City in Italy last. Italy

Italy is the most detailed information about the country with a photo. Sights, cities of Italy, climate, geography, population and culture.

Italy (Repubblica Italiana)

Italy is a state in southern Europe in the center of the Mediterranean, located mostly on the Apennine Peninsula. The country also occupies a small (northwestern) part of the Balkan Peninsula, the Padan Plain, the Southern Alps and a number of large and small islands. mediterranean sea including Sicily and Sardinia. Italy borders France in the northwest, Switzerland and Austria in the north, and Slovenia in the northeast. The state also has internal borders with the Vatican and San Marino. This is a country with the greatest cultural, historical and artistic heritage, the cradle of one of the greatest empires in the history of mankind and the Renaissance.

Italy is one of the most unique and charming places in the world. It has some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Europe, the world's largest treasure trove of history, culture and art, a favorable warm climate and delicious authentic cuisine. However, Italy is far from perfect. Her historical cities and antiquities suffer from modern development, the infrastructure is working at its peak, there are problems in the economy and the social sphere. But, having been here, you will definitely fall in love with this country for its violent temperament, reckless disposition, delicious cuisine and special atmosphere.

Useful information about Italy

The population is 60.8 million people (according to this indicator, Italy ranks 23rd in the world).
The area is 301,340 square kilometers.
The language is Italian.
Currency - euro.
Visa - Schengen.
Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
VAT ( Tax Free) can be returned from the purchase of 154.94 euros.
The mains voltage is 220 V, 50 Hz. Attention: Italy uses its own electrical connector, so some devices may require an adapter. It can be bought at any supermarket.
Italy is enough safe country. The main thing is to follow basic safety rules and beware of scammers in popular tourist places.
Italy is a unitary parliamentary republic. The head of state is the President. The executive branch is the Parliament, headed by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers.

Geography and nature

Italy is located in Southern Europe in the Mediterranean. Most of the country lies on the Apennine Peninsula. The area is mostly hilly and mountainous. From the north, Italy is supported by the Southern Alps, and the Apennine Mountains are located on the peninsula. The territory of the country is located at the point of contact of lithospheric plates, so earthquakes are not rare here. In addition, there are several major volcanoes: Etna, Vesuvius, etc.

Italy is a huge coastline. The country is washed by the following seas of the Mediterranean waters: the Adriatic and Ionian in the east, the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian in the west. the largest river is the river Po. Large lakes- Garda, Como.

Thanks to geographical and climatic features very diverse nature of Italy. Although most of The territory has been altered by human activities since ancient times. In the north, on the slopes of the Alps, mixed and coniferous forests, on the coast and south - subtropical plants. central part countries are a mixture of the nature of subtropics and temperate latitudes.

Climate

The climate of Italy is very diverse and can be very different from the Mediterranean in some regions. In most of the territory, summers are very warm and dry, and July is the hottest month. Autumn is usually rainy. Winters are cool and wet (hence often foggy) in the north and milder in the south. In the provinces, which are located in the foothills of the Alps, the climate is mountainous. Summers are cool, while winters are cold and snowy.

Best time to visit

Italy has a favorable warm climate. Although it can be quite cold in the Alps and foothills. To choose the best time to visit, you need to weigh several factors: hotel and food prices, weather, cultural events and seasonal atmosphere. Most high season- summer. If you want to come to Italy to explore its wonderful cultural and historical heritage, then it is better to choose the lowest season - winter. Most optimal time in terms of weather and number of tourists - April-May and September-October.

Story

The history of Italy is very rich and varied. The country during the period of its existence knew ups and downs, was fragmented and united. On its territory in antiquity arose great empire- Roman. And it is Italy that can be called the cradle of Western civilization.

Territory modern Italy has been inhabited for over 50,000 years. The name of the country comes from a tribe of Italians who, in the 5th century BC, inhabited a small part of the Emilia-Romagna region. Already in the 3rd century, Italy was understood to mean the entire peninsula up to the Rubicon River, and in the 2nd century, the territory up to the slopes of the Alps. In the pre-Roman period, the Ligurians, Etruscans, Umbrians and even the Gauls lived here.

In 753 BC, Rome was founded on the Tiber River. The Romans gradually began to spread their influence over the entire Apennine Peninsula. Rome was originally ruled by 7 kings. In 509, the kings were replaced by a republic. During the Republican period, an active military expansion to other tribes began. By the 3rd century BC, Rome had conquered much of present-day Italy.

In 390, the Gauls defeated the Roman army, captured and burned Rome.

The growth of the power of Rome and the spread of its influence in the Mediterranean led to a clash with Carthage. As a result of the three Punic wars, Carthage was destroyed, and its territory became part of the republic. In the 1st century, the republic was shaken by internal conflicts. First there was an uprising of slaves led by Spartacus. Later erupted Civil War in which Julius Caesar won. He established a dictatorship and laid the foundations for an empire.

After the assassination of Julius Caesar, power passed to Octavian Augustus, who is considered the founder of the Roman Empire. After the death of the first Roman emperor, power passed to Tiberius, who became the first of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The Claudian dynasty ended in the middle of the 1st century AD with the assassination of Nero. Further, until the end of the 1st century, Rome was ruled by the Flavian dynasty, which was replaced first by the Antonin dynasty, and later by the Severs. During this period, the Roman Empire reached the peak of its power and development, owning almost all of southern Europe, a huge part Western Europe And North Africa.

The fall of Rome began in the 4th century. In 330 Emperor Constantine founded Constantinople and moved his capital there. At the end of the 4th century, the Western and Eastern Roman Empires were formed. In the 5th century, the Vandals and Visigoths invaded Italy. Rome was taken and sacked, and the mighty ancient empire fell. The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) existed after that for almost a thousand years and fell only in the 15th century.

In the 5th century, the Ostrogoths conquered Italy. In the 6th century, the kingdom of the Lombards arose in the north. In the 8th-11th century, Italy was part of the Frankish empire. Its southern part during this period was captured by the Normans. In the 11th-13th centuries, the Frankish empire was destroyed. The power was concentrated in the "hands" of the Popes. The Kingdom of Sicily and several free states in Northern Italy arose.

In the 13th and 15th centuries, the power of the popes was greatly reduced. Many states arose on the territory of Italy: the kingdom of Naples, the Papal States, the republics and Genoa, Savoy, Milan. At the end of this period, the Renaissance began, with Florence as its cradle.

At the end of the 15th - the first half of the 16th century, several Italian wars broke out. The first Italian war arose because of French claims to the north of the country. French troops occupied Tuscany, Rome and moved towards Naples. But they were stopped by the union of Venice, Milan and Emperor Maximilian. During the second Italian war, France captured Genoa and Milan, and Spain -. As a result of the third war, the Spaniards defeated the French, who were forced to abandon their claims to Italy. In the 16th century, most of its territory was under Spanish influence.

At the beginning of the 18th century, after the War of the Spanish Succession, Italy became part of the Austrian Habsburg Empire. At the end of the 18th century, French troops entered here. At this time, several republics were formed, which later merged into the Italian Republic, in 1805 transformed into a kingdom. During this period, there is a movement for freedom and independence - the Risorgimento. By 1860, the unification of the country around the Sardinian kingdom begins. In 1870, Rome became part of the Italian kingdom, which became its capital.

At the start of World War I, Italy declared its neutrality. But in 1915 she joined the Entente. In 1919, the fascist movement arises here. In 1922, the fascists led by Mussolini came to power. In 1940 Italy joined the Second world war on the German side. In 1943 she capitulated. Mussolini's regime was overthrown in 1945. In 1947, the Constitution was adopted and the country became a parliamentary republic.

Administrative division

Administratively, Italy is divided into 20 regions: Valle d'Aosta, Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Piedmont, Liguria, Venice, Tuscany, Umbria, Emilia Romagna, Marche, Abruzzo, Lazio, Molise, Basilicata, Campania , Calabria, Apulia, Sardinia and Sicily. The capital of the country is Rome. The regions, in turn, are divided into provinces, of which there are 110.

Also conditionally Italy can be divided into regions:

Northwestern Italy (Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy, Valle d'Aosta) is the richest and most developed region of the country. Here is the country's largest port - Genoa, the main financial and business center - Milan, the center of industry and technology - Turin.
Northeast Italy (Emilia Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto) is a diverse region with beautiful Venice and one of the main student cities - Bologna, charming Parma and romantic Verona. You can find almost everything here, from ski resorts And natural beauties South Tyrol to the coast and beaches.
Central Italy(Lazio, Marche, Tuscany, Abruzzo and Umbria) - breathes history, culture and art. Here are the most important sights of the country and the most famous artistic masterpieces. The cities here need no introduction: the eternal city - the legendary Rome, the cradle of the Renaissance and the modern Italian language - Florence, ancient Pisa, Lucca and Siena.
Southern Italy(Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania and Molise) - a southern region with incredible temperament: stormy Naples, the dramatic ruins of Pompeii, the romantic coast of Amalfi and Capri.
The islands of Sicily and Sardinia are beautiful sea and beaches. Here are the most famous resorts Italy.

Population

In terms of population, Italy ranks fourth in the European Union. Over 90% of the population are Italians. Large diasporas: Romanians, immigrants from North Africa, Albanians. Official language- Italian. German is also spoken in Bolzano and South Tyrol, Slovenian in Trieste and French in Aosta.

The Italians themselves are open, friendly, very temperamental and emotional. Although there are differences between the North and the South. So in the north of Italy people are more closed, punctual and pragmatic, while in the South everything is quite the opposite.

Italians are very traditional, proud of their country and cuisine. They love their region very much, have fun and eat well.

Transport

Major international airports:

Rome - with two airports: Fiumicino (FCO - Leonardo da Vinci) and Ciampino for low cost airlines.
Milan - with two airports: Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). In addition, there is an airport in Bergamo (BGY - Orio al Serchio).
Bologna (BLQ - Guglielmo Marconi).
Naples (NAP - Capodichino).
Pisa (PSA - Galileo Galilei).
Venice (VCE - Marco Polo).
Treviso (TSF - Antonio Canova).
Turin (TRN - Sandro Pertini).
Palermo (PMO - Punta Raisi).
Catania (CTA - Vincenzo Bellini).
Bari (BRI - Palese).
Genoa (GOA - Cristoforo Colombo).

Railway communication connects Italy with Germany (via Munich), Austria (Vienna, Innsbruck, Villach), France (Paris, Lyon, Nice), Switzerland (Basel, Geneva), Spain (via Barcelona). high speed trains go to the largest cities in Italy: Rome, Turin, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Naples.

Separately, it is worth noting the highways that permeate the entire country. These roads are simply of excellent quality and do not differ in any way from the famous German autobahns, except that they are paid. When entering the motorway, you need to take a special ticket. When leaving, you need to give this ticket to the cashier or insert it into a special machine. Cash and bank cards. Payment methods are indicated on special signs.

Cities of Italy

Italy has hundreds of popular cities worth visiting. Almost every city boasts interesting sights and rich history. But there are places that you must see. Our Top 10 cities in Italy:

Rome is the capital of Italy and one of its oldest cities. A place where history literally froze on the streets, and sights have long become symbols of the whole country.
- one of the most romantic cities in the world. A unique place with canals, bridges, gondolas and wonderful architecture.
Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, the city where Leonardo da Vinci, Dante, Michelangelo and dozens of other geniuses were born. The capital of Tuscany will amaze you with museums and art collections.
Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Modern metropolis, financial and business center of the country. If you are interested in shopping, this is the right place for you.
- the capital of the Italian south. An ancient city with a southern temperament and the birthplace of pizza.
- one of the most romantic cities in Italy, where you can touch the history and feel like the heroes of Shakespeare.
Bologna is the gastronomic capital of the country, a city of youth, culture and art.
Pisa is one of the most popular cities in Tuscany with the famous leaning tower.
Turin is the first capital of the United Italy, a city of industry and technology.
Genoa is the largest Italian port, a city with a rich history and many attractions.

Other places of interest:

Lake Garda and Como and a gem Dolomites- Bries.
Italian Alps And South Tyrol- picturesque nature and stunning mountains.
Amalfi is a rocky coastline with beautiful towns.
The Cinque Terre are charming seaside towns on the Ligurian coast.
Pompeii and Herculaneum are the ruins of ancient cities destroyed during the eruption of Vesuvius.
Sardinia - stunning beaches and seascapes.

Attractions

Italy has so many attractions that no other country in the world has. There are 53 objects on its territory world heritage UNESCO. Only listing the main attractions will take several pages. Therefore, only symbolic sights are indicated here.

A grandiose antique amphitheater and probably the most famous attraction in Italy. Located in Rome. It was built in just 8 years. The construction was started by Emperor Vespasian and finished by Titus.

The Colosseum is made in the form of a giant ellipse. This is the largest amphitheater of antiquity, striking in its size - the outer axis is 524 meters long, the area is 85 x 53 meters, and the height is from 48 to 50 meters. This is one of the most striking and huge structures of ancient Rome.

One of the greatest domed structures in the world. It was built between 25-27 AD. consul Mark Vipsanius Agrippa and rebuilt in 126 after a fire during the reign of Hadrian. Pantheon means "temple of all gods". This is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

The heart of the Roman Empire, the main political and community Center ancient Rome. It is a rectangular square surrounded by the remains of ancient buildings and temples. The Roman Forum is located in the valley between the Capitoline and Palatine hills in the center of the capital of Italy.

Vatican - heart Catholic world, a mini-state in the center of Rome. Here is the largest Christian church in the world. And the Vatican Museums display great treasures of art.

leaning tower of pisa- the famous leaning tower, main character Pisa. It was conceived as the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. It was built for almost two centuries from the 12th century. The height of the tower is more than 50 meters, and the deviation from the axis is at least 4%.

Santa Maria del Fiore is the main attraction and one of the most recognizable symbols of Florence. Beautiful and imposing, the cathedral, finished in pink, white and green marble, is made in gothic style and is located in the historic center on Piazza Duomo. Santa Maria del Fiore is built on the site where once stood ancient cathedral capital of Tuscany - Santa Reparata, the remains of which are visible in the crypt.

Duomo or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente is a symbol of Milan, located in the heart of the city on the square of the same name. Is one of the biggest religious buildings world (accommodates about 40,000 people) and probably the most beautiful Gothic church. The Duomo was built over 4 centuries from the 14th century. Its roof is topped with 135 spiers and the façade is adorned with 2,245 marble statues.

Amalfi is a stunning stretch of coast south of Naples with picturesque towns who climb the sheer cliffs.

Venice is a city of amazing beauty, which is an attraction in itself. More than 20 million tourists come here to see the charming canals, graceful architecture and bridges, ride gondolas, walk along San Marco, see the Rialto Bridge, buy glassware on the island of Murano and photograph the colorful houses of Burano. The historic center of Venice is built on 118 islands in the Venetian lagoon.

Pompeii - legendary ancient city, destroyed during the devastating eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD at the height of its power. Despite the lava flows and tons of ash that buried the city and its inhabitants, it has been preserved in a fantastic state.

Accommodation

In major cities and popular tourist areas you can find a variety of accommodation options, from world-class hotels to family hotels and apartments. One caveat - there are few hostels in Italy. In Tuscany, Piedmont, Umbria, Abruzzo, Sardinia, Apulia and Emilia Romagna, agritourism is becoming more and more popular. In Italy, you can find many charming hotels with two stars or less.

The cost of living depends on the popularity of the region, place and season. Most high prices for hotels from May to August. The lowest are in winter. In general, prices for hotels and apartments, compared to the rest of Europe, in Italy are not the highest. Most of the money for living will be needed in Milan, Venice, around Lakes Garda and Como. Although there you can find interesting and cheap options.

Kitchen

Italian cuisine is perhaps the most delicious and varied in Europe. At the same time, the cuisine remains purely regional. Believe me, Italian cuisine is not only pasta and pizza. These are a huge number of dishes and ingredients that can satisfy any gourmet.

Traditional dishes Italian cuisine and products:

Pizza is one of the most popular Italian dishes that has spread widely around the world. Each region has its own traditions of its preparation. How pizza is prepared in Italy - it is not cooked anywhere else.
Risotto - rice with meat, vegetables and seafood.
Polenta - corn grits with meat.
Pasta (spaghetti, pasta) with sauces and meat.
Lasagna.
Tortellini - Italian dumplings with cheese and meat
Gelato is ice cream.
Panini sandwiches.
Cheese. Some types of cheese can only be produced in a specific region. More than 800 types of cheese are produced in Italy.
Wine.
Olive oil.
Sausage and ham - more than 400 types.

Wine is the main drink in Italy. Grapes are grown in almost every province, except for the highlands. Each region has strong winemaking traditions.

During the Middle Ages, Venice, Florence, Milan, Genoa and other major Italian cities were independent communes with their own army, treasury and legislation. It is not surprising that these "states", which are part of modern Italy, have retained many unique features that make them different from each other. What is known about them?

Italian cities: Rome

The "Eternal City" was erected on seven hills in 753 BC. According to legend, its founders were the brothers Romulus and Remus, whose distant ancestor is a brave man who became famous thanks to the Trojan War. Archaeologists insist that the first settlements here were formed much earlier. All Italian cities are beautiful, but none of them can compare with Rome in beauty. The capital of modern Italy is a visual aid for those interested in ancient architecture.

Once a small village, it is 1285 square kilometers. The number of inhabitants of the capital exceeds 3 million. The city area contains many specimens ancient architecture, for example, the Pantheon, built before our era and perfectly preserved, the Colosseum amphitheater - huge stadium where gladiatorial battles once took place. Today it provides space for 50,000 people. The Vatican city-state and its colossal museum complex, which includes over 1000 objects. Located in Rome and St. Peter's Basilica - the temple, which is considered the largest in the world.

With many places in the capital of Italy are connected interesting legends, traditions. For example, the custom tells visitors to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain if they want to return to Rome.

What is known about Venice

If any locality is able to compete with Rome in terms of the number of ancient sights, then this is Venice. Like other Italian cities, the "bridge" that unites the West and the East has its own zest. Venice is located on an island archipelago, "strewn" with its famous canals. The length of the water artery as a whole is about 4 km, in certain places the depth reaches 5 m. The city is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

The area of the city is 412 square kilometers. More than 300 thousand people live in Venice. Also, there are always a lot of tourists in the city, who are attracted not only by the opportunity to swim on a gondola. It is in Venice that majestic Palace Doge - a building of the 15th century, made in the Gothic style. Modern architecture is also interesting, for example, the buildings of Burano. Burano is a small island, the houses of the inhabitants of which are colored with all shades of the rainbow. The city owes its famous Venetian gardens to Napoleon.

Facts about Florence

heyday Italian cities, which began in the 11th century, turned Florence into one of the most powerful communes of the time. However, the history of this place began even before our era with a small settlement founded by the Romans. Now it is a large settlement, on the territory of which about 350 thousand people live. The area of the city is 103 square kilometers, it is located on the Arno River. Florence is almost officially recognized as the place where the Renaissance was born. No wonder it is called a city-museum, operating 24 hours a day.

Florence gave the world many geniuses, including Galileo, Dante. It is the birthplace of some famous artists, for example, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo. In the pride of the city, now there are paintings by Titian, Raphael, da Vinci. The city architecture is also interesting, for example, the temple of Santa Maria del Fiore, which was built over 140 years. It is curious that Michelangelo was fully responsible for the interior decoration of the cathedral, while over appearance the equally famous Giotto worked.

What is known about Naples

Which Italian city is considered the most energetic? Of course, Naples, comfortably spread over south coast countries. The streets of this settlement are filled with cars, scooters and pedestrians, but no one bothers each other. Neapolitans come across as the busiest people in the world, but will always find a few minutes and smiles for foreigners. It is believed that it was the inhabitants of Naples who first came up with carnivals.

Naples is the third largest city in Italy. At the moment it is inhabited by about a million people. The settlement is located in a seismically hazardous zone, since there is active volcano Vesuvius. Last eruption took place in 1944.

Past and present of Milan

In the Middle Ages, Milan was included in the list, which consisted of the most powerful Italian city-states. If you do not take into account Rome, it is the largest settlement in the country. The area of Milan is about 2 thousand square kilometers, over 1.3 million people live on its territory.

Today, Milan is the financial and economic capital of Italy, and the city is also one of the world's fashion capitals.

Where did Romeo and Juliet live?

Listing the medieval Italian cities that played an important role in the history of the country, one cannot miss Verona. This small town owes its fame primarily to the great Shakespeare, who "settled" here the most famous literary heroes in the world - Romeo and Juliet. Juliet's house was built in the 13th century. On its territory there is a statue of this young girl, whose story turned out to be so tragic. Attracts tourists and the famous balcony.

The city is located in the northeast of the country, spread out on the Adige River. It is home to approximately 260 thousand people. It is curious that the small town attracts about 3 million tourists annually, probably due to its romantic story. Medieval buildings have also been preserved on its territory, among which the most famous is the Cathedral of Verona - a complex, part of which was built back in the 12th century. Also here is the Roman Arena - one of the oldest stadiums in the country.

Naming the famous Italian cities, one cannot ignore Bologna. The city is famous primarily for its developed industry, thanks to which a high standard of living has been maintained here for several decades. At the moment, the number of its inhabitants tends to 400 thousand. The settlement also has its own patron, who is declared to be Saint Petronius.

I wonder what exactly is in Bologna according to historical documents, this institution has been accepting students since 1088. Interest for connoisseurs medieval architecture represents Maggiore, on the territory of which you can see palaces built in the 13th century. Also, the city is rightfully proud of its "leaning towers", preserved from 1109.

Bologna's unofficial name is "Fat". This is due to the fact that amazing dishes are served here, the recipes of which locals are kept secret.

Of course, Perugia is far from the most famous Italian city, but it is one of the most ancient settlements in the world. It is first described in chronicles created in the 9th century BC. The city, which survived many buildings, is famous for its history, full of bright events that can be studied in any of the local museums.

Modern Perugia is a "fortress" located on a ridge of hills. Students who want to learn Italian should stop by the University for Foreigners, which is located in this city, home to many famous artists of the Middle Ages, including Raphael.

The grandeur of Genoa

In ancient times, Genoa retained its status as an important port hub for centuries, being located on the northwestern Italian coast. Trade flourished in this city, the standard of living of its inhabitants almost always remained high.

Genoa managed not to get lost even today. Proof of this is the title of European Capital of Culture, awarded to the settlement in 2004. The city is interesting for its lush palace complexes in the Baroque style, ruins preserved from the time of Ancient Rome, cozy old churches. The historical center can be called unique, literally strewn with curious sights.

What is known about Turin

Names of Italian cities that played a role in centuries of history states are not finished yet. It is impossible not to tell about Turin, which for four years remained the capital of the country after its unification in 1861.

Turin of our days is a museum that has no end, luxury boutiques, cozy side by side with souvenir shops, excellent restaurants where tourists can comfortably experience the delights of local cuisine. This city will appeal to those interested in baroque architecture, as many palaces are built in this opulent style. By the way, it was here that the Winter Olympics were held in 2006.

Other cities in Italy

Siena is a city that has been located on three hills for many centuries. Many buildings of this settlement are under the care of UNESCO, as they are of great historical value. Only the approximate date of the foundation of Siena is known - 9-5 centuries BC. The legend attributes the construction of the city to the sons of Rem, the founder of Rome. made in the form of a shell.

Pisa is a place that almost everyone has heard of thanks to the famous Leaning Tower, which has become its unofficial symbol.

These are the most interesting cities for which Italy is famous.

The Italians are the descendants of the wise men, politicians and military leaders of antiquity, and yet The eternal City- - and today remains young, full of energy and life. A traveler who first visited the Apennine Peninsula should begin his acquaintance with this country from its capital, because not only ancient heritage and modern attractions - right in the center of Rome is dwarf state Vatican.

Catholics from all over the world come to Italy to see the head of their denomination - the Pope, the vicar of God on earth. travel companies offer pilgrimage tours to this country, which is directly related to the formation of early Christianity. In Loreto, seekers of spiritual enlightenment are invited to visit the House of the Virgin, brought from Nazareth, in Bari - to attend the liturgy in the Basilica of St. Nicholas, in Amalfi, according to legend, the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called himself are kept. A huge number of Christian shrines are located in Rome, Florence, Padua, Venice.

Italians know a lot about good wine and hearty healthy food. Gastronomic tours to Italy offer tourists to attend culinary lessons in Tuscany and Liguria, get acquainted with local cuisine and wines in Lazio, Piedmont, Veneto, Trentino, participate in tastings in Sardinia, Lombardy, Umbria. Lovers of the classics will find it in abundance in Pisa, romantics tend to Venice and Juliet's homeland - Verona, flirtatious fashionistas gather in the world capital of haute couture - Milan.

The peninsula is surrounded on three sides warm seas, no wonder Italy is considered the Mecca beach holiday. The main resorts are located on the islands: Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Ischia and Elba. Young people mostly gather in Rimini to "hang out" at the beach disco all night long, Abruzzo is ideal for eco-tourists who prefer silence, peace and complete fusion with nature, brave adventurers seek Puglia, and exotic lovers come to Calabria.

Ski resorts in Italy are no less popular than beaches: you can try yourself as a skier or bobsledder in Bormio, Cervinia, Sestriere, Val di Sole, Passo Tonale. Children are crazy about theme parks located in the Emilia Romagna region in the resorts of Milano Marittima, Riccione, Cesenatico. Spa lovers choose small town Fiuggi and the resort of Montecatini, near Tuscany. "Lone wolves" also have something to see in the homeland of Celentano, Boccaccio and Fellini: Pesareo, Ravenna, San Marino - these and other cities have much to offer even the most sophisticated traveler.

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10th place - Catania

Population: 315 052
Region: Sicily
Square: 180.88 km2

Catania has become the trophy of many empires throughout its history: from the Greeks to the Romans, from the Arabs to the Normans and the Spaniards. However, the most terrible enemy of the locals is right next door - Mount Etna, the largest and most active volcano in Europe, which destroyed the city in a series of earthquakes and a lava flow in 1693. Catania also has a second name - the city is usually called Black: this is due to the fact that it is completely built of volcanic stone of a specific black color. The color of the city's houses successfully contrasts with the bright color of the sea and the sky (by the way, it is sunny for 2,500 hours a year). Thus, Catania is the sunniest city in the country.

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9th place - Bari

Population: 321 687
Region: Apulia
Square: 116 km 2

Bari - the capital of the Puglia region - is located at the very base of the heel of the Italian boot. "If there was a sea in Paris, it would be a little Bari", - locals say with the arrogance of true southerners, and this opinion is very similar to the truth: the air here is imbued with the charm of medieval European cities, and the abundance of sights can easily compete with the historical center of the capital of France. In a word, Bari is a kind of miniature cultural capital Italian south.

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8th place - Florence

Population: 379 102
Region: Tuscany
Square: 102.41 km2

Florence is located in the Tuscany region, on the Arno River, at the foot of the Northern Apennines. The city was founded in 59 BC. e. Julius Caesar. Although long before that, the Etruscans lived here. In 570, the Lombards captured the city, and two hundred years later, the Franks. The heyday of Florence falls on the XV-XVI centuries, when the city becomes a major cultural center. At this time, the great Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Petrarch, Dante live and work here.

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7th place - Bologna

Population: 379 102
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Square: 140.73 km2

Bologna is a city in central Italy, the administrative center of the province of Bologna, as well as the region of Emilia-Romagna. The oldest university center in Europe. It is considered one of the first cities in Italy in terms of living standards, both because of its strong industrial tradition and its location at the intersection of important transport routes. In the Middle Ages, there were about 180 towers in Bologna, which gave the city a special look. They were built by wealthy families, among whom there was a competition: whoever builds a tower above the others is worthy of the highest honor. Now there are about 12 towers left.

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6th place - Genoa

Population: 594 254
Region: Liguria
Square: 243.56 km2

Genoa is the capital of the province of the same name and the region of Liguria. This port city is located on the Ligurian Sea and its entire history is connected with navigation and trade. The local harbor is still one of the most important in Italy, as well as one of the largest in Europe. The main attraction of the Genoese port is its lighthouse, known as "la Lanterna". In addition, Genoa is a center of heavy industry and shipbuilding, and is part of the main industrial triangle of Italy, which also includes Milan and Turin. Today, Genoa is a city of universities, as well as a tourist and scientific center. In 2004, she was proclaimed European capital culture.

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5th place - Palermo

Population: 676 527
Region: Sicily
Square: 160.59 km2

Palermo is located on the coast Tyrrhenian Sea, but the city is a heavily used port, so locals and tourists prefer to go to the beaches in the area where the water is cleaner. However, if you walk along Vittorio Manuele Street to the City Gate of Happiness, you can admire a very beautiful view of the sea surface and just sit on the shore, enjoying the light breeze. In addition, Palermo has many gardens and parks, among the most famous are Botanical Garden with a collection of 12,000 species of plants, Garibaldi Park with ancient fig trees that amaze with their powerful roots and Villa Giulia, decorated with fountains and lush flower beds.

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4th place - Turin

Population: 899 291
Region: Piedmont
Square: 130.01 km2

T urin - Big City in the northwest of Italy, business and Cultural Center Piedmont region and the whole north of Italy. The city is located on the Padana Plain at the foot of Western Alps. Turin is an important transport hub, second only to Milan industrial centre countries. Heavy industry is especially developed here, in particular, the automotive industry, the production of marine engines, aircraft manufacturing, etc. The traditional sectors of the Turin economy - textile, food, clothing, etc. - also retain their importance. Turin is one of the most famous European cities, it is often called "Capital of the European Baroque", "capital of the Alps", "automobile capital of Italy" And "cradle of Italian independence".

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3rd place - Naples

Population: 989 598
Region: Campaign
Square: 117.27 km2

Neapolis has always been and remains a controversial city - in the capital of the Campania region there is a place for outright poverty and fabulous wealth, garbage heaps and priceless historical monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Naples is the largest industrial center in Italy. Metallurgy, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, oil refining and petrochemical, light and food industries are developed here. This is a large port (cargo turnover over 10 million tons per year).

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2nd place - Milan

Population: 1 331 586
Region: Lombardy
Square: 181.76 km2

Milan is the second largest city in Italy, the largest industrial, financial, commercial and transport hub of the country, an important cultural center, as well as a legislator of European fashion. The city is famous for its museums, art galleries theaters, architectural monuments, educational institutions(University, Conservatory, Academy of Arts, etc.). Milan, along with Rome, is one of the ancient cities in Italy. In its place was a Celtic settlement. Almost all conquerors European history- Gauls, Romans, Goths, Lombards and Franks, as well as a whole series of rulers from France, Spain and Austria, took part in the administration of Milan at one time.

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1st place - Rome

Population: 2 870 493
Region: Lazio
Square: 1287.36 km 2

Rome is the capital of Italy and the region of Lazio, the largest in the country and one of the most visited cities in the world. The city stands on 12 hills, and its center is Old city- on the seven hills. The Tiber River flows through the city from north to south. For hundreds of years, Rome was a small settlement in the center of the Italian peninsula. However, the favorable location and aggressive policy, together with a number of innovations in military affairs, gradually brought him to a leading position, first in the region, and then in the region. The Roman state reached its heyday under the emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. e., when military and economic power was combined with peace within the empire. The population of Rome exceeded 1 million people.

Rome - unique city, within its boundaries is a whole independent state - the Vatican. It is the main center of Catholicism with an abundance of Catholic churches, created by the best Italian architects and decorated with the works of great Italian artists and sculptors. Masterpieces of Italian painting and sculpture are collected in the Vatican, Capitoline Museums, in the Borghese Gallery, Lateran. Many archaeological finds are presented in the Roman national museum Museum of the Villa Giulia. Works of art of the XX century. collected in National Gallery contemporary art and in the National Office of Printmaking.

Today, as a symbol ancient empire And modern republic Italy, Rome combines the grandeur of the past millennia and the romance of the present. It is a city of chic restaurants in spacious squares and shady summer cafes in the cramped, narrow streets of the old quarters.

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10th place - Catania

Population: 315 052
Region: Sicily
Square: 180.88 km2

Catania has become the trophy of many empires throughout its history: from the Greeks to the Romans, from the Arabs to the Normans and the Spaniards. However, the most terrible enemy of the locals is right at your side - Mount Etna, the largest and most active volcano in Europe, which destroyed the city with a series of earthquakes and a lava flow in 1693. Catania also has a second name - the city is usually called Black: this is due to the fact that it is completely built of volcanic stone of a specific black color. The color of the city's houses successfully contrasts with the bright color of the sea and the sky (by the way, it is sunny for 2,500 hours a year). Thus, Catania is the sunniest city in the country.

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9th place - Bari

Population: 321 687
Region: Apulia
Square: 116 km 2

Bari - the capital of the Puglia region - is located at the very base of the heel of the Italian boot. "If there was a sea in Paris, it would be a little Bari", - locals say with the arrogance of true southerners, and this opinion is very similar to the truth: the air here is imbued with the charm of medieval European cities, and the abundance of attractions can easily compete with the historical center of the capital of France. In a word, Bari is a kind of miniature cultural capital of the Italian south.

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8th place - Florence

Population: 379 102
Region: Tuscany
Square: 102.41 km2

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7th place - Bologna

Population: 379 102
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Square: 140.73 km2

Bologna is a city in central Italy, the administrative center of the province of Bologna, as well as the region of Emilia-Romagna. The oldest university center in Europe. It is considered one of the first cities in Italy in terms of living standards, both because of its highly developed industrial traditions and its location at the intersection of important transport routes. In the Middle Ages, there were about 180 towers in Bologna, which gave the city a special look. They were built by wealthy families, among whom there was a competition: whoever builds a tower above the others is worthy of the highest honor. Now there are about 12 towers left.

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6th place - Genoa

Population: 594 254
Region: Liguria
Square: 243.56 km2

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5th place - Palermo

Population: 676 527
Region: Sicily
Square: 160.59 km2

Palermo is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea, but the city is a heavily used port, so locals and tourists prefer to go to the beaches in the area where the water is cleaner. However, if you walk along Vittorio Manuele Street to the City Gate of Happiness, you can admire a very beautiful view of the sea surface and just sit on the shore, enjoying the light breeze. In addition, there are many gardens and parks in Palermo, among the most famous are the Botanical Garden with a collection of 12 thousand plant species, the Garibaldi Park with ancient fig trees that amaze with their powerful roots, and Villa Giulia, decorated with fountains and lush flower beds.

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4th place - Turin

Population: 899 291
Region: Piedmont
Square: 130.01 km2

Turin is a large city in northwestern Italy, the business and cultural center of the Piedmont region and the entire north of Italy. The city is located on the Padan Plain at the foot of the Western Alps. Turin is an important transport hub, the second industrial center of the country after Milan. Heavy industry is especially developed here, in particular, the automotive industry, the production of marine engines, aircraft manufacturing, etc. The traditional sectors of the Turin economy - textile, food, clothing, etc. - also retain their importance. Turin is one of the most famous European cities, it is often called "Capital of the European Baroque", "capital of the Alps", "automobile capital of Italy" And "cradle of Italian independence".

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3rd place - Naples

Population: 989 598
Region: Campaign
Square: 117.27 km2

Neapolis has always been and remains a controversial city - in the capital of the Campania region there is a place of outright poverty and fabulous wealth, garbage heaps and priceless historical monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Naples is the largest industrial center in Italy. Metallurgy, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, oil refining and petrochemical, light and food industries are developed here. This is a large port (cargo turnover over 10 million tons per year).

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2nd place - Milan

Population: 1 331 586
Region: Lombardy
Square: 181.76 km2

Milan is the second largest city in Italy, the largest industrial, financial, commercial and transport hub of the country, an important cultural center, as well as a legislator of European fashion. The city is famous for its museums, art galleries, theaters, architectural monuments, educational institutions (university, conservatory, Academy of Arts, etc.). Milan, along with Rome, is one of the oldest cities in Italy. In its place was a Celtic settlement. Almost all the conquerors in European history - the Gauls, Romans, Goths, Lombards and Franks, as well as a whole series of rulers from France, Spain and Austria, took part in the administration of Milan at one time.

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1st place - Rome

Population: 2 870 493
Region: Lazio
Square: 1287.36 km 2

Rome is the capital of Italy and the region of Lazio, the largest in the country and one of the most visited cities in the world. The city stands on 12 hills, and its center - the old city - on seven hills. The Tiber River flows through the city from north to south. For hundreds of years, Rome was a small settlement in the center of the Italian peninsula. However, the favorable location and aggressive policy, together with a number of innovations in military affairs, gradually brought him to a leading position, first in the region, and then in the region. The Roman state reached its heyday under the emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. e., when military and economic power was combined with peace within the empire. The population of Rome exceeded 1 million people.

Rome is a unique city, within its boundaries there is a whole independent state - the Vatican. It is the main center of Catholicism with an abundance of Catholic churches, created by the best Italian architects and decorated with the works of great Italian artists and sculptors. Masterpieces of Italian painting and sculpture are collected in the Vatican, Capitoline Museums, in the Borghese Gallery, Lateran. Many archaeological finds are presented in the Roman National Museum, the Museum of the Villa Giulia. Works of art of the XX century. collected at the National Gallery of Modern Art and the National Printing Office.

Today, being a symbol of the ancient empire and the modern Republic of Italy, Rome combines the grandeur of the past millennia and the romance of modernity. This is a city of chic restaurants in spacious squares and shady summer cafes in the cramped, narrow streets of the old quarters.