architectural styles, ancient romantic places and objects of contemporary art. What do millions of tourists who daily arrive in Italy dream of seeing?
In the list of the main attractions of the country:

• Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa
• House of Juliet and Romeo and Opera Verde in Verona
• Valley of ancient temples in Sicily
• 5 colored cities in Liguria
• Uffizi Gallery in Florence
• The oldest amphitheater - the Colosseum

Cathedral of St. Peter in the Vatican (more about the sights of the Vatican)
Grand Canal in Venice
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
Mount Vesuvius (details)

Italy also attracts those who are captivated by architectural monuments, gastronomic travelers, lovers of classical art, fashion lovers, etc. Everyone will find their happy corner in this country.

Italian car brands

Italy is the birthplace of the most expensive cars. It is here that luxury Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari roll off the assembly line.
In total, there are 10 automobile plants in the country. In addition to the brands already listed, they produce De Tomaso, Fiat, Innocenti, Lancia, Cizeta and Abarth.
So the Fiat plant in Turin dates back to the 19th century and is still the hallmark of the country's automotive industry. Today, under its wing is Alfa Romeo, which produces luxury sports models. At the origins of the company was one of the former chief engineers of Fiat. And the real success came to the concern after their cars began to win in auto racing. Choosing between the production of sports and expensive cars, the owners of the plant settled on the production of expensive sports cars.

Expert advice! In Milan, be sure to visit the Alfa Romeo Museum. It consists of six floors, which show models produced by the concern for 100 years.

Ferraris were born thanks to the Italian driver Enzo Ferrari. The Lamborghini and Maserati brands are also known for racing cars, and this is not surprising because it is in this country that motor sports are so worshipped.

Italian Cuisine

It is customary to call the cuisine of this country a special attraction of Italy. There are Italian restaurants in every country, but it is in Naples that everyone dreams of trying pizza, in Rome - carbonara pasta.
The north of Italy is famous for dry-cured Prosciutto ham, Gorgonzola, Mascarpone and Parmigiano Regino cheeses. Southern cuisine is saturated with olive oil, the aroma of young garlic, basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
And light homemade Italian desserts Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, Crostata are easy to prepare, but inexplicably delicious.
Meals in Italy take special place not just in life, but in the cultural life of the country.

Fashion

Italy is one of the world's water legislators. And its history began in the middle of the 20th century. Then Count Giorgini staged the first international fashion show in Florence. In the 70s and 80s Italy became the fashion capital of the world. Milan fashion weeks surpass French fashion shows in popularity, and Italian designers open a new page of catwalks where real models appear. It was in this country that everyday elegance was first opposed to stage chic. Fashion has become the property of the public, and not the elected "top".

Italy gave us such legendary brands as Prada, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Rocco Barocco, Nino Cerutti and many others.
Therefore, today fashionistas and women of fashion from all over the world come to Milan for shopping to visit branded boutiques, outlets and shopping centers.

Each of us has our own images when it comes to Italy. For some, the country of Italy is historical and cultural monuments, such as the Forum and the Colosseum in Rome, the Medici Palace and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, St. Mark's Square in Venice and the famous leaning tower in Pisa. For others, this country is associated with the directorial works of Fellini, Bertolucci, Perelli, Antonioni and Francesco Rosi, the musical work of Morricone and Ortolani, the incomparable acting work of Giulietta Masina, Monica Bellucci, Sophia Loren, Adriano Celentano. Someone, having heard about Italy, will immediately remember the famous Italian pizza, pasta, frittata and minestrone. The country of Italy is one of the oldest in the world, although it appeared on the political map of the world just over a hundred years ago.

A bit of history

Italy had a great influence on the social and cultural development of not only European countries, but of all mankind.

Archaeological artifacts were found in this country, proving the fact of the settlement of the territory by ancient people. It can be argued that ancient Italy became the starting point in the development of human civilization. The Roman Empire not only managed to conquer large territories and create a powerful state, but also brought its cultural and economic traditions and knowledge to the conquered lands.

Under the onslaught of the Goths in 476, the Western Roman Empire fell, as a result of which many small specific states were formed on the Apennine Peninsula.

Modern Italy emerged only in 1871 thanks to the efforts of his associates. It was in this year that Rome was declared the capital of the state, which included small kingdoms and duchies.

The 20th century turned out to be quite difficult and tragic for the Italian Republic. In the period from 1922 to 1945, the country was under the rule of the fascists led by Benito Mussolini and was involved in the Second world war. In 1946, the last - Umberto - abdicated, after which a rather long crisis followed. The decline of industry and agriculture, a period of unsuccessful reforms - Italy survived all this. Europe, like the rest of the world, watched with amazement the transformation and the so-called Italian economic miracle. The development of the country was accompanied by many high-profile political scandals, trials of members of mafia groups, as well as terrorist actions of the "red brigades".

Today the country of Italy is one of the highly developed European states exporting to most countries in the world. Films, cars, fashionable clothes and shoes, excellent wines created in this country are in demand all over the world. The hospitality and cordiality of the Italians, coupled with the beautiful nature and developed hotel business contribute to the fact that tourism flourishes here. Italy receives many tourists every year from different corners peace.

Geographical position

The state of Italy, located in the south of Europe, due to its outlines, is one of the most recognizable in the world on geographical map. mainland the Italian "boot" occupies the Apennine Peninsula and a small part of the Balkan and points to the west, towards the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. In addition to these islands, the Italian Republic owns the islands of Capri, Ischia and Elba. It has borders with countries such as Austria, Slovenia, France and Switzerland. The Vatican and San Marino are two miniature countries that are enclaves and are located on the territory of the state of Italy. The sea washes this country from three sides: from the south - the Mediterranean and Ionian, from the east - the Adriatic, from the west - the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian.

Relief

Most (almost ¾ of the entire territory of Italy) is occupied by hills and mountain ranges. The Apennine mountains with the top of Korno stretch from south to north. The mountain range of the Alps is located in the northern region of the country. The most high mountain this massif - Mont Blanc - has a height of 4807 meters. The country of Italy is one of the few in Europe where seismic activity of the earth's crust is recorded and active volcanoes such as Stromboli, Vesuvius and Etna are located.

Plains occupy only 1/5 of its total area, which is 300 thousand square meters. km. The largest in area is the Padana Plain, located between the Apennine mountain range and the Alps. There are also small plains on the sea coast.

Rivers and lakes

The rivers of Italy are concentrated mainly in its northern region. The largest of them - Po - flows from the slopes of the Kotsky Alps and ends its journey in is the second largest, and it is connected with the Arno River through a channel and a system of canals. Both of these rivers, the Arno and the Tiber, are unpredictable and notorious for their destructive floods.

Most Italian rivers are short mountain streams that form small river systems or flow directly into the sea. Only Northern Italy can “boast” of a developed river system, year-round fed by a large amount of precipitation and melt water flowing from glaciers.

Most Italian lakes are located on the Adriatic coast, in the foothills and mountainous alpine regions. The largest Lake Garda, with an area of ​​​​almost 370 km 2, is located in the alpine outskirts. Lakes such as Albano, Bracciano, Bolsena, Vico and Nemi, located in the central region of Italy, were formed due to the filling of extinct volcanic craters with water. Lakes Lesina, Varano, Valli de Comacchio were formed as a result of the closing of the waters of the lagoon by sandy barriers. Their depth is shallow, and the water is salty.

Administrative division

The whole country can be conditionally divided into three main regions: north, south and center. Officially, as it is written in the Constitution of the Italian Republic in Art. 116 of December 11, 1947, it is subdivided into 20 regions, each of which is divided into provinces. Five of the 20 regions are autonomous entities where ethnic and linguistic minorities live. In Sardinia, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Sicily, Valle d'Aosta and Trentino Alto Adige, in addition to the state Italian, other official languages ​​are also used.
The provinces of Italy are divided into communities (communes), total number of which - 8101. Communes, like provinces, vary quite noticeably in territory and in the number of people inhabiting them. The largest community-commune is considered to be the city of Rome, located in the Lazio region, which is also the capital of the entire state. It is located almost in the center of the western region of the Apennine Peninsula, on the banks of the Tiber River, not far from its confluence with Rome in Italy - it is not only a capital, but also a political, historical, cultural, and tourist center of world significance.

Economic and geographical differences

Trentino Alto Adige

This autonomous region, known for its magnificent landscapes and ski resorts, is located on the territory bordering Austria and Switzerland. In the south, this area is adjacent to Veneto, in the west - with Switzerland and Lombardy, and in the north - with Austria, and the border runs along the Alpine mountain range. This region includes two provinces - Bolzano and Trento. This region is interesting because in each of its provinces culture, traditions and even the main language are different. To Bolzano official language- German, and most residents of Trento speak only Italian. Tourism is the main source of income for the region. Trentino Alto Adige is famous for its ski resorts, such as Madonna di Campiglio.

Friuli Venezia Giulia

It is the easternmost region of Northern Italy, bordering Croatia, Austria and Slovenia. Friuli Venezia Giulia is located on the Adriatic coast and has the status administrative region, consisting of two historical provinces- Venezia Giulia and Friule, who, due to various circumstances, had to unite. Despite the rather long coexistence, each of the regions has retained its own characteristics and individuality. Today there are four provinces in this region: Gorizia, Pordenone, Udine and Trieste. It is here that the most famous white wine Pinot Grigio is produced.

Emilia-Romagna

It is considered one of the richest Italian regions. It is bordered in the south by the Apennine Mountains, in the east by the Adriatic Sea, and in the north by the Po River. The region is divided into two parts - northwestern Emilia and southeastern Romagna, which borders on the Republic of San Marino. The region is famous not only for such popular tourist cities as Modena, Ravenna, Reggio, Rimini and Ferarra. In this area, there are enterprises of such well-known automobile concerns as Dallara, Ducati, De Tomaso, Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Morini and Malaguti. And the largest international competitions are regularly held at local autodromes.

TO central regions Italy include:

• Abruzzo;
• Lazio;
• Marche;
• Molise;
• Tuscany;
• Umbria.

Abruzzo

This Italian region is located in the center of the country, between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine mountain range. It borders areas such as Molise, Marche and Lazio. Abruzzo includes the provinces of Teramo, Chieti, Pescara and L'Aquila.

Abruzzo is distinguished by a high standard of living and economic stability, which became possible thanks to the attention of the authorities to both the development of tourism and the support of the agricultural sector. In this area, both fans of mountaineering and skiing, as well as fans of a beach holiday, will find a rest to their liking.

Lazio

This central Italian region at the same time it is also the capital. It is in Lazio that Rome is located, which is also the main city of this region. There are five provinces in this area: Viterbo, Latina, Rome, Rieti, Frosinone. This region belongs to a small group of volcanic islands in the center of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Marche

Marche is located in the very center of Italy, on the Adriatic coast. It consists of six provinces: Ancona, Macerata, Ascoli Piceno, Pesaro, Urbino and Fermo.

Tourists are attracted to this Italian region primarily by the beaches, small and cozy in Sinigalia or spacious and wide in San Benedetto del Tronto. This region is also interesting for lovers of speleology: many caves, such as Frasassi, are available for visits.

Molise

Located in southern Italy, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine mountain range. Molise borders Campania to the south, Abruzzo to the north, Lazio to the west and Apuli to the east. There are only two provinces in this area: Isernia and Campobasso. Molise is one of the most industrially underdeveloped regions in Italy. The exception is the Termoli area, which has a small FIAT company and a bell factory in Agnone. major cities in the region of Molise there is none, and not very large villages are located mainly in the foothills.

Tuscany

This region of central Italy is washed by the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas in the west, and in the east it is bounded by the Tusco-Emilian Apennines. Tuscany is bordered to the east by Umbria and the Marche, to the north by Emilia Romagna and to the south by Lazio. Off the coast of Tuscany there are several islands that form the Tuscan archipelago: Gorgona, Giglio, Giannuti, Montecristo, Pianosa, Sapraya and Elba.

Tuscany consists of 10 provinces: Arezzo, Grosseto, Lucca, Livorno, Massa Carrara, Prato, Pisa, Pistoia, Siena and Florence, each of which has its own capital of the same name.

This Italian region, in addition to picturesque landscapes, has many cultural and historical monuments, the most famous of which are concentrated in such provinces as Florence, Siena, Livorno and Pisa. It was in Tuscany that such famous people like Leonardo da Vinci and Petrarch, Dante Alighieri and Michelangelo and many others.

Umbria

This is unique Italy. There is no sea or coastline. It borders only Marche, Lazio and Tuscany. There are only two provinces in Umbria: Terni and Perugia.

Most of the entire territory is made up of hills and mountains. The plain can only be found in the valleys of such rivers as Velino, Nera and Tiber. On the Velino River, near the town of Terni, there is the most famous man-made Marmore waterfall, built by the ancient Romans.

Large-scale industry in the region is poorly developed, with the exception of the city of Terni, where metallurgical, chemical and machine-building enterprises are located. Perugia has small food, textile and craft factories.

Southern regions of Italy

These regions of Italy are located in southern region the Apennine Peninsula and include such large islands as Sardinia and Sicily, which occupy about 40% of the country's area. These are the regions:

• Apulia;
• Sardinia;
• Basilicata;
• Sicily;
• Campaign;
• Calabria.

Apulia

Washed by the Ionian and Adriatic seas, Puglia is the easternmost Italian region. There are five provinces in this area: Brindisi, Bari, Lecce, Tarento and Foggia. This is a traditionally agricultural region of Italy, which ranks first in the production of olive oil and wine.

On the territory of this area there are many traces and monuments of various civilizations, from the Paleolithic period to the end of the Renaissance.

Basilicata

This southern Italian region is bordered by the Ionian Sea in the southeast and the Tyrrhenian Sea in the southwest. Basilicata borders Calabria to the south and Apulia to the east and north. The region is divided into two provinces: Potenza and Matera. Basilicata pretty harsh land, and almost half of its territory is mountains, only 1/10 of the entire area is plains. The entire flat part is crossed by rivers, which swamped it. Today, most of the swamps have already been drained.

This southern region of Italy is not spoiled by the attention of vacationers, as the development of tourism began only in the last few years. Already in effect national park Pollino and resorts with thermal waters in Rappola. Many interesting historical and cultural artifacts can be seen in the natural archaeological park Murgia, as well as in the museums of Metaponto, Venoso and other cities in the region.

In addition, there are many in Basilicata ski resorts with the main tourist center in La Cellata Perfaone.

Calabria

This area is located on the very "toe" of the Italian "boot", mostly on the peninsula of the same name. It borders Calabria in the north with Basilicata, in the west it is washed by the Tyrrhenian, and in the east and south by the Ionian Sea. The region is separated from this region by the Strait of Messina. There are five provinces: Vibo Valentia, Catanzaro, Crotone, Cosenzo and Reggio Calabria.

The region has long been known as an agricultural land, and today it is actively developing as a tourist region. There is everything you need for this: beautiful nature and warm seas, as well as numerous historical monuments left after the Greeks, Romans and Normans.

Calabria, among other things, is also the most seismically active area Italy. The largest number of earthquakes over the past three hundred years occurred in this region.

Campaign

From the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the borders with the regions of Basilicata and Lazio stretches the southern Italian region - Campania. This whole area is divided into the following provinces: Avellino, Caserta, Benevento, Naples, Salerno. For the region, the most characteristic areas of activity are agriculture, winemaking and fishing. IN port cities shipbuilding is actively developing. The tourism business is also represented in this area. The Campania region, in terms of the pace and level of its development, is in the top ten and is considered one of the most promising Italian regions.

Sicily

Sicily is located on the island of the same name, as well as on the adjacent Aeolian, Pelagian, Egadi Islands. The territory of the region is divided into nine provinces: Agrigento, Catania, Messina, Caltanissetta, Ragusa, Palermo, Trapani, Syracuse, Enna. Sicily is separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina.

Today, only Sicily in the entire Italian Republic has its own parliament, located in Palermo, the capital of the island. There are many historical and cultural Greek and Byzantine monuments and attractions. But main object of tourist interest - the active volcano Etna, in addition, beautiful beaches Pozzallo and Isola Bella and magnificent scenery and landscapes.

Sardinia

The island of Sardinia, the second largest, is located between Corsica and Sicily. Sardinia - Autonomous region Italy, which is very different both in the main language - Sardinian, and ethnic composition population. From the western side, the island is washed by the Sardis Sea, and from all the rest - by the Tyrrhenian.

The autonomy has eight provinces: Medio Campidano, Cagliari, Nuoro, Carbonia-Iglesias, Sassari, Ogliastri, Oristano and Olbia Tempio. The main port and capital of Sardinia is Cagliari. There is no industry on the island, which favors the conservation of nature.

Capital of Italy

"The Eternal City" - that's what they call Rome. It was founded on April 21, 753 BC. e. in the heart of the Apennine Peninsula. It stands on seven hills: Aventina, Viminal, Quirinal, Palantine, Celia, Esquiline and, of course, the most famous - Capitoline. It was Rome that was destined to become the center of one of the greatest civilizations of mankind.

From Roman civilization came to us law and architecture, philosophy and principles of management, the Latin language, which is the basis of a whole group of languages. According to legends, the very first settlement was built by Romulus on the Palatine hill. Romulus is one of two twin brothers, the sons of the god Mars, who were saved and raised by a she-wolf. Many books and scientific studies have been written about the history, rises and falls of Rome. The city received its modern status of the capital of Italy in 1861, but actually became it in December 1870.

The center of modern Rome is Piazza Venezia, located at the foot of capitol hill. In the very center of this square, there is a monument to the first king who stood at the head of a united Italy - Victor Emmanuel II. The Italians themselves call this monument a "wedding cake", for a huge variety of details and decorations.

The western part of the square is decorated with the Palace of Venice, built in 1455. Today it houses the National Museum of the Palace of Venice and the Cere Museum. In Chera there are wax figures of famous political and historical figures, cultural and art figures. The National Museum of the Palace of Venice exhibits a collection of works by artists of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as various household items and weapons.

Venice Square gives rise to all the main Roman streets: the Plebiscite, the Fourth of November (going to the Colosseum), Victor Emmanuel Avenue (leading to St. Peter's Basilica), Via del Corso. If you walk along Via del Corso, and then along Condotti Street, you will come to Plaza España.

In order to describe all the monuments, squares, palaces and sights of Rome, a multi-volume encyclopedia is not enough. Keeping in mind the folk wisdom that it is better to see once than hear a hundred times, why not look at Rome and all of Italy with your own eyes?

Useful data for tourists about Italy, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Italy, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions Italy.

Geography of Italy

The Italian Republic is a state in southern Europe. It borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

Dolomite mountains that cross northern Italy- Part mountain range Alps. The Apennines run through the center of Italy, stretching from north to south and separating the east and west coasts.

Italy also has two independent countries. The Vatican is the center of the Roman Catholic Church, and smallest country in the world - San Marino, which is located on the northern coast of Italy and is an independent republic.

State

State structure

Italy is a parliamentary republic.

Language

Official language: Italian

In the northern provinces, French, German and Slovenian are spoken. Sardinians speak a dialect close to the Latin language of the ancient Romans.

English and French understand almost everywhere in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies. The German language is understood primarily in the resort areas in the north of the Adriatic and lakes.

Religion

98% of the population are Catholics.

Currency

International name: EUR

Currency can be exchanged at currency exchange offices, banks, post offices. At airports, as a rule, the exchange rate is unfavorable, but the exchange points there work around the clock.

In Italy, all common credit cards are in use, in cities, in many restaurants, hotels, shops and department stores, Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Diner's Club and Carte Blanche are accepted, but most gas stations require payment in cash. Card payments are not accepted in rural areas.

History of Italy

The first Italians in the world were the ancient Paleolithic people, who settled the Apennine Peninsula more than 100 thousand years ago. In the 2nd millennium BC, Aryan tribes penetrated here, one of which was the tribe of the Latins, who built Rome in the 8th century BC. With this small city-state, one way or another, the whole subsequent history of Italy was connected. Having overthrown the last king in the 6th century BC, the Roman citizens proclaimed a republic and for several centuries stubbornly defended its independence from neighboring peoples.

The strengthening of social unity by the 4th century BC allowed the republic itself to move on to conquest. In the III century BC, she, already owning the entire Apennine Peninsula, set about gaining dominance in the Mediterranean Sea. Decisive victories over Carthage and Macedonia in the 2nd century BC ensured her this right. However, in the middle of the 1st century BC, authoritarian tendencies intensified in the country. In the 40s BC, Julius Caesar made an unsuccessful attempt to establish imperial power, supported by his successors. By the 1st century AD, the republican form of government was effectively destroyed. The heyday of imperial Rome came in the 2nd century AD, when its possessions stretched from England to the Caucasus and Egypt.

The development of early Christian ideology, combined with internal contradictions that had intensified since the 3rd century, led the empire to decline. At the end of the IV century, it broke up into Western and Eastern (Byzantium) Roman Empire. Already in the 5th century, almost the entire Western Roman Empire was conquered by neighboring peoples. In 476, it ceased to exist. Over the following centuries, Italy was alternately ruled by the Ostrogoths, Byzantines and Lombards, until in the 8th century it was subjugated by french king Charles. Taking Rome, Charles created a new empire, which collapsed in the 9th century. An attempt in the 10th century by the German kings, who once again captured Rome, to create the now “Holy Roman Empire” did not lead to success. Italy did not want to submit to its northern neighbors.

In the cities of Northern and Central Italy in the XIV-XVI centuries, early capitalist relations developed (for the first time in the world) (Southern Italy developed more slowly). The development of cities and the emergence of early capitalist relations contributed to the emergence of the Renaissance culture. The disintegration of Italy into several dozen semi-independent principalities facilitated the aggressive plans of its neighbors. During the Middle Ages, the French, Arabs, Normans and Hungarians attempted on it more than once. Its most powerful city-states, Genoa and Venice, were unable to either defend or unite the country. As a result, in the 16th century, almost all of Italy was politically dependent on Spain, which in the 18th century was replaced by Austrian influence. At the turn of the 18th-19th centuries, the peninsula became the prey of Napoleonic France, and after liberation, in 1815, it again turned into a conglomerate of a dozen microscopic states. The most influential was the kingdom of Piedmont. It was it that led the struggle for a unified state in the 1850s. By the end of 1860, Italy was mostly united around the Kingdom of Sardinia (since 1861, the Kingdom of Italy). The unification was completed in 1870) when Rome was annexed to Italy.

Italy's desire to expand its possessions in Europe forced her to take part in the First World War against Germany. Insignificant acquisitions, the attitude of the "great" powers towards it as a secondary political force, led the fascists to power in 1922. Their defeat in the alliance with Germany in 1945 returned Italy to the path of democratic development. At present, it is a fairly developed industrial country with a high standard of living.

The first Italians in the world were the ancient Paleolithic people, who settled the Apennine Peninsula more than 100 thousand years ago. In the 2nd millennium BC, Aryan tribes penetrated here, one of which was the tribe of the Latins, who built Rome in the 8th century BC. With this small city-state, one way or another, the whole subsequent history of Italy was connected. Having overthrown the last king in the 6th century BC, the Roman citizens proclaimed a republic and for several centuries stubbornly defended its independence from neighboring peoples....

Popular Attractions

Tourism in Italy

Where to stay

Many tourists from all over the world come to Italy, because there really is something to admire. Thanks to the developed tourist infrastructure in Italy, it will not be difficult to find hotels for every taste and budget - from fashionable chain hotels to small family pensions. The gradation of hotels is the same as in other European countries - from one to five stars. At the same time, stardom means the number of services provided. IN different regions Italy hotels of the same category may differ slightly in terms of services. So, for example, in order to pay less tax, some hotel owners do not specifically increase the star rating of their establishment. At the same time, they provide services at a high level.

Many tourists are attracted by pensions - these are small cozy family-type hotels that offer quality service, simple but clean and comfortable rooms. It should be noted that the rooms located in ancient buildings although they evoke romance, they also suggest some inconveniences - for example, insufficient daylight, noisy sewers. If you are planning to live in winter period– check if there is central heating.

Also less popular is rural tourism. There are more than 2000 villas, chalets and farms in Italy, where you will be offered reasonable prices, good service and excellent service. Rural boarding houses for lovers of agrotourism - masseria are very common.

For students and young people, the most acceptable vacation will be the location in hostels or university dormitories. In addition, it is also possible to spend the night in one of the monasteries in Italy. However, in the latter case, you will need to reckon with the traditional way of life in monasteries.

IN mountainous areas you can find many cottages and cabins, and there are many campsites in the resort coastal areas. So you will be offered a place to park a van, a place for a tent or a small house for a family and a minimum set of amenities - sewerage, running water, electricity.

Italian cuisine is recognized not only as one of the best in the world, but also one of the most fashionable at present. And this is not surprising - it is distinguished by a wide variety of products and seasonings: vegetables, seafood, beef and lean pork, poultry, fruits and berries, cheese, legumes (beans, peas) and rice are used....

Tips

It is customary to leave 5-10% of the invoice amount. You can tip waiters, porters, taxi drivers, maids, etc.

Visa

Office Hours

The standard opening hours of the shops are from 9.30 am to 1 pm and from 3.30 pm to 4 pm to 7.30 pm. On Sundays and half a day on one of the days in the middle of the week, the shops are closed. Some department stores and supermarkets are also open on Sundays.

Banks are open from 8:30 to 13:00 and another hour in the afternoon (usually from 15:00 to 16:00), Saturday and Sunday are days off.

Most churches are open from early morning until 12 or 12.30, then they close for 2-3 hours, reopen in the afternoon and work until 19 hours or even later. The main basilicas are open all day.

Museum opening hours vary from museum to museum and also depend on the time of year. Day off - Monday.

Safety

Beware of pickpockets at airports, railway stations, public transport, museums and other public places. Never leave luggage unattended.

Emergency Phones

Carabinieri (military police) - 112
Police - 113
Fire Department - 115
Ambulance - 118, 113
Police in Rome - 06/4686
Ambulance in Rome - 06/5510

Questions and opinions about Italy

Question answer

San Benedetto del Tronto - Q&A

Question answer

Cinque Terre - Question and Answer

Tuscany - Question-Answer