IL BEL PAESE

ITALIA

“You may have the world if I may have Italy”
Giuseppe Verdi – Italian opera composer

Unforgettable Views, History, and Flavors.

Italy, country of south-central Europe, occupying a peninsula that juts deep into the Mediterranean Sea. Italy comprises some of the most varied and scenic landscapes on Earth and is often described as a country shaped like a boot. At its broad top stand the Alps, which are among the world’s most rugged mountains.

FACTS & FIGURES

Rome

The Capital

58,8 million

Population

EU & EUR

Italy is a member of the European Union and the currency is Euro.

Italian

Language

Landscapes that will take your breath away, rich history, and delicious food.

Since the rise of the Roman Empire, Italian art, architecture, and culture have had an influence around the world. Famed Italian painters include Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Italy is also at the heart of the Catholic Church, which is governed from Vatican City, a city-state surrounded by Rome.

When in Italy, eat and drink everything. A meal in Italy is a leisurely and elegant affair, moving slowly from aperitivo to antipasto to first course to second course to dessert. Each step on this delightful journey will showcase local ingredients in the pinnacle of readiness. People often refer to Italian cuisine as “simple”; really, it’s a very sophisticated connoisseurship of seasonality and quality.

World Heritage

UNESCO

Italy boasts a world-leading 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic centers of Rome and Florence, the ruins of Pompeii, the colorful Amalfi Coast, the canals of Venice, the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia, and the towering Dolomites.

Regions of Italy

Italy, a country known for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes and exquisite cuisine, fascinates travelers and historians alike. From the snow-capped Alps of the Aosta Valley to the sunny beaches of Sicily, each of Italy’s 20 regions offers a unique blend of history, art and gastronomy.

Let’s start in the north with the Aosta Valley, which is known for its alpine landscape and ski resorts. Right next door, in Piedmont, the wines and the picturesque Alps enchant every visitor. The Lombardy the economic heart of Italy, shines with trendy cities and idyllic lakes. Friuli-Venezia Giulia offers an enchanting mix of mountain scenery, sea and historic sites, while Trentino-South Tyrol offers breathtaking mountain scenery and outdoor activities. In Veneto, the romantic city of Venice with its canals and historic architecture attracts visitors from all over the world. Liguria impresses with unique coastal landscapes such as Cinque Terre and Riviera Ligure.

In the center of Italy lies the Tuscany a region famous for its picturesque hilly landscape, its wines and its artistic treasures. Umbria the «green heart of Italy», impresses with its picturesque hilly landscapes and medieval towns. The Marche often referred to as Italy’s best-kept secret, fascinate with their unspoiled landscapes and cultural wealth. Lazio with the eternal city of Rome is a melting pot of history and culture.

The southern regions of Italy are rich in traditions and natural wonders. Campania, home to the famous Amalfi Coast, impresses with its breathtaking coastal landscape and rich history. Puglia is a dream destination with its characteristic trulli houses and crystal-clear beaches. Calabria and Basilicata often overlooked, offer unspoiled landscapes and a deeply rooted culture. Sicily and Sardinia the two largest islands in the Mediterranean, are famous for their unique cuisine, ancient ruins and spectacular beaches.

Every region in Italy is a mosaic of history, culture and nature. From the traditional villages in Molise and the Emilia-Romagna known for their gastronomic delights, to the lively cities and rich history of the Abruzzo Italy offers unparalleled diversity. Each region has its own traditions, its own cuisine and its own dialects, which together form the fascinating mosaic of Italian culture.