Italy is famous for the richest cultural traditions in the world. The achievements of Italians in art, architecture, literature, music and science had a great influence on the development of culture in many other countries.

Long before the rise of civilization Ancient Rome The cultures of the Etruscans in Tuscany and the Greeks in southern Italy developed. After the fall of the Roman Empire in Italy, culture fell into decline, and only in the 11th century. the first signs of its revival appeared. It reached its new peak in the 14th century. During the Renaissance, Italians played a leading role in European science and art. At that time such outstanding artists and sculptors as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo, writers Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio worked.

The culture of Italy is, first of all, artists and paintings. It’s not scary to repeat myself and say that if you live in Italy, then you live in " art gallery", Italy has concentrated in itself large quantity cultural heritage than you can imagine. In fact, it is fair to say that if something was painted, acted, eaten, sung, molded or written, then it was done in an uplifting mood, and the result is presented in the highest artistic form. The world has a lot to thank the Italians for.

Writers ranging from Virgil, Ovid, Horak, Livy and Cicero, and ending with Dante and Petrarch. Boccaccio, Ficino, Mirandolo and Vasari were all Italians and all born in this blessed land. Italy's modern literature emerged in the 13th and 14th centuries, developing from its Latin heritage written in the country's many dialects and the works of Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio, who wrote mostly in the Florentine dialect.

Italian cuisine has absorbed the traditions and tastes of many regions of Italy, while preserving distinctive features in each area even after being subjected to pan-Italian influence in the hands of chefs and developing into a unique cuisine that is known throughout the world. Changes in cuisine can be traced from the rich and creamy dishes of the north to the hot and spicy dishes of the south. Northern Emilia - Romagna, produced the best known dishes - spaghetti bolognese, lasagne and tortellini, as well as homemade prosciutto and mortadella. Liguria is the home of pesto, the stronghold of all cafes in the world, not counting Hochzeitsauto Dortmund in Germany. Exciting vegetable and pasta dishes are served with seafood and exotic frog rissotto, donkey steak or pudding. Desserts - cassata, cannoli, zabaglione, granita and marzipan - originate from the diet of Sicily, while Sardinia is famous for its mouth-watering roast suckling pig. Coffee, beer and wine taste great throughout the country without exception.

Italian culture greatly influences world culture. Cinema would not be what it is today if it were not for that same Italian Marcello Mastroianni, Anna Magnani, Gina Lolobrigida, Sophia Loren and producers Lucino Visconti, Roberto Rossellini, Frederico Fellini, Michelangelo Anthony and Bernardo Bertolucci.

The Italians also contributed much to the musical culture of Italy, they invented the piano and the modern system of musical notation, Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Scarlatti, Bellini and Rossini also contributed.

Italy is the leader in recognized sites included in World Heritage UNESCO. The official list of UNESCO sites already includes 51 masterpieces created on the territory of modern Italy by man or nature.

Landmarks are highlighted for their own good: this is UNESCO’s way of signaling to humanity that these masterpieces are not only beautiful, but also need the attention and protection of society.

UNESCO sites in Italy today are presented in eight different categories and have different criteria for uniqueness. The first six criteria relate to cultural objects.

1. 1. Masterpieces of human creative genius.
2. 2. Objects that arose as a result of the mutual influence of human values ​​(in culture and art; in architecture, city planning and landscape creation, as well as in technology).
3. 3. Cultural or civilizational phenomena.
4. 4. Historical structures, architecture, technological ensembles or landscape.
5. 5. Traditional buildings are examples of human interaction with nature and the environment (especially endangered phenomena).
6. 6. Objects of world culture associated with traditions, ideas or faith, with works of art or literature.

Two more criteria cover natural phenomena Italy - together with places of unique beauty (7) And samples of the main stages of the history of our planet (8). Most often, a UNESCO site presents several uniqueness criteria at once. This makes every – even mental – journey to a new masterpiece even more exciting!

Venice and its lagoon (criteria 1–6)

The UNESCO sites in Venice are interesting and varied. The city itself is where gondoliers cut through instead of pages... You fall in love with Venice the first time - and, as a rule, forever. The Venetian lagoon unites about a hundred islands. Among them, for example, are San Lazzaro degli Armeni, a world-famous center of Armenian culture, and Lido di Venezia, the medieval island of St. Nicholas.

Photo: © Iakov Kalinin - Fotolia.com.

Historical center of Rome and Vatican possessions (1–4, 6)

UNESCO sites in Rome and the Vatican are primarily associated with the sacred heritage of Europe. The center of Rome and the Vatican domains, enjoying extraterritorial rights (including the church - the great Basilica of St. Paul outside the city walls) are included in the World Heritage List as one complex.

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• What to see and
• Temples and Vatican

Historic center of Florence (1–4, 6)

The value of UNESCO sites in Florence - the “Cradle of the Renaissance” - is not only in their history, but also in their unique architectural form. It is not for nothing that during its existence the city managed to fall in love with the Medici dukes and was the capital of a republic and a kingdom. Give the world Dante Alighieri, Galileo Galilei, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Nicolo Machiavelli...

Photo by: SashaLuk IGotoWorld PG.

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Basilica of St. Francis and Franciscan monuments, Assisi (1–4, 6)

UNESCO sites in Assisi (province of Perugia in Umbria) are associated with the history of St. Francis - a monk and righteous man of the 12-13 centuries, founder of the Mendicant Order Little Brothers(Franciscans). In the city of Assisi there is a monastery complex of St. Francis, and nearby is the first Franciscan church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. It is also worth visiting the Church of St. Clara, as well as the Romanesque Cathedral of San Rufino.

Photo source: anticacanonica.it.

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• What to see in Assisi? The city also preserves pre-Christian heritage: this is the portico of the Temple of Minerva

Villa d'Este, Tivoli (1–4, 6)

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• Temples of Tivoli. This is, first of all, the Cathedral (Duomo), the churches of Santa Maria Maggiore, San Silvestro and San Pietro alla Carita.

City of Ferrara and Po Delta (2–6)

Ferrara is a city of culture and art of the Renaissance, capital province of the same name in the region of Emilia-Romagna. UNESCO sites in Ferrara are the Gothic austerity of castles, the splendor of cathedrals, the aristocratic beauty of palaces... And also evidence of the fruitful cooperation of man and nature: Ferrara is located in the complex delta of the Po River.

Photo source: agriturismostrozza.it.

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Early Christian Monuments, Ravenna (1–4)

Eight unique sights of Late Antiquity (5th-6th centuries) were noted in this city. Thus, the UNESCO sites in Ravenna were formed. These are mausoleums (Galla Placidia and Theodoric), baptisteries (Orthodox and Arians), basilicas (San Vitale, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and Sant'Apollinare in Classe), as well as the Archdiocesan Museum and Chapel of St. Andrew the Apostle.

Frescoes of the Basilica of San Vitale. Photo source: quaterpassnextg.blogspot.com, by Mario Sala.

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Royal Palace, Vanvitelli Aqueduct and San Leucio Village, Caserte (1–4)

The numerous UNESCO sites in Caserta delight with their diversity. Caserta, the capital of the province of the same name, is located in the Campania region. Here the imagination of travelers is struck by the grandiose grandeur (18th century) and powerful structure of the Vanvitelli Aqueduct. And the factory village of San Leuccio arose nearby - around the silk manufactory, which became a technical and social achievement of the time. Elite production still operates today.

Photo source: imparziale.com.

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• Temples of Caserta. There are many of them in the area. For example, you can visit the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel in Piazza Duomo and the Church of the Good Shepherd in Piazza Pitesti

Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena (1–4)

UNESCO sites in Modena (Emilia-Romagna) - three main attractions that make up one architectural ensemble. These are the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Geminian, the Torre Civica (“Ghirlandina”) tower and Piazza Grande.

Photo source: myarchstories.wordpress.com.

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• Temples of Modena. The history of the “Church of the Promise” is interesting. It was built as a thank you to the Virgin Mary from those who survived the plague in Modena (17th century)

Archaeological sites, Agrigento (1–4)

The ancient Greek buildings of the Sicilian city of Agrigento are still beautiful in their grandeur. UNESCO sites in Agrigento are, first of all, the destroyed temple of Olympian Zeus, the giant Atlas, the miraculously preserved Temple of Concord, the temples of Hera and Hercules. Some temples - Jupiter, Dioscuri, Aesculapius and Ephesus - survived only in ruins. Also in the Valley of Temples, as this place is called, there are also early Christian cemeteries (necropolises).

Photo source: outandaboutinparis.com.

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• Temples of Argigento. This is the Baroque Church of St. Lawrence, Cathedral, etc.

Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, Turin and surroundings (1-2, 4-5)

The 14 possessions of the Savoy royal dynasty are located both in the city of Turin and in the Piedmont region as a whole (northern Italy). UNESCO sites in Turin are the Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, Palazzo Carignano, Valentino Castle and Villa della Regina. UNESCO sites in Piedmont related to the House of Savoy include the Stupinigi hunting palace, Royal Palace Venaria, La Mandria Park and six ancient castles (Rivoli, Allier, Moncalieri, Racconigi, Pollenzo, Govone).

Royal Palace in Turin. Photo source: lamiatorino.it.

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• What to see and

Late Baroque cities, Val di Noto (1-2, 4-5)

The late Baroque cities in the Val di Noto region are located in the provinces of Ragusa and Syracuse in the southeast of the island of Sicily. The UNESCO sites in Val di Noto are Ragusa, Noto, Caltagirone, Catania, Militello in Val di Catania, Modica, Palazzolo Acreide and Scicli.

View of the city of Noto. Photo source: casavacanzelafonte.com.

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Cathedral complex, Pisa (1-2, 4, 6)

Piazza dei Miracoli, that is, “Place of Miracles,” is the majestic dominant feature of the city of Pisa. In addition to the famous (bell tower), UNESCO sites in Pisa also include other wonders of the Middle Ages. These are the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist and the cemetery of Campo Santo (Holy Field).

Photo source: 500px.com, by Domingo Leiva.

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The ancient city of Syracuse and the rock necropolis of Pantalica (2-3, 4, 6)

The UNESCO sites in the province of Syracuse are located on the island of Sicily. The Pantalica necropolis includes more than 5,000 tombs, which were carved into the rocks of the Iblean Mountains long before our era. And the ruins of ancient Syracuse indicate that here was the largest city of the Ancient era by area... Nowadays a modern city Syracuse is the capital of the province of the same name.

Photo source: ustodays.com.

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Castle of Castel del Monte, Andria (1-3)

Photo source: toscanainside.com.

“Su-Nuraksi” – ancient fortifications, Barumini (1, 3-4)

Photo: © federico.fiorillo - Fotolia.com.

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Archaeological sites and Patriarchal Basilica, Aquileia (3-4, 6)

The ancient city of Aquileia is located in the province of Udine (Friuli Venezia Giulia). UNESCO sites in Aquilia are the Patriarchal Basilica (with baptistery and mosaic floor from the 4th century) and the extensive.

Photo source: touringclub.it.

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• Temples of Udine. Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica of Beata Vergine delle Grazie, Church of San Francesco

Temple of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Last Supper, Milan (1, 2)

In 1980, the UNESCO site in Milan - the Dominican monastery complex, together with the central church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Last Supper (15th century) - was the first in Italy to be included in the World Heritage List. Leonardo da Vinci painted the legendary painting on the wall of the monastery refectory. Here she miraculously survived even during the Second World War.

Photo source: dfiles.me.

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The city of Vicenza and the villas of the architect Palladio, Veneto (1-2)

Vicenza is called the city of Andrea Palladio, the great architect of the late Renaissance and Mannerism. He built many villas in the vicinity of Vicenza and Venice. Especially famous among the UNESCO sites in Veneto are La Rotonda and Villa Almerico-Valmarana.

Photo source: thepalladiantraveler.com.

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Botanical Garden, Padua (2-3)

Photo source: vindiatours.eu.

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Historic center of Urbino (2, 4)

The center of this beautiful city(province of Pesaro and Urbino in the Marche) arose during the Renaissance. The most significant UNESCO sites in Urbino are the Palazzo Ducale and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heavenly Glory.

Photo source: discovermarche.wordpress.com.

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• Temples of Urbino. Of particular interest are two 15th century churches: San Domenico and San Spirito.

City of Verona, Veneto (2, 4)

Photo source: wired.com.

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• Temples of Catania. Cathedral of St. Agatha, Collegiate Santa Maria dell'Elemosina, Basilica of St. Nicholas, Church of St. Francis and St. Benedict, etc.

Mount San Giorgio, Lombardy (8)

In Italy, Monte San Giorgio is located in the province of Varese and belongs to natural objects UNESCO in Lombardy. At the same time, the main part of this mountain is geographically located in Switzerland. San Giorgio carefully preserves fossils of marine life that lived 245–230 million years ago.

Photo source: ticinotopten.ch.

Information for travelers

• What to see in Vares? The center of the province, the city of Varese, is proud of the Basilica of San Vittore and the palace-villa of Francesco d'Este. Not far from the city are the chapels of Sacri Monti.

By the way, it already exists new UNESCO tentative list, which contains a large list of the following World Heritage candidates from Italy. This list contains more than 40 objects. Many of them may soon prove their value and complement the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There are also candidate objects in new categories. They draw our attention to the rare natural attractions of Italy, including patterns of ecosystem development(9) and on biological diversity(10), especially in need of protection and preservation.

Drawing on Greek and Etruscan experience, the Romans developed five architectural orders: Tuscan, Roman Doric, Roman Ionic, Roman Corinthian and Composite.

According to legend, it was founded in 753 BC. the future king Romulus (hence the Italian name for Rome - Roma). The core of ancient Rome was the forum - the main ceremonial ensemble and, at the same time, political center countries. Situated at the foot of two hills, the Capitoline and the Palatine, the forum began as a simple trading area and was later furnished with numerous monuments and temples. Each emperor sought to create his own forum. The ensemble of Roman forums took shape over two centuries. The most grandiose was Trajan's Forum, where in honor of the emperor's victory over Dacia the famous Trajan's Column, about 40 m high, was erected, which has survived to this day.

The main roads of the empire converged at the forums (hence the saying “all roads lead to Rome”), along which the Roman legions entered the parade square in a triumphal procession after victorious campaigns. In honor of the commanders they installed triumphal arches, located mainly along the Via Sacra (“sacred road”), connecting the forum with. The largest in Rome is the Arch of Constantine (height 21.5 m) near the Colosseum.

(“Temple to all gods”) was erected in the 1st century. BC. and rebuilt at the beginning of the 2nd century. The huge hemisphere of the Pantheon dome is larger in size (diameter - 43.2 m) than the dome of St. Peter's Cathedral in. At the beginning of the 7th century. the temple was turned into a Christian one, and even later it became a tomb for famous people– Rafael Santi, King Victor Emmanuel II and others are buried here.

One of the symbols of Ancient Rome is the giant Flavian amphitheater (double theater), better known as. The Colosseum was built in the 1st century. on the site of a former swamp in just five years and accommodated 50 thousand spectators. The oval bowl of the Colosseum measures 189 by 156 m with a height of 48 m. An artificial landscape with decorations was created in the arena before the performances, among which fights of gladiators and wild animals took place. The arena could be flooded with water and real naval battles could take place. Also in the 1st century. an amphitheater was built in the city of Verona (Veneto), less grandiose than the Colosseum, but much better preserved.

Unlike ancient Rome, a huge city with 1 million inhabitants, some cities of the empire had a regular layout, incl. Pompeii and Herculaneum (Campania). These prosperous Roman cities were destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79, which covered them with many meters of ash. Tragedy saved our lives trading city, the resort town of Herculaneum, Villa Oplontis in Torre Annunziata with beautiful wall paintings. In Pompeii you can see the gates and walls of the ancient Roman city, forums and amphitheatres, temples and necropolises, residential areas with houses decorated with frescoes, mosaics and sculptures.

In late Roman times, architecture was distinguished by unprecedented luxury and richness of decoration, but at the same time, it lost its harmonious proportions and stylistic unity. The main objects of architecture are villas and baths. Thermae are not only baths, they also served for relaxation, entertainment, sports, and philosophical debates. In Rome, during this period, the baths of Caracalla and Diocletian were built (the latter could accommodate up to three thousand people).

Emperor Hadrian, successor of Trajan, in the 2nd century. under construction (Lazio), near Rome. The architecture of its buildings reproduces some ancient structures that were reminiscent of the travels of the emperor, who claimed to be a patron of the arts. The villa combines the best features of Egyptian, Greek and Roman styles. Stylized as a temple, the main building overlooked a pool, in the water surface of which columns were reflected. A theater, baths and other structures were built nearby.

In fact, during the collapse of the Roman Empire, under Emperor Diocletian (the turn of the 3rd-4th centuries), it was built in the center of the island of Sicily. The villa was used during the hunting season, from August to October. The main “treasure” of the villa is the mosaic. Here you can see scenes of hunting elephants, ostriches, and antelopes. The mosaic of each hall of the villa strictly corresponds to its purpose: in the gymnasium girls with discs and balls are depicted, in the dining room gentlemen resting after a hunt are shown, to whom servants serve refreshments.

What did wonderful Italy give the world? She is the birthplace huge number famous scientists and brilliant artists, it has the most objects in the world that are under UNESCO protection, and the nature of Italy itself is incredibly diverse and beautiful! Rome is crowded historical monuments, Venice exudes romance, the glorious history of Florence, which competed with Milan located to the north - attractions are everywhere in this country.

1. Valley of the Temples of Sicily

In sunny Sicily you can see one of its most beautiful attractions - the Valley of the Temples, located in Agrigento - this is the name of a large area of ​​archaeological excavations. There are many remains of ancient pagan temples dating back to the 5th century BC.

2. Cinque Terre

This National Park, protected by UNESCO, is one of the purest corners of pristine Italian nature, the pride of Liguria. Some of the most beautiful places in Italy are included in the UNESCO list - the picturesque terraces of the Cinque Terre. This reserve is called so because it consists of five small towns with simple provincial life, without the eye-catching architecture of modern buildings, and the air here is so clean that it is literally intoxicating. Diluted with vineyards and olive groves, the colorful houses of the Cinque Terre run down to the sea along rocky terraces.

3. Uffizi Gallery

The famous Florentine Uffizi Gallery is crowded with masterpieces of world painting. Listing the names of the authors of the paintings here can make your head spin: da Vinci, Giotto, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, Durer, as well as many other painters and sculptors of world fame. You shouldn’t even try to explore the numerous halls of the gallery in one day; it’s better to live in Florence for a while and savor the masterpieces in a leisurely atmosphere.

Anyone who has been lucky enough to visit Italy can rightfully call this country great, beautiful, unforgettable and different. Probably not in...

4. Colosseum

Centrally located Eternal City The Colosseum is famous all over the world. Its huge amphitheater has been attracting curious audiences to its terraces for about two thousand years. And always the main “dish” here was some special spectacle: gladiator fights, animal battles, or the persecution of the first Christians by them. In Latin, Colosseum means "large". And this is not an exaggeration, because at one time it could accommodate 50,000 spectators, which is still impressive today.

5. Cave city of Sassi di Matera

This city is carved into the rocks and scorched by the southern sun. Prehistoric people once lived here; in fact, it is a network of caves located at different levels. The intricate labyrinth contains many caves and underground passages in which ancient artifacts are hidden.

6. Pompeii

By 79, the coast of the Gulf of Naples was quite densely populated, and its inhabitants blithely admired the smoking peak of Vesuvius. But one day, not the most beautiful, came when the mountain exploded, a column of ash rose many kilometers into the sky, and deadly pyroclastic flows rushed down, which killed most of the inhabitants, and the ashes fell asleep and thereby mothballed the city for many centuries.

7. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast can be called a paradise, from which you simply don’t want to leave. Here the Lattari mountain range approaches the sea and forms a winding coastline with typical Mediterranean vegetation and picturesque villages scattered here and there. The city of Amalfi has an ancient history, its own culture and folklore. To better understand the original Italy, you definitely need to come here.

8. Siena's historic center

Although Siena is inferior to its eternal historical rival Florence in terms of cultural heritage, it also has its own charm. The ancient city center is especially interesting for tourists, where there is a lot to see.

9. Vatican

In the center of Rome there is a unique mini-state of the Vatican, which is a complete attraction. It occupies a fairly large block, surrounded by a high wall and with an entrance from St. Peter's Square and the basilica of the same name. But the Vatican has not only enormous cultural value. It is the capital of the Catholic world. Pilgrims from all over the world strive to get to the holy city, believing that here they can find harmony and purify their spirit. And inside the Vatican there are countless masterpieces, including the famous Sistine Chapel.

10. St. Mark's Basilica

Saint Mark the Evangelist was buried in this basilica, so it turned out to be closely connected with the history of Venice and all of Italy. It is located near the Grand Canal, its majestic outline dominates the adjacent St. Mark's Square. Many artists are inspired by the beauty of this place.

11. Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is located between the Capitoline and Palatine hills of the Eternal City. Grandiose excavations are still underway on it. If anyone is planning to visit the capital of Italy, then they should definitely visit the heart of the ancient Roman Empire.

12. Blue Grotto on Capri

The island of Capri, located opposite Naples, is remarkable in many ways. One of its amazing natural attractions is the Blue Grotto. When the sun's rays penetrate the thickness sea ​​water begin to make their way inside the cave, it is illuminated in neon blue. Observing this phenomenon certainly delights travelers.

13. Venice Grand Canal

While in Venice, you can sit in River tram to sail along the Grand Canal. Thanks to this comfortable excursion, the traveler will plunge into the ancient history of the city. The most famous Venetian canal is more than 3.5 kilometers long, it crosses all 6 districts of the historical center of the city, and architectural masterpieces are located here and there along its banks.

The Eternal City can be imagined as one big attraction. People all over the world are well aware of the most iconic Roman buildings, magnificent pla...

14. Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa has been familiar to everyone since school; it is the most recognizable landmark of this city. The architects clearly miscalculated the location of the tower and, of course, did not intend to make it so inclined. When construction reached only the third tier, the foundation of the tower could not stand it, sank, and the tilt of the structure became obvious. Over the centuries it has only increased. For several decades now, various projects have been proposed to save the landmark, aimed at strengthening the foundation and stopping the process of the building falling.

15. Santa Maria del Fiore

Located in Florence, the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore stands out with its dome and expressive colors. The building dominates historical center cities. Several outstanding architects worked on its creation and managed to create an incredibly beautiful architectural masterpiece.

16. Roman Trevi Fountain

Among the labyrinth of ancient streets of Rome hides one of the pearls of the Eternal City - the Trevi Fountain, an outstanding example of elegant Baroque architecture. This is one of the most beautiful and world famous fountains. It is very popular among tourists who throw kilograms of coins into its bowl every day.

17. Assisi

In Italian Umbria there is the ancient town of Assisi, where St. Francis founded his order and the first monastery. Nowadays, up to 5 million tourists come here annually, which is many times more local population. They come to see the monastery complex, which includes the Church of San Francesco, built in the 13th century, in the crypt of which a shrine with the relics of St. Francis is kept. The walls of the building are painted with frescoes depicting events from the life of the saint. Here is also the equally ancient church of Santa Chiara, near which is the tomb of St. Clare of Assisi, as well as even more ancient cathedral(XII century) San Rufino in Romanesque style.

Florence is administrative center province of Tuscany and the center of architecture and art of the Renaissance, during which the city was an important and...

18. Vesuvius

This one, although inactive, continues to remain active volcano in 79 he destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum located at its foot. It last erupted in 1944. On this moment its height is 1281 meters. Extreme tourists even try to penetrate its crater. But to feel that the volcano is alive and just sleeping, you only need to rise above a thousand meters to feel the smell of sulfur and the warmth of the surrounding stones.

19. Valle d'Aosta

This small region of Italy is the most sparsely populated. There are many mountain rivers and flowering alpine meadows. For true connoisseurs natural beauty This the best place for relax.

20. Caves of the Frasassi Gorge

If you have a bad day while on holiday in Italy, you can make the most of it by heading to the Frasassi Gorge, where you can take a 75-minute journey “to the center of the earth”. The travel route here runs through one of the world's largest karst complexes; along its course there are stairs and convenient passages.

21. Roman Pantheon

The magnificent building of the ancient Roman pantheon became not only an example of high ancient architecture, but also a revolutionary breakthrough in construction technology. It became the touchstone for a string of later buildings in imitation of it. The building, despite its enormous age, is perfectly preserved, so tourists have the opportunity to visit it. It's especially spectacular inside at midday, when a column of sunlight falls almost vertically through a round hole in the center of the giant dome.

22. Villa Adriana in Tivoli

This is the name of a whole complex of imperial apartments located near Rome. We have reached us with a large atrium, a huge vestibule, rooms for slaves, baths, the Canopic Museum, the Temple of Apollo, a Greek theater, and a library with the works of the Greeks and Romans. There was a fish pool in the courtyard, surrounded by a garden.

In almost any Italian city there are ancient palaces or temples, and in the narrow streets of the old quarters, paved with cobblestones, time seems to be completely...

23. San Gimignano

In Tuscany, not far from Florence, there is the town of San Gimignano, which was able to preserve its medieval appearance. Here it is easy to imagine a knight armed with a sword walking along a narrow street. The city has 14 ancient towers and an interesting historical museum.

24. Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

Became the pearl of Milan Cathedral, bearing features of the flaming Gothic style. This is the fifth largest christian temple on the planet, and it looks unusually impressive. It is decorated with about 3 thousand magnificent statues, luxurious interiors, and observation deck At the top of the cathedral you can see the whole of Milan.

25. Trulli city Alberobello

Small white “gnome” houses with a conical roof are very reminiscent of fairy tales. Similar houses can be seen on the shores of the Adriatic Sea in the town of Alborobello. It can easily compete with other famous Italian attractions, because it can surprise. There are no such buildings as trulli anywhere else in the world. The ancestors of modern residents built these houses using a unique technology - there was a foundation stone in the foundation, after the removal of which the house was completely destroyed. This saved... from paying taxes.

Wherever an inquisitive tourist goes on a trip to Italy, be it Rome or Venice, Milan or Verona, Florence or Genoa, the atmosphere of the majestic past of these lands reigns everywhere.

Cultural and historical heritage of Italy

The three-thousand-year history of Italy has preserved on its territory a countless number of monuments, among which one can find examples of antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism. Wherever an inquisitive tourist goes on a trip to Italy, be it Rome or Venice, Milan or Verona, Florence or Genoa, the atmosphere of the majestic past of these lands reigns everywhere.

Italy is called a museum country, carefully preserving traces of the once mighty Roman Empire, as well as monuments of other civilizations and eras in which the events of the past come to life. Luxury architecture buildings have preserved the traditions of the formation of most famous European styles. Here you can find original Byzantine mosaics, ancient Roman sculptures, Baroque crypts and ancient amphitheaters.

Roman forum

Being in Italy, it seems that time has inexplicably stopped here. Contemplating the magnificent buildings of the Vatican, looking at the infamous gladiatorial battles, destroyed, but still remaining majestic, the Colosseum, traveling along the canal streets of Venice, or admiring other sights of Italy, the feeling of the frailty of the world and the hectic rhythm of life disappears.

Traveling around Italy means getting to know cities of amazing beauty, unforgettable excursions to Sicily and, of course, visiting eternal Rome. “All roads lead to Rome” is a phrase that has become popular throughout the world. Indeed, Rome is one of the oldest cities on the planet, where the most famous sights of the country are concentrated. The heart of Rome is its ruins - silent witnesses of past civilizations. The most recognizable among them are the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon.

The Flavian Amphitheater, more often called the Colosseum, is a symbol of the former strength, greatness and power of Rome. The art and culture travel magazine claims that it is one of the most famous monuments of antiquity. Built back in the 1st century (according to the plans of an unknown architect) for holding various kinds of holidays, the amphitheater was accessible to everyone. Its arena hosted tournaments of knights, “sea battles” and various kinds of spectacles. Alas, brutal gladiator fights and so-called “games” - baiting animals - were especially popular among them.

Large area in the very center ancient city and the buildings adjacent to it were called the Forum by the Romans. Initially, it was ordinary trade area, but a little later it became the center of public life in the city. Growing, the Forum acquired such large proportions that it became the center of business, religious and cultural life townspeople During the decline of the Roman Empire, the destructive invasions of the barbarians affected this famous square, which was only restored for posterity at the beginning of the 20th century.

In whatever corner of the country a tourist would have to stop when going on a trip to sunny Italy, more and more new discoveries appear before his eyes. Venice is the most mysterious and amazing city on the water, which has managed to retain its medieval appearance to this day. Casanova, gondolier serenades, pigeons from St. Mark's Square known to all travelers - all this is the heart and soul of Italy - the incomparable Venice.

Winding canal streets, decorated gondolas gliding along them, romantic openwork bridges, palaces and temples, as well as carnivals filled with music and bright colors masks. It's hard to imagine Venice without her Grand Canal, on the banks of which there are more than 100 amazing and beautiful palaces.

A trip to Italy should not end without visiting Sicily, called the “island of living myths.” on his south coast and now you can find stone blocks that, according to legend, the Cyclops Polyphemus threw at the ships of Odysseus. As before, two monsters stand guard on the shores of the Strait of Messina - Charybdis and Scylla, who destroyed the lives of many sailors. All famous sights of Italy are interesting and unique. And for many centuries, in the eyes of millions of tourists, it itself appears as a place ancient history and great culture, which has long become a world heritage.