Home Relaxation Travel and tourism Where to go and what to see in Italy

Where to go and what to see in Italy

■Relaxation
■Travel and tourism

by FRIDA77 - Jul 4, 2017

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Italy is probably the most attractive European country for tourists. And all because everyone here will find something to their liking, because this is the homeland of renowned sculptors, great artists, fashion shows and the Cote d'Azur. Lovers of architectural antiquity will certainly go to the Vatican, romantic natures will choose Venice or Florence, and those who prefer a beach holiday will soak up the gentle sun in Rimini or Sardinia.

Italy landmarks

Italy is a real find for connoisseurs of European culture, as many religious buildings have been built on the territory of the country: churches, cathedrals, chapels, as well as medieval castles, as there are no other cities in Europe. Ancient Rome is a real political and cultural phenomenon, fortunately, some of the buildings erected in antiquity, we have the opportunity to see now.

The antique Colosseum is a symbolic place in Rome and throughout Italy, its visiting card. The Roman amphitheater was built in the 1st century AD. e. The seats in it were located in circles, and the lower row was occupied by the emperors and their entourage, after them there were boxes for high-ranking officials, then seats for ordinary Roman citizens, and at the very top were spectators from the lower classes.

At that time, the Colosseum served as an entertainment institution for citizens - gladiator fights and baiting of wild animals took place there. During its centuries-old history, the Flavian amphitheater suffered from fires and destruction, but in 2000, the reconstruction period was finally completed. And now the audience can enjoy the spectacle, but not gladiatorial, but theatrical.

Another miracle of Ancient Rome is a temple called the Pantheon, built in 27 BC. Agrippa, a statesman who was the son-in-law of the Emperor Augustus. It is noteworthy that initially the "temple of all gods" was built not round, but square, its shape changed much later.

There are several myths about the Pantheon. So, for example, there is a legend about the construction of its roof - as if in order to install it on this monumental structure, it was necessary to fill it with earth mixed with gold. After the completion of the construction, it was allowed to take the gold coins to anyone who wished, so the building was instantly cleared.

Currently, the Pantheon is interesting not only for the perfection of forms, but also for the fact that the remains of many famous cultural figures and rulers of Italy rest on its territory.

Milan's grandiose Duomo Cathedral is one of the European symbols, built of white marble in the late Gothic style. The monumental building rises in the historical part of the city, on its main square. An interesting fact is that the construction of the cathedral was started in the 14th century, and the facade was finished only at the beginning of the 19th century, by order of Napoleon. In terms of its size and capacity, the Duomo is second only to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

The temple is distinguished by incredible grace, it is decorated with many pointed spiers, turrets and columns, which are connected by floating supports.

St. Peter's Square is the largest in Rome, but in fact it is located in the smallest state in the world - the Vatican. Once the largest Christian architectural monument was erected on the square.

Those who have visited the Vatican at least once will never forget this grandiose spectacle - a snow-white tent-shaped dome sparkling in the azure sky.

During the reign of the cruel emperor Nero, a circus was located on the site of the cathedral, where thousands of Christians were tortured and executed. Legend has it that once the Apostle Peter was brought here. In memory of him, Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of a basilica. In the process of excavations, archaeologists really proved that the remains of one of the apostles, Peter, lie in the basement.

The construction lasted for several centuries, and prominent architects of Italy, such as Michelangello and Giacomo, had a hand in its construction.

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento in Sicily is the main attraction of the region. The town itself is amazingly picturesque.You can find interesting medieval buildings on its streets, but they all lead to the Valley of the Temples.

On the territory of the former capital of Sicily, there are 7 unique ancient monuments that have survived to this day, most of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. All temples belong to the ancient period and are made in the Doric style - Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hercules, Temple of Dioscuri, Temple of Concord, Temple of Juno, Temple of Asclepsius, Temple of Vulcan.

Finding the most beautiful fountain in Rome is not difficult; in Italy it is no less famous than the Roman Colosseum. The Trevi fountain is a unique structure, because it combines seemingly incompatible baroque and neoclassicism, which makes guests of the city feel as if they are hovering over a majestic architectural composition, where clear verified lines and luxury “argue”.

Outwardly, the Trevi fountain resembles a theatrical stage, and in the center of it is the master of the sea element - Neptune, in a chariot drawn by tritons and seahorses. No less interesting are the allegorical images of animals, people and seasons.

The fountain is a kind of facade to the Poli Palace. Its bottom is dotted with numerous coins that tourists leave to come back here again. The authorities do not particularly object, this tradition brings additional income to the city's treasury.

Beautiful places in Italy

There were so many enthusiastic words about the most romantic city in the world - Venice. The city consists of hundreds of islands connected by many bridges and canals, the most famous of which is the Grand Canal, which divides Venice in half. The only means of transportation here are the outstretched boats - the handoles.

The marble waterfall on the Velino River in the Umbria region is the tallest and oldest man-made waterfall in the world, because the ancient Romans began to build it, in the following centuries the canals were constantly expanded and completed. Powerful water streams falling in a cascade are a grandiose sight.

Naples rightfully occupies one of the first places in the ranking of the most beautiful and popular places in Italy, because it is famous for its rich cultural heritage, extraordinary history and picturesque views. In addition, in the vicinity of Naples, you can see the remains of the famous ancient city of Pompeii.

Lake Como in northern Italy, few people know outside the country, and in fact it is the deepest in Europe and one of the most heavenly corners of the country. The lake has a very curious shape in the form of three rays, some compare it to a slingshot. This beautiful reservoir is known for the fact that noble nobles loved to build luxurious villas here. Tourists can still admire old parks with graceful fountains and terraces.

Resorts of Italy

If you prefer a comfortable stay on the beach to a detailed study of Roman architecture, then there are many options for you in this amazing country.

Rimini is considered the undoubted leader of beach holidays in Italy, its popularity just rolls over. Here, 15 km of the coastal strip, there are several beaches, most of them are paid, but there are also municipal ones. Rimini is a great option for families with children, because the sea is relatively shallow and the slopes are gentle. At the height of the tourist season in Rimini, you can visit discos, festivals and city holidays. Comfortable hotels, numerous restaurants and shops are waiting for you - the infrastructure is well developed here.

The small seaside town of Amalfi is one of the most prestigious resorts in Europe: a large number of attractions, luxurious restaurants and manicured pebble beaches. This picturesque ancient city has clear sea, gentle slopes and low waves, which is important if you are planning a vacation with kids. As in any tourist destination, there are free beaches and those that are attached outside the territory of hotels.

In Amalfi, any guest can combine business with pleasure - sunbathe under the gentle sun and get around local attractions, including the Cathedral of St. Andrew and the Duomo di Amalfi Cathedral, as well as the Paper Museum and the City Museum.

Milano Marittima is another maritime resort in Italy, located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Milano Marittima is surrounded by a pine forest, the air is unusually pleasant and healing. The resort is suitable for both families and youth. There are several beaches with volleyball courts, tennis courts, and the opportunity to go surfing, diving, water skiing or jet skiing.

In the vicinity of Milano Marittima there is the famous Mirabilandia amusement park, on the territory there is a water park and many attractions.

Other popular resorts in Italy:

The Puglia region has the longest coastline and boasts several popular resorts.
The resort of Calabria is no less famous than Sicily and Apulia. Here you can find beaches for all tastes - from long sandy to pebble coves.
Tuscany is known for its rolling hills, noble wines and rich historical culture.
Sardinia attracts romantic natures with its emerald sea, picturesque caves and coves.

Italy hotels

In order not to be mistaken when choosing a hotel in Italy, first of all decide for yourself what is the purpose of your visit to the country - a beach vacation or sightseeing in different cities.

If you want to visit a large number of interesting places in a short time, then choose a hotel close to these sights. During the sightseeing tour, you can choose a hotel in the center or in the suburbs. In the second case, you will save a lot, but in the first you will gain the opportunity to inspect everything slowly, at any time of the day, especially since many cities open up in a completely new way at nightfall.

Hotels located in the city have an interesting feature - the closer to the historical center, the more compact the rooms. Inexpensive hotels do not have their own kitchen; breakfasts, most likely, will be brought to you from the nearest cafes. Many owners are sure that the hotel in this case is intended only for overnight stays.

Journey by train is the most convenient option for exploring the iconic sights of Italy. If you plan to travel this way, choose a hotel close to the train station.

If you prefer a relaxed vacation on the seaside, then the requirements for the hotel become much higher, because here you will spend most of your time. Find out in advance what type of beach is located near the hotel - sand, pebble or rocky, how much will it cost to rent sun loungers. In Italy, as a rule, their use is not free, the entrance fee to the equipped beach is charged by completely different organizations. The more expensive the hotel, the more expensive the rent.

The level of service and comfort in Italy is inferior to that of Turkey. Rooms here are small, 4-star hotels can be very different from each other, some of them are quite good, others resemble three-star hotels. The food in the restaurants is of high quality, but does not differ in variety; you can taste traditional dishes only in local restaurants.

Features of Italy

Not all guests of the country can understand the mentality of Italians, their culture and peculiarities of temperament in a few days. But the first thing that usually catches your eye is the relaxation of the locals. During a two-hour siesta (an afternoon nap), shops and offices are closed, the townspeople sit in cozy cafes, drink and enjoy food, live in pleasure - you can't refuse Italians.

Europeans are sometimes perplexed by the behavior of the locals, they do not hesitate to talk loudly, violently sort things out and actively gesticulate, and they can shamelessly get nasty or cut short on the road - they have this a sign of decisiveness and firm character.

Italians respect their homeland very much, so they do not tolerate it when they treat it as another visited country. You will earn the trust of the other person if you show deep knowledge of the local culture.

In terms of their love for bright outfits, Italian women are similar to Russian women. If in England they prefer comfortable clothes to beautiful clothes, then here a lady can go to the store in full dress - in heels and with makeup. Men in this regard are little inferior to them.

Men in Italy are incredibly gallant, giving compliments to a woman of any age and in any situation is the norm for them, while the family remains a sacred concept, Italians do not miss, on occasion, show photos of their wife and children and tell even unfamiliar people about them.

Well, and, of course, it is impossible to recognize this country without tasting national dishes - pasta, lasagne, pizza, carpaccio, cafes, restaurants and pizzerias are here at every turn.

How much will it cost to stay in Italy

If you decide to independently organize a trip to any country in the world, first of all, you will have to take care of buying an air ticket. The study of prices leads to the conclusion that the cheapest option of a flight to Milan airports will cost 180 euros, a little more you will have to pay for a ticket to Rome and Naples - about 190 euros. The most expensive flight to Pisa and Venice is about 130 euros. Some tourists buy a ticket to Rimini, fly a charter flight, relax there, and then travel throughout the country.

Russian citizens will also have to take care of obtaining a Schengen visa. The price of a visa for a period from 1 to 90 days costs 35 euros, you will also have to pay to the visa center, which you apply to, and this is about 1,500 thousand rubles.

Every traveler should think about his own safety, since the prices for treatment in Italy are very high, take care of life insurance in advance. The insurance can be purchased online, prices range from € 7 and up.

You can find accommodation in any European city through special search engines, a day's stay in the center will cost an average of 40-45 euros per day for a double room, but experienced tourists prefer to stay in apartments. For 15-30 euros you can rent a small but comfortable apartment.

Campgrounds are considered the cheapest accommodation option - 10-15 euros per day.

Other expense items: