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DK Italy
DK Italy
DK Italy
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DK Italy

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Whether you want to explore the evocative ruins of an ancient empire, traverse Tuscany's vineyard-cloaked hills, or simply sip espresso and watch the world go by, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Italy has to offer.

From erupting volcanoes to magnificent coastal scenery, this breath-taking country is rich in natural beauty. And with more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else on Earth, there is no better place to experience the glories of European art and architecture. Of course, Italy is not only a sumptuous feast for the eyes; famous for some of the world's finest food and wine, the country's vibrant gastronomic traditions differ from one town to the next.

Our newly updated guide brings Italy to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the country's iconic buildings and neighborhoods. DK Eyewitness Italy is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime.

Inside DK Eyewitness Italy you will find:


- A fully-illustrated top experiences guide: our expert pick of Italy's must-sees and hidden gems
- Accessible itineraries to make the most out of each and every day
- Expert advice: honest recommendations for getting around safely, when to visit each sight, what to do before you visit, and how to save time and money
- Colour-coded chapters to every part of Italy, from Venice to Rome, Sicily to Sardinia
- Practical tips: the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay
- Detailed maps and walks to help you navigate the region country easily and confidently
- Covers: Northern Italy, Venice, The Veneto and Friuli, Trentino-Alto Adige, Milan, Lombardy and the Lakes, Valle d'Aosta and Piedmont, Liguria, Central Italy, Rome, Lazio, Florence, Tuscany, Umbria
Le Marche, Emilia-Romagna, Southern Italy, Naples, Campania, Abruzzo, Molise and Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria, Sicily, Sardinia

Only visiting Rome? Don't forget to check out DK Eyewitness Rome.

About DK Eyewitness:

At DK Eyewitness, we believe in the power of discovery. We make it easy for you to explore your dream destinations. DK Eyewitness travel guides have been helping travellers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. Filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual DK Eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations, from pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. Named Top Guidebook Series at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we know that wherever you go next, your DK Eyewitness travel guides are the perfect companion.
LanguageEnglish
PublisherDK Travel
Release dateJun 22, 2021
ISBN9780744050448
DK Italy

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  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I used this book on my last trip to Italy. It was 'lightly' informative. I prefer Fromer's books.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a very comprehensive guide. There are detailed maps for many cities. I especially like the pictures and illustrations which make it easy to see what sights you may or may not want to visit.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Excellent resource for both planning purposes and ontour information!

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DK Italy - DK Travel

DK

Italy

Inspire / plan / Discover / experience


Contents


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DISCOVER ITALY

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t Lake Orta, Piedmont

g Discover Italy g Contents

Welcome To

Italy

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t A picturesque canal in Venice lined with boats.

Magnificent piazzas, turquoise seas and rolling hills – Italy has it all. And that’s before you add iconic art, more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else on earth, and the Italian knack for la dolce vita. Whatever your dream trip to Italy entails, this DK Eyewitness travel guide is the perfect companion.

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Italy only became a fully unified country in 1870 – before that it was a turbulent collection of rival city states. Happily for the visitor, their conflicting allegiances and histories resulted in a variety of architecture and art not seen anywhere else in Europe. From the mighty architecture of ancient Rome and Pompeii to the pretty Teutonic mountain villages of the north, and from the lacy Gothic palazzi of Venice to the refined Renaissance churches of Florence, a tour along the Italian peninsula is a roller-coaster ride through European history.

The landscape, too, is incredibly diverse. Ski the spectacular slopes of the Dolomites or witness volcanic pyrotechnics on the summit of Mount Stromboli. Lose yourself in the wilderness of the maquis-clad Sardinian mountains or spot wild ibex in the rocky valleys of the Gran Paradiso national park. Bask on the unspoiled beaches of Puglia or sip vintage wine in the vineyard-cloaked hills of Tuscany. However you choose to experience its natural beauty, Italy will not disappoint.

Italy can easily overwhelm with the sheer number of unmissable cities, towns, villages, archaeological and natural sites that pepper the peninsula. We’ve picked out themes and planned itineraries to whet your appetite, broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, and created colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether you’re staying for a weekend, a week, or longer, this DK Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best the country has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Italy.


1 Flowers in bloom in Monti Sibillini national park, Umbria.

2 Traditional Italian food.

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Reasons To LOVE

Italy

Evocative ruins, extravagant palaces, vineyards, strong espresso and freshly baked pizza: there are so many reasons to love Italy. Here, we pick some of our favourites.

1 The Aperitivo

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t There’s no better way to fill the hours before dinner. Designed to whet your appetite, this Italian tradition consists of a cool sparkling drink served with snacks ranging from olives to exquisite little antipasti.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

2 Cruising Down the Grand Canal

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t Everyone should sail down Venice’s great waterway at least once in their life. Take the slow boat, Vaporetto 1, and stand on the deck for the best views – not only of the lacy palace façades, but of life in a city in which everything happens by water.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

3 Pizza

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t Probably originating in Naples, pizza is, of course, now available all over Italy. Thick crusted in Naples, thin in Rome, sold by the slice, or folded over as a calzone, pizza comes in endless varieties. Wherever you eat it, you can be sure it will be fresh from the oven.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

4 The Passeggiata

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t In every town, village and city in Italy, locals put on their finery and head out for an evening stroll. They might do a little window shopping or stop for an aperitivo, but the main purpose of the passeggiata is to see, be seen and bump into friends.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

5 The PaLazzo

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t From the Gothic façades of Venice to Renaissance townhouses, palazzi give Italian cities and towns much of their beauty. Built by royalty, nobility and wealthy merchants, many have been turned into museums and hotels.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

6 Markets

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t In a country that prides itself on its food, you’ll find a colourful array of fresh produce in markets throughout Italy. Some are held in dedicated market buildings, others outside, but most have great street food stands nearby.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

7 Piazza San Pietro at dawn

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t Designed by Bernini, Piazza San Pietro is one of the most magnificent public spaces in the world. To see it at its best, get up at dawn and explore without the crowds.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

8 Vespas

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t Launched in 1946 to meet the needs of a country crippled by war, the Vespa (wasp) became ubiquitous after Audrey Hepburn leapt on the back of one in Roman Holiday (1953).

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

9 The Duomo

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t The cathedrals (or duomi) of Italy are repositories for some of the world’s greatest art. They cover every architectural style and era, from Byzantine to Baroque.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

10 Beaches

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t Italy has around 7,500 km (4,660 miles) of shoreline, and its coast is one of the most varied in Europe, with sandy beaches, volcanic bays, dramatic cliffs and rocky coves.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

11 The Piazza

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t From intimate squares to grand open-air drawing rooms, Italy’s piazzas are an essential feature of everyday life. Some are lined with pavement cafés, while others host daily markets.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

12 Visiting Vineyards

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t The best way to appreciate the complexities of Italian wine is to visit vineyards. Many welcome visitors, from tiny wineries to major producers who may have dedicated tasting rooms.

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Explore

Italy

This guide divides Italy into three distinct regions: northern Italy, central Italy and southern Italy. These regions have been divided into 20 colour-coded sightseeing areas, as shown on the map above.

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Italy Itineraries

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t Villa Balbianello, Lake Como

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Discover A Grand Tour of Italy

2 Weeks

A Grand Tour of Italy

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Discover A Grand Tour of Italy

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t Florence’s Duomo.

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Italy For

Ancient Archaeology

From Etruscan painted tombs to prehistoric finds, Italy is one of the most astonishing destinations on earth for anyone interested in archaeology. Sicily and Southern Italy, once Magna Graecia, hold many ancient Greek ruins, while lovers of Roman civilization should target Rome, Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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t Colourful Etruscan fresco at the Tomb of the Leopards, Lazio

Etrucan Tombs

The Etruscans were Italy’s first major civilization, living here from around 900 to 27 BC. Etruscan artifacts can be found in the Vatican Museums and Villa Giulia, but to best understand this culture, visit a necropolis. Decorated with feast scenes, the Tomb of the Leopards in the Museo Archeologico e Necropoli in Tarquinia is particularly beautiful.

Camuni Carvings

The extraordinary rock carvings of the Val Camonica in Lombardy were created by people who settled in the valley during the Neolithic period (1000–400 BC). Known to the Romans as Camuni, these people produced some of the finest rock art in Europe. To see the best engravings, head for the Parco Nazionale delle Incisioni Rupestri.

Roman Life

Remnants of Ancient Rome can be found everywhere in Italy, from Aquileia and Aosta in the north to Herculaneum and Pompeii in the south. The latter were both preserved in a thick layer of ash when Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, and today present a vivid picture of Roman life. Of course, Rome has a glut of sites, which are best discovered on a walking tour of the city (www.romefreewalkingtour.com).

Greece in Italy

In the 8th century BC, Greeks began to settle in Sicily and southern Italy. Several of the great intellectuals of Classical Greece, including Empedocles and Archimedes, were in fact Sicilian, and by the 4th century BC Siracusa was the most powerful city in the region. For a taste of the city’s zenith, check out the summer festival of Greek drama at the Greek Theatre. It’s easy to forget that you are not in Greece, when exploring the Valley of the Temples and its Museo Archeologico Pietro Griffo.

Nuraghic Giants

Sardinia is home to around 7,000 nuraghi, truncated stone structures dating from 1800 to 300 BC and built by a mysterious Mediterranean people. Start your journey into nuraghic history at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale G A Sanna in Sassari, then head for Mont’e Prama. This necropolis is guarded by an entire stone army of giants.

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Italy for Renaissance

Masterpieces

The 14th to 16th centuries saw an explosion of the arts in Italy due to the wealth of Rome – the power-centre of the Christian Church – and the prosperity of the rest of the peninsula’s city states. Cardinals, merchants and aristocrats alike flaunted their wealth and power through the patronage of artists, and left behind a cornucopia of Renaissance masterpieces.

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t The Creation of Adam on the Sistine Chapel ceiling

Fabulous Frescos

Although this art form has existed since antiquity, fresco will forever be associated with the Renaissance and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Michelangelo was initially reluctant to accept the commission from Pope Julius II in 1508, as he had little experience in fresco, but four years later, he had completed the 366 figures that can be seen on the ceiling today. Other Renaissance frescoes to seek out include Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, Corregio’s Assumption and Il Pordenone’s Adoration of the Magi.

Statuesque Sculptures

Renaissance sculptures were often executed on a large scale. Michelangelo’s colossal statue of the young biblical hero David is the perfect example. The choice of subject was popular at the time, with David representing Florence as a warning to the Goliath of Rome. The influence of Classical Greek and Roman art is also evident in Pietro da Cortona’s Rape of the Sabine Women and Ammannati’s Fountain of Neptune see Piazza della Signoria.

Perfect Paintings

The Renaissance saw a revival of Neoplatonism, which espouses that the contemplation of physical beauty leads to an understanding of spiritual beauty. This philosophy infuses The Birth of Venus, Botticelli’s depiction of the Roman goddess of beauty, which hangs in the Uffizi Gallery alongside Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch and Michelangelo’s The Holy Family. Feeling inspired to create your own masterpiece? Take a painting holiday (www.paintingholidaysinitaly.com).

Did You Know?

Fresco means fresh in Italian. The process involves applying paint to wet plaster before it dries.

DISCOVER Italy Your Way

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Renaissance artists

Giotto (c 1270–1337)

Re-introduced realism into medieval art.

Botticelli (1445–1510)

Renowned for his mythological subjects.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)

An artist, inventor and architect.

Michelangelo (1475–1564)

Considered the best artist of his age.

Titian (1488–1576)

The first to paint for patrons all over Europe.

Artemisia (1593–1653)

Many of her paintings feature mythological and biblical women.

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Italy’s incredible

Architecture

There is nowhere better than Italy to experience the glories of European architecture and the country’s buildings speak of its tumultuous history. Of course, there are countless examples of ancient architecture, but the Romanesque and Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, as well as Fascist and contemporary styles, are also well represented.

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Baroque Buildings

In the Counter-Reformation, architecture aimed to inspire awe, with highly decorated features, including twisted columns and grand staircases. Turin was constructed by some of Baroque’s biggest names; take a tour of the city to discover the work of Guarino Guarini and Filippo Juvarra (www.somewhere.it).

Contemporary Construction

In the 21st century, Italian architecture has taken on a sustainable and ethical bent. This is most visible in Milan’s Bosco Verticale, which is covered in over 800 trees. Elsewhere, check out Zaha Hadid’s Messner Mountain Museum Corones, which is carved into the mountainside.

Mussolini’s Monuments

Fascist architecture is characterized by its simplicity, symmetry and scale – take Como’s Casa del Fascio,which is a perfect rectangle, with a height half the length of its base. Milan was Mussolini’s adopted city and has a huge number of Fascist buildings. Guiding Architects Milano run tours of the city (www.ga-milano.it).

Renaissance Symmetry

Bramante’s masterpiece at San Pietro in Montorio in Rome is the embodiment of the Renaissance ideals of order, precision and symmetry, which were believed to reflect the perfection of God. Consisting of two concentric shells, the dome of Florence’s Duomo also exemplifies the era’s penchant for geometry.

Glitzy Gothic

The pointed arches and intricate stonework of Gothic architecture were imported from France by the Cistercian monastic order, who sought to build taller and lighter buildings. Adopted by palace architects in Venice, it is exemplified in the delicate lacy stone embroidery of the Palazzo Ducale. Here, the style is combined with Byzantine and Moorish influences. Join a Hidden Doge’s Treasure Tour to get under the skin of this wonderful building.

Romanesque Landmarks

The rounded arches that typify the Romanesque style had their origins in ancient Roman basilicas, and re-emerged from the Dark Ages in buildings such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Interiors were usually simple, like those of their Roman predecessors, making great play of stone, geometry and light, elements clearly visible in Pisa’s famous landmark. Florence’s octagonal Baptistry also uses geometry to great effect and is thought to have been built on top of a Roman temple to Mars.

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Insider Tip

Modern Venice

To see another side of Venice, away from the Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance buildings, take a tour with Viaggi di Architettura (www.viaggidiarchitettura.it).

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Italy for

Foodies

The gastronomic traditions of Italy are a vibrant mosaic, with specialities differing from one town to the next. Here, we talk you through the must-eats and must-drinks of each region, so you know what to order and where.

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t Florence and Tuscany

Rich bean soups, toasted bread topped with chicken liver pâté, and steaks from prized Chianina cattle dominate here. Start your evening chatting to regulars over crostini and a glass of Chianti at wine bar Fiaschetteria Nuvoli (Piazza dell’Olio 15, Florence). Then, order ribollita (bread and vegetable soup) at Il Latini or Chianina steak at Trattoria Mario (trattoriamario.com).

Puglia and Sicily

Puglia is one of Italy’s biggest producers of fresh produce, while Sicily’s long history of invasions is reflected in its rich and varied cuisine. Order burrata (buffalo cheese with a creamy centre) in Puglia and accompany it with a glass of Salice Salentino wine. On Sicily, arancini (stuffed deep-fried rice balls) are perfect for lunch and Savia, in Catania, makes some of the best (lnx.savia.it). In search of a sweet treat? Pasticceria Oscar in Palermo serves up classic Sicilian cannoli.

Rome and Lazio

The traditional cuisine in this central region is based on cheap cuts of meat and offal, along with simple pasta dishes. Despite this simplicity, we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed by the pizza bianca sandwiches (cooked pizza base, sliced and stuffed) or spaghetti alla carbonara at Lo Zozzone. It’s not all meaty either – look out for Carcio alla giudia (deep-fried artichokes), which pair perfectly with a dry Frascati wine.

Venice and the Veneto

Sipping a tart, orange Aperol spritz and grazing on cicchetti e ombre (traditional canapés) , while overlooking a Venetian canal: bliss. These waterways are responsible for many of the local delicacies – the region’s history as the nexus of trade between the east and the west lent it sweet-and-sour sauces and a penchant for seafood. Risotto al nero di seppia (squid-ink risotto) and bigoli in salsa (pasta with onion and anchovies) are the local must-eats.

Naples and Campania

This region is home to the classic Mediterranean diet, based on vegetables, tomatoes and olive oil. But this is also where pizza was born. The ideal Neapolitan dinner would encompass mozzarella di bufala (soft cheese made from buffalos’ milk), a classic pizza margherita at Da Michele, washed down with a glass of Aglianico or Greco di Tufo, and then sfogliatelle (shell-shaped filled pastries) at Pasticceria Andrea Pansa (www.pasticceriapansa.it).

Milan and Northwest Italy

Risotto, truffles and polenta are popular inland, while coastal Liguria is famous for its seafood, olive oil and basil.Order pesto pasta in Genoa, risotto in Milan and cacciucco (seafood casserole) in Livorno. Earthy Barolo and rich Barbaresco grace local wine menus, while bitter-sweet Campari makes for the perfect apéritif. Cin cin!

DISCOVER Italy Your Way

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Budget Dining Tips

Stand for Coffee

Standing at the bar for a coffee can cost less, especially in Venice, than sitting at a table.

Menu Fisso

Fixed-price menus, including a glass of wine and water, can be extremely good value.

Aperitivo

When ordering a drink it may be offered as an aperitivo. This will be more expensive but it will include antipasti, or items that can be selected from a menu, so you won’t need to pay for dinner.

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Italy for

Natural Wonders

From erupting volcanoes to magnificent coastal scenery, Italy is rich in breathtaking natural wonders. Experience them by driving, hiking, sailing, skiing or simply lazing on a beach.

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t Snow-covered Mount Etna, looming over the city of Catania, Sicily

Volcanoes and Mountains

With towering peaks peppering the country, Italy is a haven for mountain pursuits. Tackle the challenging Via Ferrata route through the Dolomites hit the Alps’ ski slopes or take a cable car up to the summit of Etna – the highest active volcano in Europe.

Valleys and Vineyards

Perhaps the most beautiful valley in Tuscany, the rolling cypress-spiked hills of Val d’Orcia to the south of Siena appear in the backgrounds of many Renaissance paintings. Lush and green in spring, crisp and golden in summer, this valley is captivating at any time of the year. Explore its sinuous country roads by bike, pausing at vineyards to sample Orcia wines.

Breathtaking Beaches

Italy has some fantastic beaches, especially in the south and on the islands of Elba, Sicily and Sardinia. Our top pick is Scala dei Turchi, on the south coast of Sicily. Surrounded by blinding white cliffs, this stretch of glinting quartz is caressed by a crystalline turquoise sea. It’s the perfect place for a dip.

Caves and Caverns

There is a hidden world beneath the Italian soil. Take a walk through the spectacular limestone formations of the Grotte di Frasassi. One of Europe’s largest cave-systems, over 15 km (9 miles) have been explored. Elsewhere, take a boat trip through the incredible Grotta Azzurra.

DISCOVER Italy Your Way

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Italian Beaches

Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia

A pebbled beach known for its turquoise waters.

Cala Bianca, Campania

This small beach has sand as white as snow.

Spiaggia delle Ghiaie, Tuscany

The perfect spot for snorkelling and diving.

Spiaggia dei Conigli, Sicily

Turtles come to lay their eggs on this beach.

Porto Miggiano, Puglia

A wild Adriatic spot.

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Italy For

Outdoor Activities

Thanks to its varied geography, Italy is a veritable haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The mountainous north offers some of Europe’s best skiing and hiking, while the country’s 7,000 km (4,350 miles) of coastline have their own appeal.

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t People enjoying the snow on a ski slope in the Dolomites

Hit the Slopes

In the north, the Alps and the Dolomites offer plenty of fun, with some of the continent’s best ski resorts attracting both novice and advanced skiers. Here, cross-country trails wind through wooded landscapes, offering great off-piste opportunities. For something a bit different, head out on a snow-shoeing adventure with AIGAE (www.aigae.org) or try curling at the Palaghiaccio di Claut (www.palaclaut.altervista.org).

Take a Hike

Trails lace Italy from north to south, along dramatic mountain vistas, lake panoramas and seascapes. For Alpine scenery, make the most of the 750-km- (466-mile-) long Alpe Adria Trail (alpe-adria-trail.com), which winds through Italy, Austria and Slovenia. In the south, don’t miss the Sentiero degli Dei (incampania.com), which hugs the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Trekking Italia organizes group treks to suit all abilities (www.trekkingitalia.org).

Take to the Water

Lake Garda attracts keen windsurfers, kite surfers and fly boarders who come to glide its wind-swept waters and perform old school tricks in the air. For water-skiing, wakeboarding and SUP, make for the Water Experience Centre (waterexperiencecenter.it) on the calmer waters of nearby Lake Como. Bored of lakes? Head to Sardinia for some of the best snorkelling and diving in Europe with SubAquaDive (www.subaquadive.it) or, for a less energetic experience, cruise across Capri’s deep blue waters with Capri Boat Experience (www.capriboatexperience.com).

Wheelie Good Fun

Cyclists of all abilities will enjoy wheeling around Italy. Soak up lake and mountain scenery on a leisurely ride along the scenic Garda by Bike cycle path, a wooden and steel walkway hooked into the mountain walls 50 m (164 ft) above the lake. In Tuscany, the intermediate Giro del Chianti (www.viaggiareinbici.it) snakes up and down hills carpeted in vineyards and olive groves. The more adventurous should head to Sardinia’s rugged interior, where a network of trails outside the city of Sinnai are sure to keep the adrenaline pumping.

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GREAT VIEW

Sky High

Linking the Alpine resorts of Courmayeur and Punta Hebronner, the 2,166-m (7,106-ft) Skyway Montebianco cable car grants vistas of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak (www.montebianco.com).

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Italy for

Families

Italy’s broad mix of child-friendly attractions and activities means that you will never be short of ways to keep your kids entertained. Families are at the centre of Italian life so children will receive a warm welcome wherever they go, while an increasing number of museums and sites have dedicated tours for younger visitors.

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t Sculpture of Orcus, god of the underworld, at the Bomarzo Monster Park

Weird and Wonderful

There are all kinds of quirky spots tucked away in this ancient and artistic country, and kids will love stumbling upon beautiful and bizarre surprises. Set off together and discover hidden gems like Bomarzo – a 16th century sculpture-filled wonderland scattered with monster statues – and the overgrown ruins of Valle dei Mulini.

Dress the Part

The lively atmosphere and fun traditions of a festival make an exciting and kid-friendly introduction to local culture, food and history. Carnevale is a particularly great choice as it’s celebrated all over Italy, with children dressing up to take part in processions or just to wander the town with their parents. The most famous celebrations are in Venice in the weeks leading up to Lent. On the 2nd and 3rd Sunday in August, the Volterra AD 1398 festival (www.volterra1398.it) sees the town return to the Middle Ages as locals dress up as knights, peasants, jugglers, musicians, friars and jesters.

Travel Back in Time

Italy’s museums are always searching for new ways to entertain youngsters. Virtual reality installations at some sights – including the Palazzo Valentini and the Baths of Caracalla – do a great job of bringing history to life. The Vatican Museums’ audio guide for children is so good that adults might wish to opt for it as well, while the Roman Gladiator School gives kids the chance to dress up as gladiators for the day and learn how to fight. All the gear is sanitized between each use.

Make Pizza and Gelato

Fancy having a budding chef in the family? Pizza and ice-cream-making classes for kids are becoming increasingly popular, especially in major cities. Italian Connection (www.italian-connection.co.uk) specializes in creating tailor-made experiences for families with children.

Did You Know?

The orcs in J R R Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings trilogy were reportedly inspired by Orcus.

DISCOVER Italy Your Way

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Budget tips for families

Free Travel

Children under a certain age or height can often travel for free. Check transport websites for details.

Family Passes

Save with family travel and museum passes in Rome, Florence and other major art cities.

Free Beaches

Look out for the spiaggia libera (free beach) signs.

Picnic Lunches

Italy is full of great delicatessens that let children pick their own sandwich fillings and charge a fraction of the price found in cafés. Most towns also have drinking water fountains and taps.

Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour Buses

In big cities these can be a cost-effective way to see as many sights as possible and keep tantrums to a minimum.

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Italy for

Inspiration

With its gorgeous landscapes, romantic cityscapes and rich history, Italy has inspired writers and poets for centuries. More recently, the country has also become a favoured filming location, with many romantic comedies, horror films and crime movies being set here.

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t Panoramic view of the amphitheatre in the Vittoriale-degli-Italiani

On Page

Countless writers have sought inspiration in Italy, from William Shakespeare to Elena Ferrante. Get under the skin of your favourite piece of literature by visiting the creator’s home. Alessandro Manzoni, author of historical novel The Betrothed (1827), lived in a stately house in Milan (www.casadelmanzoni.it), while the decadent poet Gabriele D’Annunzi called Vittoriale degli Italiani, with its amphitheatre and warship, home (www.vittoriale.it). As well as home-grown talent, Italy has beguiled visiting writers, from Lord Byron to Dan Brown. Don’t miss the Keats-Shelley Memorial House in Rome. But you don’t have to visit a writer’s residence to get inspired. In Ferrante’s novels, the city of Naples is as much a character as the people.

On Screen

Hollywood loves Italy. The troglodyte settlement of Matera served as the setting for The Passion of the Christ (2004), while scenes from Francis Ford Coppola’s classic The Godfather (1972) were filmed near Taormina in Sicily. Head to Turin to relive scenes from The Italian Job (1969), in which a fleet of Mini Coopers drive over the test track of the Lingotto building. Want to watch the latest films? The Venice Film Festival, the world’s oldest film festival, and the Turin Film Festival both attract big names in Italian and international cinema.

In Music

Italy has long been known for its musical prowess and has been home to countless composers. The Casa Natale di Puccini in Lucca houses furniture, documents and memorabilia, as well as Puccini’s treasured Steinway & Sons piano. Cremona is perhaps the most musical place in the country; take a tour of Stradivarius’s hometown. Another famous Cremona resident was Giuseppe Verdi, whose villa is found nearby (see Cremona). Here, you can see the Fritz piano the composer used to create a number of his operas, including Rigoletto and Aida. Prefer to listen to the music? Book a ticket to the summer opera festival at the Arena di Verona (www.arena.it).

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Italy for

Photographers

Each and every one of Italy’s regions has its own distinctive physical and cultural identity, offering photographers boundless opportunities for capturing the country’s many facets. While the crowds are flocking to Venice and Rome, these spots offer an alternative to Italy’s most touristy places.

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t Vineyards in the Chianti area of Tuscany, which is known for its red wines

Valleys and Vineyards

With its undulating hills carpeted in vineyards and olive groves, Tuscany has natural beauty aplenty and the visitor numbers to prove it. To escape the crowds, head to Piedmont’s Le Langhe. These lesser-known vineyards easily rival those of Tuscany, with idyllic vine-clad hills set against the stunning backdrop of the snowy Alps.

Ancient Sites

Capture history on film at one of the country’s countless ancient sites. Visit pretty Taormina’s splendid Greek Theatre and photograph the ruins at sunset, making sure to capture both snowy Etna and the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean to the east. Frozen in time against the ominous backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, the ruins of Pompeii are equally photogenic, while Villa Jovis – Capri’s Roman palace – has a magnificent setting atop Monte Tiberio.

Art and Architecture

With more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world, Italy offers no shortage of artistic and architectural masterpieces to capture on camera. There’s no need to battle the queues outside the Colosseum in Rome and Florence’s Duomo. Instead, make a beeline for Italy’s second cities, such as Turin and Siena, and head for the nearest church. Italy’s religious buildings were designed to reflect the glory of God, with soaring ceilings and beautiful frescos. The secret is to seek out new perspectives – keep your eyes peeled, look up at ceilings and get off the beaten path.

Hilltop Villages

In the early morning, the low-lying sun bathes Matera’s cavernous dwellings in golden hues. Head to the Sassi district and put your camera on the floor to capture a unique view of this fascinating troglodyte settlement, with its hotchpotch of buildings. Other photogenic villages include Orvieto in Umbria and Pitigliano in southern Tuscany.

Reflective Lakes

The Italian lakes are beguilingly beautiful. For unobstructed Lake Como views, climb up to the Castello di Vezio, a perfectly positioned medieval military outpost (www.castellodivezio.it). At the viewpoint, a shrouded statue looks out over the water, making an eerie subject for your picture. To get the best shots of Lake Garda, take the cable car to the summit of Monte Baldo.

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A Year In

Italy

Each of Italy’s distinct regions has its own festivals and events, making the country’s calendar as diverse as its landscapes. From gastronomic festivals to elaborate commemorations of every patron saint imaginable, there’s always something going on.

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Zubin Mehta conducting an orchestra at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

Spring

The season kicks off with Easter, when the Pope’s address draws massive crowds to Rome, fireworks light up Florence and re-enactments of The Passion are staged in Sicily. Sporting events include everything from rugby to cycling, while music festivals, such as Dolomiti Ski Jazz Festival and Florence’s Maggio Musicale, bring diverse sounds. Foodies have much to look forward to too, with spring specialities, such as asparagus, spinach and rocket, featuring on menus.

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The Japan Pavilion at the 56th Venice Biennale, 2015

Summer

As temperatures climb, visitors flock to Italy, particularly for big-ticket events such as the Venice Art Biennale – the world’s biggest contemporary art exhibition. Italians, however, head for the coast, especially around Ferragosto (Assumption) on 15 August. During this national holiday, there are open-air concerts, dances and fireworks all over the country.

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Harvesting Nebbiolo grapes at the Travaglini winery in Gattinara, Piedmont

Autumn

The cooler months may seem slower and gentler than summer, but that doesn’t mean that there are fewer festivals. Gastronomic events abound and celebrate whatever produce is local, be it chestnuts or truffles, cheeses or sausages. The highlight of any oenophile’s calendar is La Vendemmia – the grape harvest – which is celebrated with riotous village festivities, when the latest wines flow freely.

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Modelling Carnevale costumes in Venice

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La Befana figure sold at a Christmas market in Rome

Winter

Fairs, markets and religious events are held up and down the country at this time of year. The Christmas holiday itself is low-key; more is made of other religious events such as Epiphany, where children receive stockings of gifts from La Befana – the Christmas witch – and Venice’s Carnevale, when the streets mill with costumed and masked local nobility or crazily attired visitors.

San Gennaro Miracle

On the first Sunday in May, 19 September and 16 December, Neapolitans flock to the Duomo for one of Italy’s most intriguing events. If the vial of San Gennaro’s congealed blood liquifies, it is seen as a sign that Naples’ patron saint has blessed the city.

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Sporting Events

Six Nations

Italy’s rugby team plays France, Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland in February and March.

Rome Masters

Famed clay-court tennis tournament in May.

Giro d’Italia

This cycle race takes place over several stages from May to June.

Calcio Storico

In June, Florence hosts historic football matches, with players dressed in authentic 16th-century costumes.

Italian Grand Prix

The Italian stage of the Formula One World Championship is held in September in Monza.

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a brief

history

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t Medieval map of the Roman Empire.

Italy’s history is one of discord and division. The only time Italy was united prior to the 19th century was under the Romans. For centuries, popes, emperors and warring states battled it out or fought against foreign invaders. The goal of a unified Italy was achieved in 1870.

The Age of the Etruscans

The Etruscans were Italy’s first major civilization. Their origin is a mystery, as is their language, but from the 9th century BC they spread through central Italy, their chief rivals being the Greeks in the south. In the 6th century Etruscan kings ruled Rome, the city that would ultimately eclipse them.

From Republic to Empire

From the scores of tribes inhabiting ancient Italy, the Romans emerged to conquer the peninsula and impose their language, customs and laws on the other regions. Rome’s success was due to superb skill in military and civil organization. The State was a republic ruled by two consuls but, as the extent of Rome’s conquests grew, power passed to generals such as Julius Caesar. Caesar’s heirs became the first Roman emperors.

The Golden Age of Rome

From the age of Augustus to the reign of Trajan, Rome grew until her empire stretched from Britain to the Red Sea. Despite the extravagance of emperors such as Nero, taxes and loot from military campaigns refilled the Imperial coffers, and Roman citizens enjoyed great wealth at the expense of conquered civilizations.

The Splitting of the Empire

A turning point in the history of the Roman Empire came with Emperor Constantine’s decision to build a new capital at Constantinople (Byzantium). By the 5th century the Empire was split into two and Germanic invaders began migrating southwards. The Eastern Empire retained nominal control over parts of Italy from Ravenna, which became the most powerful city of the age, while Rome was reduced to ruins.

The Rise of Venice

Medieval Italy saw waves of foreign invaders joining the power-struggle between popes and emperors. In the confusion, many northern cities asserted their independence from feudal overlords. The most powerful was Venice, which grew rich through trade with the East and by shipping Crusaders to fight the Saracens in the Holy Land.

The Late Middle Ages

Old feuds between pope and emperor thrived throughout the 14th century, kept alive

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