The largest mountains in Italy. Mountains of Italy. Urbino where to stay
The territory of Italy is very diverse, and its mountainous areas They captivate with their beauty, both in summer and in winter. From North to South, the Italian mountains enchant tourists with their landscapes, with their alpine lakes, fabulous forests, charming towns, rich in tradition and history, and gastronomic delights. Sports, entertainment and relaxation - all this is part of the holidays spent in Italy, both in winter and in the warm season.
From amazing places like Carnia, Piancavallo, Tarvisio located in Dolomites Friuli, to the kaleidoscope of the Trentino and Alto Adige valleys, such as Val di Fassa, Val Gardena and Val Badia, from where thanks to the largest ski resort in the world Dolomiti Superski, you can reach the famous Cortina D'Ampezzo and Madonna Di Campiglio.Moving west we find ourselves in the Lombardy Alps: in the valley Valtellina with the towns of Livigno (one of the highest located in Italy), and Bormio- a place that became famous thanks to the Alpine Ski World Cup held there in 1985 and 2005, as well as Santa Caterina Valfurva- the main ski resort of the valley of the same name.
And among the most high mountains in Europe, in Valle d'Aosta, at the foot of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa And Cervino, there are famous secular resorts Courmayeur, Breuil-Cervinia, La Salle and La Thuile bordering France. 
Along the French-Piedmontese border Val Susa, there is a fabulous ski area Via Lattea with towns Sous d'Oulx, Cesana and Bardonecchia, formed back in the 30s, when the Agnelli family built the first ski lifts in Sestriere.
Descending down the peninsula, we find ourselves in Tuscan-Emilian Apennines with their famous resort Abetone, one of the most visited in central Italy, along with Mount Amiata and mountain peaks National Park Monti Sibillini located in the Marche region. 
But the most beloved mountainous region of Central Italy is still Gran Sasso and the adjacent territory, forming the highest mountain range Continental Apennines and known for such places as: Campo Imperatore, Campo Felice and the tops of the canyon Campo Pericoli.
Further south, between Basilicata and Calabria, are National Park Pollino, Sila and Aspromonte- places where you can practice any winter sports and enjoy the beauty of untouched nature. Further along the Continental Apennines perfect trip through the mountains of Italy ends at Etna, the most high volcano Europe, with a height of 3343 meters, from which a breathtaking view of Taormina opens, Strait of Messina and the Aeolian Islands. What could be more unique than summer excursions and winter sports on the slopes of a volcano? 
In almost all mountainous regions of Italy there is the possibility cultural recreation and outdoor sports, both summer and winter: skis, mountaineering, snowboarding, hiking, nordic walking, mountain biking, etc., also all resorts are well equipped with everything necessary for ice skating, swimming, tennis games, horse riding and much more. It is also worth noting the large selection of hotels and guesthouses suitable for any type of holiday: be it a romantic holiday or a relaxing one family holiday, among the mountains and
In the varied landscape of Italy, both on the peninsula itself and on the islands, one can see mountain ranges, snow-capped peaks, extinct and active volcanoes. Such relief has a great impact on the economic and cultural life countries.
Mountain ranges and mountains of Italy
The Italian mountain landscape can be divided into three groups:
- Alpine,
- Apennine,
- insular.
On the map of Italy, the Alps are located on the northern side, where the border with Switzerland and France is located. The Dolomites and Julian Mountains belonging to this system are considered natural and cultural values of global importance and are protected by UNESCO. Now the largest city in the Italian Alps is Bolzano. Almost 100 thousand people live here.
Mountains of Italy
The mountains in Italy are not very high when compared to those in France or Switzerland. But they are high enough to remain snowy almost until summer and provide active ski holiday from November to April. Mountain roads here they are more gentle than in Switzerland: the serpentines are not so twisted, the passes are flatter. Most high peak in these places - Monte Leone (3552 m).
On the border with France are the Ligurian Alps, the peak of which is Piedmont Marguareis, which belongs to Italy and France. Its height is 2651 m. This mountain is distinguished by its caves, of which there are many. The Ligurian Alps gradually turn into the Apennine Mountains, stretching along the peninsula of the same name from north to south, without rising higher than the Alpine mountains. The most high point The ridge is Mount Corno Grande, which reaches 2912 m above sea level. Its name translates as “big horn”.
Mount Monte Leone is the highest point of the Italian Alps
The Apennines are young mountains, so they continue to actively develop. There are frequent earthquakes here, and volcanic activity continues unabated. The most famous volcano of this system is Vesuvius. It last erupted in 1944, killing several people. Another still dormant volcano, Amiata, is located in Tuscany, surrounded by a magnificent landscape. Its activity is manifested in the presence of geysers and thermal springs. They are used by people to generate electricity, as well as for balneological purposes. Amiata is home to the Calderone glacier, the southernmost in Europe.
The Calabrian Apennines, located in the southern part of the peninsula, smoothly merge with the Sicilian mountains. The Italian islands have a volcanic mountainous landscape, especially Sicily. Here are active volcanoes Stromboli and the famous Etna, whose height is this moment is 3330 m.
Dolomites: description, attractions, types of recreation
Dolomites located in the northeastern part of Italy and have an area of 140 km². This territory contains five provinces with many settlements. Most high mountain, about 3000 m, here is Marmolada (province of Trento). On the northern side it is captured by a glacier, and on the western side it forms an almost vertical wall. In clear weather, the peaks of Marmolada can be seen even from Venice, the distance to which is approximately 100 km.
Additional Information! Interesting story telling why this part alpine mountains called Dolomites. Until the 18th century mountain system It was called Monte Pallidi (Pale Mountains), due to the large amount of rock that iridescently reflects the sun's rays. The French geologist Deodat de Dolomieu studied this mineral, which was later named dolomite after him. After this, the local Alps began to be called the Dolomites.
The beauty of the mountains themselves is the main natural attraction of these places. The cities located in this area fit harmoniously into the landscape. Each of them has its own characteristics, interesting for tourists: cathedrals, palaces, monuments. The city of Trento is famous for its distinctive architecture, combining features of German Gothic and Italian Renaissance. Such a synthesis of styles can be seen in the example of the Cathedral of St. Virgil, in the Palazzo Pretirio, etc.
Not far from the town of Meran there is a Tyrolean castle built in the 12th century. In addition to its architectural value, it attracts the attention of tourists with its ancient frescoes and marble sculptures. Marienberg Abbey is also an interesting attraction. It is located at an altitude of 1340 m above sea level.
Dolomites
In winter, people come to ski resorts such as Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme, Marmolada, etc. Everywhere the most convenient conditions for vacationers have been created: a lift system, cozy hotels, pistes of different levels, schools, training skiing, skating rinks. The towns and villages where you can stay are very beautiful.
In summer you can come here for have a relaxing holiday in the lap of nature. Some cities have thermal baths. Such balneological resorts operate all year round. Lovers excursion tours The Dolomites attract with wealth cultural monuments. In fact, in every locality there are wonderful examples of old architecture, decorated with frescoes and sculptures, memorable places related to interesting historical events.
Mountains of the islands of Sardinia and Sicily
The island of Sardinia has a picturesque mountainous landscape, where rock formations alternate with canyons and basins covered with forest. Among them there are unique samples, for example, the only one in Europe stone forest primary oaks of Sas Baddes Nurag Mereu. Not far from it are the Monte Limbara mountains, the peak of which, Balistreri, reaches a height of 1359 meters. Erosion has given the peaks fantastic shapes and carved out many caves.
Note! Oligo mineral springs flow on the slopes of Monte Limbara. They perfectly cleanse the body, having a particularly beneficial effect on the kidneys. This water has excellent taste.
The Rifugio Monte Maccione mountains are connected to the Lanaittu Valley, where you can see interesting caves. Speleologists can also find them in the Supramonte massif. It is there that the Nurra de Sas Palumbas cave, famous for its vegetation, is located. The largest karst spring in Italy, Su Gologone, belongs to this group of mountains. The highest peak of Sardinia - Monte Corrasi (1463 m) - is a bare rock, the originality of which is given by bizarre ridges, karst plateaus, sinkholes, caves and other geological formations.
In Sardinia, in addition to traditional beach holidays, trekking is popular. People take hiking trips into the mountains to admire the incredible scenery. These walks are combined with visits to populated areas, where various festivals with tastings of local dishes are regularly held. The cities themselves, with their ancient houses and narrow streets, are also interesting to explore.
Sicily, despite its small size, accommodates four mountain range- Peloritani, Nebrodi, Le Madonie, Iblean mountains. They are a continuation of the young Apennine Mountains, and therefore have a stormy character. There are active volcanoes here, among which Mount Etna stands out.
Important! Excursions to this volcano are available for tourists (cost 60 euros*). The ascent is carried out along the southern slope by bus to an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level, from there the journey continues by cable car. To see the crater, learn and feel the consequences of the eruption, you need to travel a few more kilometers by jeep.
Etna at the time of the eruption
Very developed in Sicily beach holiday, but regardless of the season, it is possible to get unforgettable experience from natural and cultural attractions, which are abundant throughout the island.
Apennine Mountains: description, peaks, types of recreation
The geological structure of the Apennines is predominantly clay, and the landscape is very diverse. Rising 1200-1800 meters above sea level, they are distinguished by the fact that the peaks have a rounded shape. This gives the landscape a unique charm. The presence of the Calderone glacier ensures the existence of ski resorts. They are less known than the Alpine ones, but no worse than them.
There are several natural parks in the Apennines, among which Abruzzo is very popular. Tourists come here to admire the views and visit historical places, try the dishes local cuisine. Because thanks to volcanic activity they beat thermal springs, holidays at balneological resorts are also in great demand. Among similar resort towns can be called Montecatini, located literally half an hour from Florence.
Note! The Apennines are loved by climbers, especially beginners. Tourists are engaged in trekking, making long journeys on foot against a stunning backdrop beautiful views. Popular as it is active view recreation, such as orienteering.
Holidays in the mountains of Italy: unforgettable routes on the map, prices
The mountains of Italy are conducive to different types recreation. Ski routes in the Alps and Apennines provide the opportunity to try them out for people with any level of training. The trails are marked by color depending on their difficulty. A ski pass in the Dolomites costs 6 days per high season 254 euros, for one day - 59 euros.* For children and elderly people the price is lower. A ski pass in the Apennine ski resorts is cheaper than in the Alps. In high season, you have to pay 41 euros for one day of skiing; a six-day pass costs 193 euros.
Lovers alpine skiing in Cortina d'Ampezzo
The map of routes for those who like to relax in the mountains includes, in addition to skiing, hiking And Bus tours with visits to many cities, each of which has its own unique features and attractions.
In Italy you can visit mineral springs, visit ski resort and have a nice time. Thus, a holiday in the mountains here will bring an unforgettable experience to any tourist.
*Prices shown are current as of September 2018.
Rocky cliffs and mountain peaks Italy has no less than seas, beaches and vineyards. This is very beautiful country, but they have a special attraction ancient cities, built on hilltops or mountain slopes. In them historical architecture blends harmoniously with majestic landscapes that will take the breath away of any wanderer. These are the best mountain towns in Italy.
1. Manarola , Where to stay
This one is incredible beautiful city, which climbed onto the rocks, was once very popular among travelers, despite the fact that there were no recreation areas or landscaped beaches. In this ancient town, life flows very calmly and measuredly, which is the best bait for a certain category of tourists.
Manarola has winding, narrow ancient streets without the noise and stench of cars with annoying traffic jams. But there are many generously fruiting vineyards. Many types of wines that are popular all over the world are made from local grapes. To see this cozy town, you need to cross the Lovers' Bridge along the most picturesque tourist route in this region.
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2. Roccascalegna , Where to stay
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A three-hour drive from Rome in the province of Chieti is the small commune of Roccascalegna. It is located 455 meters above sea level. Tourists come here to enjoy the cleanest mountain air and magnificent Mediterranean nature. The sudden appearance of the castle, as if transported to the tops of two limestone cliffs that rise from the valley of the Secco River, causes indescribable delight among travelers. Locals This castle is simply called La Rocca, that is, “the fortress.” It was built by the Lombards to protect against attacks by the Byzantines. At first it was just a watchtower, but gradually, due to additions, it turned into a castle of decent size.
This castle is associated with a legend about how Baron Corvo de Corvis died in 1646, who decided to revive the feudal tradition of the “right of the first night” (any bride from the feudal lord’s domain had to spend her wedding night with the lord). Legend has it that either the newlywed herself or her new husband, dressed in a woman’s dress, killed the lustful aristocrat, and he, dying, allegedly left an indelible imprint of his bloody hand on the wall.
3. Urbino , Where to stay
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2 hours from Bologna in the Marche region there is a cultural and historical center - ancient city Urbino. The architecture of the buildings here is very interesting, among which the house in which Raphael Santi, one of the geniuses of the Renaissance, was born and spent his youth, especially attracts attention. At that time, Urbino was one of the centers of education, culture and politics in Italy. Now the UNESCO center has included it in its list World Heritage as a specially protected area.
What makes Urbino unique is its location on the slopes of two hills at once - the narrow cobblestone streets here either climb steeply up or down. Local palaces and medieval residential buildings are also interesting.
4. Civita di Bagnoregio , Where to stay
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In the metropolitan region of Lazio, 140 km from Rome, in the province of Viterbo, there is the medieval castle town of Civita di Bagnoregio. It has a picturesque location on top of a hill separating two valleys. You can get there only through a 300-meter pedestrian bridge, which appeared here only in 1965.
In 2006, UNESCO included Civita di Bagnoregio on its list of 100 sites in danger of destruction. This little one locality over 2500 years old - it was founded by the Etruscans, after which it became part of the Roman Empire and survived the Middle Ages. Now it is practically deserted, but it has become a lively tourist spot with accompanying trattorias, pizzerias, hotels and souvenir shops.
5. Erice , Where to stay
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This Sicilian commune is located 1.5 hours drive from the island's capital, Palermo. In that medieval city there are three castles at once: Balio, Pepoli and Norman, and besides them there are several more equally ancient temples. There is an observation deck from which a gorgeous panorama of the coastal town of Trapani with its turquoise beaches, barely visible in the blue sea haze as the Aegadian Islands, opens up in full view, and in a clear day good weather at the very edge of the horizon you can see the African coast of Tunisia.
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6. San Gimignano , Where to stay
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In the province of Tuscany there is a medieval town of San Gimignano, proudly flaunting its towers on a hill, as symbols of the former government. Its ancient palaces and stone-paved streets attract huge numbers of tourists every year. It is no coincidence that it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This city was first mentioned in documents from 929. At that time, it was a stopover for pilgrims traveling from England to Rome, as well as on the way from Pisa to Siena, thanks to which it grew and prospered for a long time. It is worth turning a little to the side of San Gimignano main street, you immediately find yourself in the Middle Ages, as if time has stood still here. The peculiarity of the town is a large number of towers on its streets.
7. L'Aquila , Where to stay
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In the central part of the Apennines, the ancient town of L'Aquila climbed to a height of over 700 m above sea level. It is located in the Apennine Mountains, in the picturesque valley of the Aterno River. This place contains many attractions: palaces, fountains, monuments, bridges, museums, a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, vividly reminiscent of the medieval life of the city.
L'Aquila has several educational and cultural institutions, including a conservatory and an art academy. Around historical center The city has a powerful fortress wall, which seems to be trying to protect a corner of medieval culture from the onslaught of modernity. L'Aquila is located in a seismically active area, so strong earthquakes periodically occur here. So, on April 6, 2009, a powerful earthquake occurred here, destroying part of the historical buildings and killing over 200 city residents.
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8. Pitigliano , Where to stay
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Not so far from Rome in Tuscany is the commune of Pitigliano. Already upon approaching it, a wonderful panorama opens up, which you can admire for a long time. Many of the cars passing on the road slow down on a specially prepared observation deck. Tour guides like to call the view from here the most luxurious not only in Tuscany, but throughout Italy.
From here it seems that Pitigliano literally grows out of the rocks, especially since some of the houses here are actually carved right into the rocks. About 4,000 people live in Pitigliano, who earn their living mainly from tourism and agriculture. The city is sometimes called “little Jerusalem” - apparently due to its long and interesting story, and also for the fact that Jews historically settled here.
9. Sorano , Where to stay
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A two-hour drive from Rome is the commune of Sorano, which is a tangled labyrinth of tiny streets, courtyards, stairs and arches. The famous landmark of Sorano became wine cellars, carved right into the rock. But the main one is still considered to be the royal castle of Orsini, built in the 14th century, which was rebuilt by Niccolò IV Orsini in 1552. This castle is considered a typical example of Renaissance military architecture. There is also an unusual attraction here - Masso Leopoldino - a natural fortified tuff terrace, which was cut down here by order of Prince Leopold. Not far from Sorano are the Vittosu fortress and a cave settlement.
10. Aosta , Where to stay
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The capital of the Valle d'Aosta region is the small medieval town of Aosta, located 585 meters above sea level at the foot of the Pennine Alps near the confluence of the Butir and Dora Baltea mountain rivers. In Aosta, the entire perimeter of the walls, the layout, all the towers have been preserved; there are many monuments from the Roman period. The entrance to the city from the east is the famous Praetorian Gate. The local monument from the Middle Ages is temple complex Saint Orso, built here between 994 and 1025. A large Romanesque three-nave church, the walls of which are decorated with frescoes, replaced more old temple from Carolingian times.
The patron saint of Aosta is considered to be Saint Orso, who traveled with a bird on his shoulder. For his kindness to people, he was ranked among the saints. The residents of Aosta greatly revere this saint; on New Year's Eve they regularly organize fairs dedicated to him.
Interesting about the Italian language.
History, facts, modernity.
Let's start with a few words about the modern status of the language; it is obvious that Italian is official language in Italy, the Vatican (at the same time as Latin), in San Marino, but also in Switzerland (in its Italian part, the canton of Ticino) and in several districts in Croatia and Slovenia, where a large Italian-speaking population lives, and some of the residents speak Italian on the island of Malta.
Italian dialects - will we understand each other?
In Italy itself, even today you can hear many dialects, sometimes it is enough to travel only a few tens of kilometers to encounter another of them.Moreover, dialects are often so different from each other that they can seem like completely different languages. If people from, for example, the northern and central Italian “outback” meet, they may not even be able to understand each other.
What is especially interesting is that some dialects, in addition to the oral form, also have a written form, such as the Neopolitan, Venetian, Milanese and Sicilian dialects.
The latter exists, accordingly, on the island of Sicily and is so different from other dialects that some researchers distinguish it as a separate Sardinian language.
However, in everyday communication and, in particular, major cities you are unlikely to experience any inconvenience, because... Today, dialects are spoken mainly by older people in rural areas, while young people use the correct literary language, which unites all Italians, the language of radio and, of course, television.
It may be mentioned here that until the end of the Second World War, modern Italian was only a written language, used by the ruling class, scientists and in administrative institutions, and it was television that played a big role in the spread of the common Italian language among all inhabitants.
How it all began, origins
The history of the formation of modern Italian, as we all know it, is closely connected with the history of Italy and, of course, no less fascinating.Origins - in Ancient Rome everything was in the Roman language, commonly known as Latin, which was the official language at that time state language Roman Empire. Later, from Latin, in fact, the Italian language and many other European languages arose.
Therefore, knowing Latin, you can understand what a Spaniard is saying, plus or minus a Portuguese, and you can even understand part of the speech of an Englishman or a Frenchman.
In 476, the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, abdicated the throne after the capture of Rome by the German leader Odocar, this date is considered the end of the Great Roman Empire.
Some also call it the end of the “Roman language”, however, even today disputes still rage as to why exactly the Latin language lost its relevance, because of the capture of the Roman Empire by barbarians or was it a natural process and in what language? spoken towards the end of the Roman Empire.
According to one version, in ancient rome by this time, along with Latin, the spoken language was already widespread, and it is from this popular language of Rome that the Italian that we know as Italian of the 16th century comes from, according to the second version, due to the invasion of barbarians, Latin mixed with various barbarian languages and dialects and it is from this synthesis that the Italian language originates.
Birthday - first mention
The year 960 is considered the birthday of the Italian language. This date is associated with the first document where this “proto-folk language” is present - vulgare, these are court papers related to the land litigation of the Benedictine Abbey, witnesses used this particular version of the language so that the testimony was as clear as possible more people, until this moment in all official papers we can only see Latin.And then there was a gradual spread in the ubiquitous life of the language vulgare, which translates as the people's language, which became the prototype of the modern Italian language.
However, the story does not end there, but only becomes more interesting and the next stage is associated with the Renaissance and with such well-known names as Dante Alighiere, F. Petrarch, G. Boccaccio and others.
to be continued...
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