Italian towns. The most beautiful villages and small towns in Italy

During the Middle Ages, Venice, Florence, Milan, Genoa and other large Italian cities were independent communes with their own army, treasury and legislation. Not surprisingly, these "states", which are part of modern Italy, 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 representing small village, 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 is a 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 gothic style. interesting and modern architecture, 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 locality filled with cars, scooters and pedestrians, but no one disturbs 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's curious that 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. Of interest to connoisseurs of medieval architecture is 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 are kept secret by the locals.

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 wish to learn Italian language, it is worth stopping at the University for Foreigners, which is located in this city, which is the birthplace of 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. The title is proof of that. cultural capital Europe, assigned to the locality in 2004. The city is interesting for its lush palace complexes in the Baroque style, with ruins preserved from the time ancient rome, cozy old churches. Can be called unique historical Center, 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 museums that have no end, elite boutiques cozily adjacent to 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.

In the beginning of the vacation period, many of our compatriots choose as a place to relax beautiful Italy. For those who are no longer surprised by the bustle of the eternal city of Rome and the shopping of Milan, our selection of the coziest Italian cities on the seashore.

Probably, each of us has ever dreamed of spending, if not life, then at least a vacation in a quiet village by the sea, drinking coffee and tasting wines in local restaurants, listening to the voices of seagulls and the sound of the surf.

Choose!

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Vernazza is considered the most organic, beautiful and picturesque town Italian "five-land" (Cinque Terre) Liguria. Today, a little over a thousand people live here, so Vernazza is also one of the most quiet towns, and only calm Manarola can compete with him. Against the background of multi-colored multi-storey tower houses, older buildings are striking. medieval walls galleries, palaces, a monastery and, of course, a castle, whose low walls once guarded peace local residents from pirate raids. In the narrow streets of Vernazza, at steep angles going down to the sea, at almost every step you can see boats "parked" by the houses as naturally as the cars that stand in our yards at the entrances look.

Portofino is a resort on the Ligurian coast. It is surrounded by hills covered with olive trees. From the observation windows cable car the whole town is visible at a glance. Guy De Maupassant liked to visit here, who wrote about Portofino: "This green bay in the realm of harmony and peace, so contrasts with all the vain anxieties of our life." Everything is here: untouched nature And magnificent beaches, architectural monuments and expensive shops. Former fishing village turned into amazing resort, which world celebrities love to visit.

Atrani - small town on west coast Italy, Campania region, province of Salerno. Atrani carefully preserves its medieval origin and with its picturesque lanes, arches, courtyards, squares and stairs, it looks like a festive Christmas scenery washed by the sea. During the time of the Amalfi Republic, the most noble families lived in this town. The coronation and burial of the Doges took place here. Atrani is located just 700 meters from Amalfi, in a natural amphitheater, surrounded by huge cliffs rising up. The center of Atrani is far from the noisy roads of the coast, as only local residents are allowed to enter the city: this helps to maintain a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in the town.

Positano is one of the most famous resorts south of Italy, located on the Gulf of Salerno, on the Amalfi Coast. The beauty of the local landscapes made Positano a mecca for artists back in the 19th century. The town is scattered over three small valleys sandwiched between mountains and the sea. characteristic colorful houses climbing steep mountain slopes. From almost anywhere in the town opens great view on the sea. Positano has been known since Roman times. According to legend, it was founded by the god of the sea, Neptune (Poseidon). The islets of Galli off the coast of Positano are mentioned in the Odyssey - according to Homer, it was here that the sirens lived. Since the Middle Ages, the town has preserved watchtowers built to protect against Saracen pirates.

Ravello is a city of music with romantic gardens, cool alleys and medieval architecture. In the XI-XIII centuries, at the invitation of wealthy merchants, Arab architects came to Ravello and built here luxurious palaces. To this day, Ravello has retained the charm of the ancient village. The rich culture of Ravello is closely linked to its musical heritage. Wagner often rested here, in love with this place, which inspired him to write many of his famous works. Every summer there is a festival here. symphonic music his name. From the slopes of the terrace on which Ravello is located, open magnificent scenery Amalfi coast.

Manarola is a small fishing town in Liguria, northern Italy. The city is located on a cliff overlooking the wild coastline of the Ligurian Sea. It is also one of the five cities that make up the Cinque Terre. Manarola is the oldest and one of the smallest cities of the famous five. In the center of the town is Church of San Lorenzo built in 1338. In the western part there is a small harbor, and in the east there is a square where locals often gather to discuss any important issues. Even though there is no beach here, it is a good place for scuba diving and exploration of caves and rock crevices. A special staircase was built to descend to the water. The main industry here is traditionally fishing and winemaking. Even in the days of the Roman Empire, the local wine was valued for its excellent taste.

Sorrento has always been known as prestigious place recreation: the Roman patricians built villas in the vicinity of the city, and on nearest island Capri was settled by the emperor Tiberius himself. Sorrento is located on steep cliffs made of volcanic tuff, breaking off at Gulf of Naples. Tasso Square can be called the heart of Sorrento. It is from here that the main shopping street Via Corso begins, famous for its restaurants, shops and clubs. Sorrento has two ports, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande. Every morning, sea rockets leave from Marina Grande for the islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida and neighboring cities Positano and Amalfi.

The small town of Rapallo is located 40 kilometers from Genoa. There are many historical monuments here - ancient cathedrals and churches, the oldest is the church of St. Gervasio and Protasio, which is mentioned in ancient manuscripts of the 6th century. Rapallo is very clean, noble and cozy city. In one of the best hotels XIX century, located on a high bank near the port, Hemingway liked to stop. Every day, snow-white yachts moor to the shores of Rapallo.

Lerici is a bizarre mixture of buildings, small coves and rocky cliffs that pierce the sparkling sea. This is a favorite holiday destination for residents of the northern part of Italy, as here you can enjoy a peaceful comfortable rest away from the crowds of foreign tourists. The main attraction of the town is an old medieval castle.

10 Castiglioncello

Castiglioncello - small town in the province of Livorno, located on a promontory washed by Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is surrounded by pine trees and oak forests, and picturesque hills, which literally break off and fall down, forming rocks, small bays and cozy bays with charming beaches. Even the ancient Romans and Etruscans, and later the Medici in the Renaissance, could not pass by the beauty of these lands. IN Lately Castiglioncello is famous for resort town, where Marcello Mastroianni and Luchino Visconti built their villas. The town allows you to lead a calm and measured lifestyle, eliminating unnecessary fuss and noise. Castiglioncello is a secluded resort for the elite. Mass tourism is an unwritten taboo here. Therefore, Castiglioncello attracts many creative people, including artists who founded the commune here.

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. Traveler visiting for the first time peninsula, you should start your 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 in Italy they offer tourists to attend cooking classes in Tuscany and Liguria, get acquainted with the 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 the small town of Fiuggi and the resort of Montecatini, not far from 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.

All cities and resorts in Italy for travel. List of the most famous regions, regions, cities and resorts in Italy: population, codes, distances, best descriptions and reviews of tourists.

Tours for May to Italy
Hot tours to Italy

The first thing to know is that Italy is very large and very different. The South is completely different from the North, and the mainland is not like the islands. Therefore, read useful and short reviews about all the provinces and regions of Italy: regions and islands, South, Center and North of Italy.

Cities of history

"Eternal City" and absolute center Italian history, Rome - "must-see" for all lovers of past times. The number of Roman sights is so great that in order to somehow facilitate perception, they are usually divided into large groups of different historical periods: ancient, Byzantine, medieval, etc. The Vatican, with its St. Peter's Cathedral and the residence of the Pope, makes a significant contribution.

The abundance of ancient ruins is located in the vicinity of southern Salerno - there are three famous archaeological parks here at once: Pompeii, Paestum and Positano. You can walk along the ancient streets and get acquainted in detail with the structure of ancient cities - from the capitol and the forum to the brothel and public toilets. Bonus - the most beautiful mosaics, and to this day they have not lost their liveliness of colors.

Known from school textbooks, the history of Syracuse is a significant center of the ancient Greek world and the diversity associated with it. architectural monuments. Visit numerous ancient fortified palaces and marvel at the grandeur of the ancient Greeks in the Neapolis Archaeological Park.

Sweet Naples, measuredly soaring in a trembling haze of heat, leisureliness and contentment with life, is the birthplace of no less sweet Neapolitan songs, as well as the now all-Italian pizza.

The beaches of Italy

Picturesque rocky and gentle sandy beaches in Italy, almost equally, and any sun-lover can find a place to their liking here. Italian beaches for the most part, they are well (and in some cases just wonderful) well-groomed, equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds and other accessories necessary for a comfortable stay at the water's edge. As a rule, these same amenities are paid, but the beaches (and the tourists themselves) are only good: in this way, the number of splashing people is limited - if all the umbrellas and sunbeds are occupied, you need to look for another beach. In addition, the beaches of each region of the country have their own pleasant features. For example, the Venetian Riviera is famous for its wonderful fine dolomite sand, in Sorrento you can dive in the territory marine reserve and travel through underwater caves, on the Ligurian coast - a picturesque rugged coastline, and the beaches of the Tuscan Riviera in addition to perfect sea and a high level of relaxation is offered by wild nightly entertainment, often not far from the surf line. And of course, the proximity of monuments of history, architecture and art pleasantly dilutes the idle lying on the shore.

Thermal resorts in Italy- 5 different springs with water temperature up to +34 °C suitable for drinking, mineral baths and mud therapy.

Chianciano Terme - cold and hot mineral springs increased "armor-piercing", the waters of which are able to get rid of a whole range of diseases.

Fiuggi - unique mineral water, dissolving and removing stones from the kidneys.

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August 26th, 2012

Alberobello is one of the most popular tourist places in Apulia. This place is so famous thanks to the complex of 1400 trulli, recognized by UNESCO as part of the historical and humanitarian heritage. This place was first mentioned in the 11th century. In Robert Decherano's donation to the Bishop of Monopoli, it is called "the forest of beautiful trees" (Sylva aut nemur arboris belli). Trulli, limestone dwellings in the southern region of Puglia, are unique examples of dry-walled buildings (without mortar). A similar prehistoric building technology is used in this region to the present day. "Trulli" are built from roughly worked limestone blocks collected from neighboring fields. They are characterized by pyramidal, domed or conical roofs, which are constructed from limestone slabs fastened together.

The walls are usually whitewashed, and the stone tiles on the roofs of houses are often painted with religious, pagan or magical symbols. They take their name from the Latin word "trulla", which means dome.

Alberobello is one of the most unusual places in Italy. This city is famous for its unique houses, which are called "trullo", you will not see them anywhere else in the world. Trullo is a limestone house with a cone-shaped roof. Such a house is a traditional dwelling that can be seen in different parts of Puglia. The history of the appearance of trullo is also very interesting and remarkable - the inhabitants of the city came up with the shape of such houses in order not to pay taxes. Because of this unique form of houses, for a long time the city of Alberobello was uninhabited place. The Italian government simply could not even think that someone could live in houses with conical roofs. Usually such buildings were diverse and differed from each other. The status of the city of Alberobello acquired in 1797, when the deception of the tax service stopped in the south of Italy.

Alberobello is located in the southern part of the country, in picturesque region Apulia. It should be noted that this Italian town is included in the list for its beautiful architecture. world heritage UNESCO.
The main attraction of the city is, of course, the quarter with trullo houses. The city has many souvenir shops, small museums, cafes and restaurants where you can taste delicious local cuisine. The main part of the city is typical of small Italian towns. The most interesting part of Alberobello is the area called Rione Monti, which has about 1000 trulli. Tourists can enter many of these houses and see their interiors.

Leaving the city's commercial center behind, following Via Monte Michele, you can walk to the 12th-century trullo church Chiesa di Sant'Antonio, Another interesting area This is Aia Piccola. There are few tourists here, but in this area you can see the life of the city as it was in the Middle Ages. In the Italian town there are also modern districts. Almost completely crosses Alberobello main avenue Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Restaurants and shops are scattered along the street. home tourist area cities are Piazza del Popolo where under open sky there are tables.

The easiest way to get to Alberobello is from Bari, with which the Italian city is connected by rail and bus service. The journey from Bari to Alberobello takes only two hours.

IN Alberobello unusual white houses are crowded on the narrow streets. There are restaurants and trulli shops and even a trulli cathedral. It is very easy to get inside - on the main streets of the city there are a whole series of souvenir shops (there are simply no buildings of other architecture, except for wonderful trulli). The hospitable owner-seller will be happy to show his house and his wealth and, of course, tell a lot of legends related to history hometown. True, in Italian. A brief translation goes something like this: Ferdinand of Aragon, king of Naples, gave one of his fiefs to the Acquaviva family of Conversano for suffering in the war against Turkey.

During the period of Spanish domination, the law forbade feudal lords to erect more or less serious buildings on their land without royal approval.

And trullo before the visit of royal officials was easy to disassemble (after all, they were created without the use of a binder solution, dry masonry is correctly called). To do this, with the help of three horses, directed in different directions, they removed the stone at the base of the roof, on which the whole house rested (the same cornerstone!). And the view of the "tax inspectors" opened a valley with piles of stones.

In 1979, the torment of local residents ended with the abolition of tax hardships. Now it is fashionable to buy a trullo as a dacha in our understanding. The cheapest, ruined house costs about 6 thousand euros per square meter.

There are trullo domes male And female kind. Wu" males"there are domes," pinaccolo ". Once they learned from them what kind of master built the house - it was a kind of brand.

In total, there are about 20 thousand trulli in Puglia, there are special maps where all existing buildings are indicated. The first trullo was built in 1635, and in 1925 a law was passed to stop the construction of such houses. Because Alberobello is a unique and one of a kind city that has immortalized fairy houses.