The sights of Italy

Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. For many centuries, in different epochs, Italy has been the European center of culture, economy and politics.
In was in Italy where had appeared one of the most powerful empires on Earth. To this day, Italy has preserved many magnificent sights associated with the history of the Roman Empire. The main contributors to the history of Italy of that time were Julius Caesar, Tacitus, Agrippa, and many other great emperors, scholars and cultural figures.
Another era after Antiquity, when Italy became famous, was the Renaissance. At this time here worked many great sculptors, painters and other cultural figures. Probably there is not a man who doesn’t know such geniuses as Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolo Machiavelli, Raphael or Michelangelo. At that time Italy was the cultural capital of Europe.

Christianity in general and Catholicism in particular are also originated in the Roman Empire. The achievements of ancient civilizations became the basis for the development of the whole of Europe.
Now in Italy is concentrated more than a half of Europe's cultural heritage. Every city in Italy is a unique attraction itself that also has numerous cultural monuments.

In addition to the cultural attractions Italy has beautiful natural landscapes, natural monuments and national parks. Among Italian landscapes can be found beautiful meadows with olive groves, unique mountain peaks of the Alps, magnificent beaches, islands and crystal-clear lakes.

The political and cultural center of Italy is the "Eternal City" of Rome. Ever since the Roman Empire, as its capital, Rome has become famous as a center of European culture. The most striking sights of Rome are, of course, the Colosseum and the Forum. Once the Colosseum was able to receive about 50 thousand spectators, which is comparable with modern stadiums. In Rome also located the Pantheon, the temple of all gods, built in the early I century. The greatest religious monuments of Rome are St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, the residence of the Pope in the Vatican.

The second most important town in Italy is Milan. Milan is the capital of fashion and venue for major international festivals, exhibitions and conferences. The main attraction of Milan is its Cathedral Square, where is installed the monument to the King Victor Emmanuel II. There is also located the world's fourth-largest cathedral - the Duomo, as well as founded by the Holy Ambrosi in 379 old Basilica of Sant 'Ambrosio. And in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is kept the famous fresco "the Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci. Theater fans will not be left disappointed by visiting the Theater of La Scala.

Largest industrial center of Italy is Turin. Despite its status, Turin can also boast with its magnificent sights. The main square of the city is the Castello Square with its fortress of XIV century Palazzo Madama. In Turin is also situated Sidon Chapel with the shroud of Turin, in which was wrapped the body of Jesus after the crucifixion. Also here you can visit the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of the automobile industry.

The most popular among tourists city of Italy is Venice. The city is unique because it has more than 120 islands, which are сonnected by more than 150 canals and 400 bridges. Venice has been known for more than fifteen hundred years, and during that time managed to produce a lot of attractions. The main area of the city is Saint Mark's Square with the Cathedral of San Marco. One of the most beautiful buildings in Venice is the Palace of Doges. The most famous religious landmark is the church of Santa Maria della Salute, built in the XVII century in honor of the Virgin Mary in thanks for the saving from the plague. Also is worth visiting the famous Grand Canal that is the largest in Venice.

Naples is a peculiar city of Italy. The city that was founded in VIII century is notorious for the fact that it is located not far from the Vesuvius volcano, which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum. One of the main attractions is the Plebiscite Square, which is named in honor of the plebiscite of 1870, when Naples became a part of the Italian Kingdom. On the square are situated the St. Francis Cathedral, erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and the Royal Palace of 1600. And in the oldest Cathedral of the city the San Gennaro of XIII century is kept the main relic of Naples - the blood of the martyr, the patron saint of the city. Also in the city is located the National Museum, which is one of the largest museums of ancient art in Italy.

In addition to this in Italy there are such beautiful cities as Siena, Florence, Genoa, Pisa, the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In Florence is located the second largest in Italy Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore as well as works of Botticelli and Raphael, Siena is the religious center of Italy, Pisa is famous for the Pisa Tower, and Genoa is the chief town of the Italian Riviera - a popular place for tourists. Also a famous vacation spot is Lake Como, located not far from Milan. The resorts of Sardinia and Sicily are also very popular.