Italy
On the world map, Italy resembles the shape of a high-heeled boot. It is symbolic that the state is called the heart of global fashion. It is a country in Southern Europe where history and modernity are harmoniously intertwined. The rich historical past has left a great cultural legacy, and Italians are proud to cherish their traditions, and tourists admire them. The population is over 60 million people. The locals have a high temperament. They are open-minded and very emotional, they like to gesture during conversation, be fashionable and cook deliciously. The country's territory covers almost 310 thousand square kilometers.
Italy is famous for its sights. 55 monuments are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Roman Empire was being created in the Apennines. Ancient monuments have been preserved in Rome, and Venice enchants with a romantic atmosphere. The hilly panorama of Tuscany is fascinating. You can have an interesting time on the southern slope of the Alps. The visiting card of the state is the Colosseum, which is called a typical amphitheater, a technical miracle of antiquity and the embodiment of the splendor of civilization. The unique structure is duplicated in other cities. Sicily is recognized as one of the largest Italian islands. The homeland of the Cosa Nostra mafia is associated with it. The Valley of Temples is located in Agrigento. They were built in different eras. The Cinque Terre Park has historical monuments from Ancient times and the Middle Ages. The attractions of the park, which has national status, have been added to the list of valuable sites according to UNESCO, they are carefully protected.
In the southern part of Italy stands the town of Sassi di Matera. The ancient caves here tower over each other and resemble floors. Interesting pictures are obtained against their background. At the same time, it's a maze, and it's easy to get lost in it. There are antique relics inside.
You can get to Italy by bus, train or by plane. The best time to visit the country is 2 periods: from April to June and from September to October. At this time, the weather is favorable and there is no influx of tourists.
History
The exact origin of the word "Italia" is unknown. There are several theories about this. The most common point of view says that the word originated from the Greek language. It translates as "the land of calves." The fact is that the bull was a symbol of the peoples of southern Italy. In the images, he is butting a Roman She-Wolf. Italy used to be called the southern province of Calabria, but then it came to mean the whole country.
It is believed that the history goes back more than 2,500 years. By the fifth century, the Roman Empire, which originated before our era, had reached its heyday. There were legends about her, which are studied by schoolchildren and students in many countries. It possessed vast territories, but in the 5th century, the Apennine Peninsula, where Italy is located, was conquered by Germanic, Ostrogothic and Gothic tribes, who settled for several centuries. Then Venice, Milan, Pisa and other city-states began to develop in Italy. Communes lived peacefully until the 16th century, and then neighboring countries began to conquer them.
In 1861, King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia proclaimed a unified Italian state. But Rome and Venice were not included in it. It was only in the 70s of the 19th century that Italy acquired its current borders. A year later, Rome was declared the capital. The city still retains this status. Its population is almost 3 million people.
Italy is now the most prosperous country in Europe. But it also has the status of the first fascist European state, which Italians do not like to remember. In 1924, dictator Benito Mussolini was in power. During his career, Italy became an ally of Nazi Germany. The decline of the monarchy was in 1946. Then King Umberto II abdicated and left his homeland. Then the rulers changed frequently, sometimes several times a year.
At the moment, the state is considered a republic. It is a member of the European Union and NATO. In addition, Italy is home to the Vatican, which is an independent state and an auxiliary territory of the Holy See, the seat of the Pope.
Climate
Italy has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. But it is difficult to call it stable. The Alps act as a barrier to north and west winds. The weather conditions are varied. Each province has its own weather. This should be taken into account when traveling. Locals have long been accustomed to this trend. It is due to the fact that Italy is elongated in geographical longitude. On the territory of the mountain peaks, the climate is similar to the Arctic, but on the sea coasts there is a subtropical climate.
In general, the Italian climate is accompanied by clear and warm weather. In summer, the temperature stays at +23 °C. The weather is mostly fine, although it can be windy. The most favorable conditions, according to the Italians, are the coast. It is not surprising that there are many resorts on their territory. The coastline is almost 5,000 square kilometers long.
The temperature remains above zero in winter. In the south of Italy at this time of the year from +7°C to +13°C. In the Alpine highlands, the thermometer drops to -20°C. But due to the low humidity, the cold is not strongly felt.
Nature and Wildlife
The nature of Italy is diverse. Italians are proud of her. Poets and artists admire her in their work. Plants range from mosses and lichens. More than 57 thousand plants have been registered. This is more than a third of the entire European fauna. There are many evergreens in the country, which is due to the mild subtropical climate. The landscape of the northern part is defined by the Alps, from where streams originate, which merge into rivers and form a system of waterways of the Padan lowland. Valleys with meadows and passes are formed in the mountain ranges.
Italy has fertile soils. There is a lot of wheat, rice, sugar beet, fruits and vegetables grow here. The vineyards produce fine wine, which the Italians export to other countries. Cypress trees, olive groves, and blooming gardens are spread out on the picturesque hills. In the south, you can find palm trees, pines, oaks, olives, figs, citrus trees and pomegranate.
The fauna is also multifaceted. This is the home of 102 species of mammals, including large ones. The animal world is represented by bears, wild boars, roe deer and foxes. There are also snakes, lizards and turtles. Endemic animals include Corsican hares, Sardinian eared bats, Sardinian deer, Apennine shrews, Calabrian pine voles, cave salamanders, Italian newts and frogs, and Sicilian lizards. The mantis is considered to be the most popular invertebrate.
There are 516 species of birds. The hunt for them is still uncontrolled. Ducks and geese live on the shores of the lakes, golden eagles, swifts and capercaillies fly in the mountains. Italy is an important route for migratory birds, including storks, kites and harriers.
The marine fauna consists of Cystozyra biocenosis, algae, coral reefs and more than 100 species of fish and invertebrates. There are a lot of trout, crucian carp and carp. Swordfish, dorado, cod, and tuna are also among the common species. For some, fishing is a hobby. But some fishermen sell their catch for sale. Fish can be bought at the market and supermarkets. It is exported to other cities and countries.
Geography
Italy is located in the central part of the Mediterranean. This is one of the many reasons why the state is called the cradle of European civilization. The state is located on the Apennine Peninsula, which resembles the shape of a boot. It consists of large and small islands. Administratively, it is divided into 20 regions, and they, in turn, are divided into 110 provinces. The population is more than 60 million people, tourists come every year.
The Ligurian coast is rocky, so there are few travelers in this place. The most popular place for beach lovers is the Adriatic coast. The beaches are sandy. And almost all the beaches of the Ionian Sea are marked with the Blue Flag.
Italy's closest neighbors are France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. There are enclave states located inside Italy. We are talking about San Marino and the Vatican, which have a rich historical, spiritual and artistic heritage. With each of them, Italy has an internal border of almost 40 and 3.3 kilometers, respectively.
Cuisine
Italian cuisine is famous for its culinary masterpieces. They are widely known all over the world. Many nations have tried pizza, spaghetti, lasagna and risotto and cook them for lunch and dinner. And you can talk about Italian wines indefinitely. Italians consider them to be works of wine-making art, and it is difficult to argue with this. According to statistics, every third bottle of wine was produced in the Apennine Peninsula.
In the north of Italy, dishes with veal and chicken, and low-fat pork are popular. Sauces are made from minced meat. They are also represented in a wide variety. Fish is often served in Venice. Restaurants recommend trying fish soups, rice with fish, shrimps, shellfish with cornmeal porridge. Ravioli, resembling square dumplings, pizza, pasta and risotto are prepared all over the country. There are a lot of pasta varieties. In some establishments, you can order green-white-red pasta. It is specially painted in the color of the Italian flag.
You can try different types of cheeses at gastronomic festivals. The most famous is parmesan cheese. It is produced in the province of Emilia-Romagna and exported all over the world. The most popular restaurants include Piazza Duomo, which has been operating since 2005, Le Calandre, which has received 3 Michelin stars, La Pergola, recognized as the best Roman restaurant, according to Italian culinary critics.
Tips for Tourists
In Italy, the monetary system is calculated in euros. It is better to exchange currency before traveling, because it will be more profitable this way. You can have a rest in the country all year round. If you are traveling by plane, you should book your tickets in advance. This way you can save money.
In winter, you can snowboard and ski in the Alps, and the rest of the year you can arrange a beach holiday and go on excursions to historical sites. You can completely update your wardrobe, shopping will be the cheapest at the beginning of the year. At this time, many people come to Milan to attend a fashion brand sale.
Tourists should know Italian. English is spoken in many cities and provinces, but Sicily is an exception, so there are many chances to remain unintelligible, which will complicate your vacation.
You can have delicious food in almost all Italian cafes and restaurants. Tips are usually included in the bill, but it would be good form to leave an additional 10% of the order amount. In small towns, you need to be prepared for the fact that many restaurants and shops close every day from 13.00 to 15.00, and sometimes until 16.00. This time is called a siesta, a rest break that can be used for an afternoon nap.
Housing Rental
Italy is rightfully considered an automobile country. Almost 90% of local residents travel by car. Right-hand traffic, overtaking from the left is allowed. It is important to pay attention to the speed limit sign, this is carefully monitored here and fines are issued to all violators. One quarter of all European motorways are located in the Apennines. The main road is Motorway No. 1, which is called the "Highway of the Sun" because of the sunny weather typical of many areas of Italy.
To rent a car, you need to have an international driver's license. You can rent different cars for every taste and budget, ranging from the most budget models to luxury cars.
There are many carsharing companies operating in the country. The international search engines Discovercar, Economybooks, Rentalcars, Auto Europe are popular. If you don't have a license or a desire to drive, you can rent a vehicle with an experienced driver who will take passengers anywhere in Italy.
Visa
Customs regulations are strict. If the amount of funds exceeds 10 thousand 329 euros, it is necessary to issue a declaration. Alcoholic beverages are allowed to be transported from the age of 17. You can cross the border with strong alcohol up to 1 liter and up to 2 liters of non-strong alcohol. Smokers prefer to take cigarettes with them because they are expensive in Italy. But you can take 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars with you. Perfumes can be imported in a volume of no more than 50 ml, and toilet water ‒ no more than 250 ml.
All items of historical value must be transported together with the accompanying documents. They are issued by the Ministry of Culture. Narcotic substances, firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited. Meat and dairy products cannot be imported.
Most Italian stores operate under the Tax Free system. And as part of the program, you can refund up to 15% of the amount of the cost of goods, so you need to keep receipts from purchases. The tax is refunded in cash or by transfer to a card, you can choose a convenient method at your discretion.
Holidays
The Italian people love holidays, and festivals are held here on a large scale. They are divided into 2 types: civil and religious. The majority of the population is Catholic, while a minority are Protestants, Buddhists, and Muslims. Any event is colorful, with processions and folk festivals.
The largest festival is the Carnival of Venice. It unites more than half a million people in Venice every year. The costumed holiday is celebrated in February. Masks are created by hand. This is one of the conditions for participating in the mask contest.
Italy celebrates the New Year on a large scale. January 1 is declared a day off. The events take place outside. A large festive program with concerts and theatrical performances is being prepared. People drink wine in the open air. There is a tradition of breaking empty containers for good luck.
The Solsfizio al castello Gastronomic Festival takes place in mid-September. It is celebrated with a big feast, where you can taste national dishes and taste local wine.
Milan Fashion Week takes place in February and September. Exclusive fashion collections can be seen at the shows. It's hard to get to an event without an invitation. But famous models will perform on the catwalks. They represent the clothes of famous couturiers. There is a broadcast on the streets.
Shopping
Italian shopping is a combination of pleasant and useful. You can have an interesting time, relax on the beach or visit local attractions, and then make a number of successful purchases and buy souvenirs for friends to remember your trip. It is advisable to know when the seasonal sales are taking place. The most expensive boutiques are concentrated in Milan. They consist of collections of fashion designers. Clothes, shoes and accessories are of very high quality.
Most shops open from 8-9 in the morning and close at 19.00. Lunch break runs from 13.00 to 15.00. This interval is also called a siesta. Discounts on products can reach 70% of the total cost. Outlets and shopping malls are especially popular, which sell products of major brands at a low price all year round.
In addition to clothes in Italy, they buy local cheese, fine wines, original vases and jewelry made of Murano glass.
In addition to traditional fridge magnets, you can bring a tablecloth, shawl and lace napkins as souvenirs. In Rome, people often buy souvenirs with Vatican paraphernalia, figurines of gladiators and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and duplicates of antique coins.
Entertainment
The cultural program can be selected based on different interests. People come to Italy to learn about history and see the sights, to gain positive emotions during their holidays. The Uffizi Gallery is recognized as one of the most luxurious museums in the world. It is located in Florence. The exhibits consist of unique works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Michelangelo and other geniuses of painting. In Ancient Pompeii, you can travel back to the 70s of our era. In those years, Vesuvius was an ordinary hill. People didn't realize that one day the volcano would wake up. It became an apocalypse for the prosperous Roman city, which turned into ruins.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is considered another recognizable Italian symbol. The uniqueness of the unique tower lies in the fact that it is tilted. The architects did not try to achieve this effect. This happened because of a poor-quality foundation. But it became a feature of the tower. However, it is worth noting that measures are being taken to ensure that it does not collapse under its own weight.
Italians recommend visiting the La Scala Opera House in Milan. The concert hall has perfect acoustics. There can be 2,030 spectators here at a time. The opening took place in 1778. The restoration work has not significantly changed the exterior and interior of the neoclassical style.
The Aquarium of Genoa is designed for families with children. The total area is 6 million liters of water. It is the second largest reservoir in Europe. It is home to stingrays, toothy piranhas, penguins and other representatives of the fauna of the planet. Another popular destination is the Rome Time Elevator, which is a 5D cinema. It was equipped with the latest technology. It consists of flying chairs and panoramic screens. A virtual trip will give you a lot of vivid impressions.
Hotels
There are about 40 thousand hotels in Italy. The accommodation is comfortable. The guests do not complain about the conditions or the quality of service. Prices vary, and the peaks of the tourist seasons are most expensive in spring, summer, and fall. In most cases, you can book a room in advance. The more amenities and comforts there are, the more expensive the accommodation will be.
Rooms in private bed and breakfast guest houses and hotels near railway stations are very popular. In these conditions, in addition to sleeping and breakfast, you can take a bath and use the phone. Camping sites are no less in demand. There are about 2,000 of them in Italy. On a budget, you can spend the night in Alpine huts and youth hostels.
The Bulgari Boutique Hotel in Milan retains the status of the most fashionable Italian hotel. The rooms here are thought out to the smallest detail. The hotel has an atmosphere of luxury and exclusivity. This is evident in everything from the soft pile of towels to the culinary delights served in an elegant setting.