What did wonderful Italy give the world? It is the birthplace of a huge number of famous scientists and brilliant artists, it has the most objects in the world that are under UNESCO protection, and the nature of Italy itself is incredibly diverse and beautiful! Rome is filled with historical monuments, Venice exudes romance, the glorious history of Florence, which competed with Milan located to the north - attractions are everywhere in this country.

1. Valley of the Temples of Sicily

In sunny Sicily you can see one of its most beautiful attractions - the Valley of the Temples, located in Agrigento - this is the name of a large area of ​​archaeological excavations. There are many remains of ancient pagan temples dating back to the 5th century BC.

2. Cinque Terre

This National Park, protected by UNESCO, is one of the purest corners of pristine Italian nature, the pride of Liguria. Some of the most beautiful places in Italy are included in the UNESCO list - the picturesque terraces of the Cinque Terre. This reserve is called so because it consists of five small towns with simple provincial life, without the eye-catching architecture of modern buildings, and the air here is so clean that it is literally intoxicating. Diluted with vineyards and olive groves, the colorful houses of the Cinque Terre run down to the sea along rocky terraces.

3. Uffizi Gallery

The famous Florentine Uffizi Gallery is crowded with masterpieces of world painting. Listing the names of the authors of the paintings here can make your head spin: da Vinci, Giotto, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, Durer, as well as many other painters and sculptors of world fame. You shouldn’t even try to explore the numerous halls of the gallery in one day; it’s better to live in Florence for a while and savor the masterpieces in a leisurely atmosphere.

Anyone who has been lucky enough to visit Italy can rightfully call this country great, beautiful, unforgettable and different. Probably not in...

4. Colosseum

The Colosseum, located in the center of the Eternal City, is famous throughout the world. Its huge amphitheater has been attracting curious audiences to its terraces for about two thousand years. And always the main “dish” here was some special spectacle: gladiator fights, animal battles, or the persecution of the first Christians by them. In Latin, Colosseum means "large". And this is not an exaggeration, because at one time it could accommodate 50,000 spectators, which is still impressive today.

5. Cave city of Sassi di Matera

This city is carved into the rocks and scorched by the southern sun. Prehistoric people once lived here; in fact, it is a network of caves located at different levels. The intricate labyrinth contains many caves and underground passages in which ancient artifacts are hidden.

6. Pompeii

By 79, the coast of the Gulf of Naples was quite densely populated, and its inhabitants blithely admired the smoking peak of Vesuvius. But one day, not the most beautiful, came when the mountain exploded, a column of ash rose many kilometers into the sky, and deadly pyroclastic flows rushed down, which killed most of the inhabitants, and the ashes fell asleep and thereby mothballed the city for many centuries.

7. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast can be called a paradise, from which you simply don’t want to leave. Here the Lattari mountain range approaches the sea and forms a winding coastline with typical Mediterranean vegetation and picturesque villages scattered here and there. The city of Amalfi has an ancient history, its own culture and folklore. To better understand the original Italy, you definitely need to come here.

8. Siena's historic center

Although Siena is inferior to its eternal historical rival Florence in terms of cultural heritage, it also has its own charm. The ancient city center is especially interesting for tourists, where there is a lot to see.

9. Vatican

In the center of Rome there is a unique mini-state of the Vatican, which is a complete attraction. It occupies a fairly large block, surrounded by a high wall and with an entrance from St. Peter's Square and the basilica of the same name. But the Vatican has not only enormous cultural value. It is the capital of the Catholic world. Pilgrims from all over the world strive to get to the holy city, believing that here they can find harmony and purify their spirit. And inside the Vatican there are countless masterpieces, including the famous Sistine Chapel.

10. St. Mark's Basilica

Saint Mark the Evangelist was buried in this basilica, so it turned out to be closely connected with the history of Venice and all of Italy. It is located near the Grand Canal, its majestic outline dominates the adjacent St. Mark's Square. Many artists are inspired by the beauty of this place.

11. Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is located between the Capitoline and Palatine hills of the Eternal City. Grandiose excavations are still underway on it. If anyone is planning to visit the capital of Italy, then they should definitely visit the heart of the ancient Roman Empire.

12. Blue Grotto on Capri

The island of Capri, located opposite Naples, is remarkable in many ways. One of its amazing natural attractions is the Blue Grotto. When the rays of the sun begin to make their way through the thickness of the sea water into the cave, it is illuminated in neon blue. Observing this phenomenon certainly delights travelers.

13. Venice Grand Canal

While in Venice, you can take a water bus to travel along the Grand Canal. Thanks to this comfortable excursion, the traveler will plunge into the ancient history of the city. The most famous Venetian canal is more than 3.5 kilometers long, it crosses all 6 districts of the historical center of the city, and architectural masterpieces are located here and there along its banks.

The Eternal City can be imagined as one big attraction. People all over the world are well aware of the most iconic Roman buildings, magnificent pla...

14. Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa has been familiar to everyone since school; it is the most recognizable landmark of this city. The architects clearly miscalculated the location of the tower and, of course, did not intend to make it so inclined. When construction reached only the third tier, the foundation of the tower could not stand it, sank, and the tilt of the structure became obvious. Over the centuries it has only increased. For several decades now, various projects have been proposed to save the landmark, aimed at strengthening the foundation and stopping the process of the building falling.

15. Santa Maria del Fiore

Located in Florence, the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore stands out with its dome and expressive colors. The building dominates the historical center of the city. Several outstanding architects worked on its creation and managed to create an incredibly beautiful architectural masterpiece.

16. Roman Trevi Fountain

Among the labyrinth of ancient streets of Rome hides one of the pearls of the Eternal City - the Trevi Fountain, an outstanding example of elegant baroque architecture. This is one of the most beautiful and world famous fountains. It is very popular among tourists who throw kilograms of coins into its bowl every day.

17. Assisi

In Italian Umbria there is the ancient town of Assisi, where St. Francis founded his order and the first monastery. Nowadays, up to 5 million tourists come here annually, which is many times more than the local population. They come to see the monastery complex, which includes the Church of San Francesco, built in the 13th century, in the crypt of which a shrine with the relics of St. Francis is kept. The walls of the building are painted with frescoes depicting events from the life of the saint. Here is also the equally ancient church of Santa Chiara, near which is the tomb of St. Clare of Assisi, as well as the even more ancient cathedral (12th century) of San Rufino in the Romanesque style.

Florence is the administrative center of the province of Tuscany and the center of architecture and art of the Renaissance, during which the city was an important...

18. Vesuvius

This, although inactive, but still active volcano in 79 destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum located at its foot. It last erupted in 1944. At the moment its height is 1281 meters. Extreme tourists even try to penetrate its crater. But to feel that the volcano is alive and just sleeping, you only need to rise above a thousand meters to feel the smell of sulfur and the warmth of the surrounding stones.

19. Valle d'Aosta

This small region of Italy is the most sparsely populated. There are many mountain rivers and flowering alpine meadows here. For true connoisseurs of natural beauty, this is the best place to relax.

20. Caves of the Frasassi Gorge

If you have a bad day while on holiday in Italy, you can make the most of it by heading to the Frasassi Gorge, where you can take a 75-minute journey “to the center of the earth”. The travel route here runs through one of the world's largest karst complexes; along its course there are stairs and convenient passages.

21. Roman Pantheon

The magnificent building of the ancient Roman pantheon became not only an example of high ancient architecture, but also a revolutionary breakthrough in construction technology. It became the touchstone for a string of later buildings in imitation of it. The building, despite its enormous age, is perfectly preserved, so tourists have the opportunity to visit it. It's especially spectacular inside at midday, when a column of sunlight falls almost vertically through the round hole in the center of the giant dome.

22. Villa Adriana in Tivoli

This is the name of a whole complex of imperial apartments located near Rome. We have reached us with a large atrium, a huge vestibule, rooms for slaves, baths, the Canopic Museum, the Temple of Apollo, a Greek theater, and a library with the works of the Greeks and Romans. There was a fish pool in the courtyard, surrounded by a garden.

Almost every Italian city has ancient palaces or temples, and in the narrow streets of the old quarters, paved with cobblestones, time seems completely...

23. San Gimignano

In Tuscany, not far from Florence, there is the town of San Gimignano, which was able to preserve its medieval appearance. Here it is easy to imagine a knight armed with a sword walking along a narrow street. The city has 14 ancient towers and an interesting historical museum.

24. Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

The pearl of Milan was the cathedral, which bears the features of the flaming Gothic style. This is the fifth largest Christian temple on the planet, and it looks extremely impressive. It is decorated with about 3 thousand magnificent statues, luxurious interiors, and from the observation deck at the top of the cathedral you can see the whole of Milan.

25. Trulli city Alberobello

Small white “gnome” houses with a conical roof are very reminiscent of fairy tales. Similar houses can be seen on the shores of the Adriatic Sea in the town of Alborobello. It can easily compete with other famous Italian attractions, because it can surprise. There are no such buildings as trulli anywhere else in the world. The ancestors of modern residents built these houses using a unique technology - there was a foundation stone in the foundation, after the removal of which the house was completely destroyed. This saved... from paying taxes.

Many historical, cultural, architectural and religious monuments are located in this country. Italian culture has enriched our world due to its amazing originality and uniqueness. Thus, in the famous city of Venice in the north of the country there are no separate architectural attractions; it itself is a unique monument to urban planning. Situated on one hundred and eighteen islands, one of the most beautiful cities in the world has a long history. It has existed since the 5th century. The Venetians sought salvation from the barbarians and ours on the islands. This was followed by centuries of development and formation of Venice. Today it is a cultural center and attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year.

The UNESCO list in Italy also includes the historical center of Rome and the famous Vatican. This separate state inside the Italian capital is not only the center of the Catholic world, but also a place where amazing historical and architectural monuments are concentrated. These are beautiful gardens and cathedrals. Among them, it is worth noting St. Peter's Cathedral, in the creation of which Michelangelo, Raphael and other masters of Italian painting took part. As for the Italian capital, Rome, of course, is famous for its ancient architectural monuments. This includes the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and other objects.

The monastery of Santa Maria della Grazie in Milan is one of the architectural monuments protected by UNESCO in Italy. Outwardly, this is an unremarkable monastery, but if you look inside, you can find a fresco of the “Last Supper” by the great Leonardo da Vinci. It was commissioned from the painter by Duke Lodovico Sforza. It took several years to create the canvas. Due to the technique used for applying paint to a dry wall, the fresco began to crumble during Leonardo’s lifetime. This was followed by wars and bombings during the last world conflict, which did not have the best effect on the safety of the masterpiece. But in the end it was possible to restore it. Today both the 15th-century church and the fresco are included in the World Heritage Site.

Wherever an inquisitive tourist goes on a trip to Italy, be it Rome or Venice, Milan or Verona, Florence or Genoa, the atmosphere of the majestic past of these lands reigns everywhere.

Cultural and historical heritage of Italy

The three-thousand-year history of Italy has preserved on its territory a countless number of monuments, among which one can find examples of antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism. Wherever an inquisitive tourist goes on a trip to Italy, be it Rome or Venice, Milan or Verona, Florence or Genoa, the atmosphere of the majestic past of these lands reigns everywhere.

Italy is called a museum country, carefully preserving traces of the once mighty Roman Empire, as well as monuments of other civilizations and eras in which the events of the past come to life. The luxurious architecture of the buildings has preserved the traditions of the formation of most famous European styles. Here you can find original Byzantine mosaics, ancient Roman sculptures, Baroque crypts and ancient amphitheaters.

Roman forum

Being in Italy, it seems that time has inexplicably stopped here. Contemplating the magnificent buildings of the Vatican, looking at the infamous gladiatorial battles, destroyed, but still remaining majestic, the Colosseum, traveling along the canal streets of Venice, or admiring other sights of Italy, the feeling of the frailty of the world and the hectic rhythm of life disappears.

Traveling around Italy means getting to know cities of amazing beauty, unforgettable excursions to Sicily and, of course, visiting eternal Rome. “All roads lead to Rome” is a phrase that has become popular all over the world. Indeed, Rome is one of the oldest cities on the planet, where the most famous sights of the country are concentrated. The heart of Rome is its ruins - silent witnesses of past civilizations. The most recognizable among them are the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon.

The Flavian Amphitheater, more often called the Colosseum, is a symbol of the former strength, greatness and power of Rome. The art and culture travel magazine claims that it is one of the most famous monuments of antiquity. Built back in the 1st century (according to the plans of an unknown architect) for holding various kinds of holidays, the amphitheater was accessible to everyone. Its arena hosted tournaments of knights, “sea battles” and various kinds of spectacles. Alas, brutal gladiator fights and so-called “games” - baiting animals - were especially popular among them.

The Romans called the large square in the very center of the ancient city and the buildings adjacent to it the Forum. Initially, it was an ordinary shopping area, but a little later it became the center of public life in the city. As it grew, the Forum became so large that it became the center of business, religious and cultural life for the townspeople. During the decline of the Roman Empire, the destructive invasions of the barbarians affected this famous square, which was only restored for posterity at the beginning of the 20th century.

In whatever corner of the country a tourist would have to stop when going on a trip to sunny Italy, more and more new discoveries appear before his eyes. Venice is the most mysterious and amazing city on the water, which until today has managed to preserve its medieval appearance. Casanova, gondolier serenades, pigeons from St. Mark's Square known to all travelers - all this is the heart and soul of Italy - incomparable Venice.

Winding canal streets, decorated gondolas gliding along them, romantic openwork bridges, palaces and temples, as well as carnivals filled with music and brightly colored masks. It is difficult to imagine Venice without its Grand Canal, on the banks of which there are more than 100 amazing and beautiful palaces.

A trip to Italy should not end without visiting Sicily, called the “island of living myths.” On its southern coast you can still find stone blocks that, according to legend, the Cyclops Polyphemus threw at the ships of Odysseus. As before, two monsters stand guard on the shores of the Strait of Messina - Charybdis and Scylla, who destroyed the lives of many sailors. All famous sights of Italy are interesting and unique. And for many centuries, in the eyes of millions of tourists, it itself appears as a place of ancient history and great culture, which has long become a world heritage.

Tuscany's glorious past is a daily source of inspiration and creativity for new generations. It is loved by artists and intellectuals; many people dream of visiting here at least once in their lives.

Chapel di Vitaleta in Val d'Orcia © CICERUACCHIO / Flickr.com

Historical center of Florence

The city arose on the site of a Roman fortification. Its center is a real treasury of priceless works of art, humanistic culture and architecture.

In Cathedral Square you can admire the main monuments of the Renaissance: the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore (the structure of the church is an example of Italian Gothic), near which is Giotto's bell tower. But the basilica is crowned with a majestic dome by Filippo Brunelleschi. This dome became a real symbol of the Renaissance. Opposite the cathedral stands the Baptistery, one of the oldest buildings in Florence, combining elements of early Christian and Romanesque architecture, with the Gates of Heaven by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Panoramic view of the city and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore © Shutterstock.com

Then we move to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi: this palace, one of the first examples of Renaissance architecture, was designed by the architect Michelozzo. Nearby is the Basilica of San Lorenzo, created by Brunelleschi at the request of the Medici family. In its interior there are two sacristies (sacristies), Old and New, decorated with works by Donatello and Michelangelo. By the way, if you want to see one of Buonarroti's greatest works, David, it is worth visiting the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts. Just nearby, in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, is another superb example of Renaissance architecture, the Ospedale degli Innocenti (lit. "Shelter of the Innocents", Europe's first orphanage), with its famous vaulted loggia. Among other monuments, do not forget to visit the Palazzo Strozzi and the Church of Santa Maria Novella.

Basilica and Piazza Santa Croce © GTS Productions / Shutterstock.com

Walking along Via dei Calzaiuoli you will find yourself in Piazza della Signoria, the cultural and political center of the city, overlooked by the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery with a unique collection of Renaissance paintings. The Basilica of Santa Croce is located nearby.

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio © Shutterstock.com

Behind the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, is the Oltrarno quarter, where you can still find ancient artisan shops that still work using traditional technologies. Florence is not only about architecture, but also about the special spirit of a community of artisans that evokes handcraft and the highest quality of production.

Florence is the heir to a glorious past, carefully preserved for future generations, a unique place with a unique atmosphere.

Historic center of Siena

In the historic center of Siena, each building was designed and built taking into account the overall plan of the city, resulting in an architectural masterpiece that has no analogues in the world. Gothic medieval buildings are surviving evidence of the high technical and artistic level of the architects who worked on the appearance of Siena in the past.

Panoramic view of the city and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta © Botond Horvath / Shutterstock.com

Architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance are literally everywhere here and within walking distance, awaiting the next visitors and researchers who want to join the history of this city. You can stroll through popular places and feel like a Sienese of those times. It's worth starting with the most famous architectural monument - Palazzo Publico in Piazza del Campo. In the palace, among other things, there is the lavishly decorated Conchistoro Hall, on the ceiling of which the artist Domenico Beccafumi created an allegorical cycle of frescoes on the theme “Political Virtues” in 1529-1535. This is one of the most enchanting fresco cycles of that era.

Street of a medieval city © Shutterstock.com

On the nearby Via dei Pellegrini, leading to the Baptistery, the same Beccafumi, commissioned by the homeowner Sarcello Agostini, completed a series of frescoes on mythological subjects. These frescoes are one of the pinnacles of Italian Cinquecento painting. Almost opposite is the Palazzo del Magnifico, once the residence of Pandolfo Petrucci, the ruler of Siena. All that remained of it were the walls, and the furniture and interiors were divided between city and foreign museums. Of its rich fresco decoration, only the composition “The Flight of Aeneas from Troy” by Girolamo Genga has survived, which is now kept in the Siena National Pinacoteca, one of the richest Tuscan collections of medieval and Renaissance art.

View of Piazza del Campo © Ventura / Shutterstock.com

Nearby is the Palazzo Piccolomini, commissioned by the heirs of Pope Pius II. It is a classic example of Renaissance architecture, probably designed by Bernardo Rossellino, a papal architect. Today it houses the Siena Archives and the Museo delle Biccherne, dedicated to the painted covers of the accounting books of the financial department of the municipality of Siena, the work of which was commissioned by famous artists.

Having formed a general idea of ​​​​Sienese painting, it is worth moving to the walls of the Palazzo Chigi Saracini on Via di Città, where the most significant works of artists such as Sano di Pietro, Girolamo del Pacchia, Sodoma and Beccafumi are kept.

Pienza, the "ideal city"

From a medieval town to a monumental masterpiece: by the will of Pope Pius II, Pienza became a symbol and example of perfect Renaissance architecture. The Ideal City, with beautiful buildings and squares designed by Alberti in collaboration with Rossellino, is the first attempt to apply the ideas of the philosophy of humanism to urban planning.

Historic center of Chicks, Piazza Pius II: in the center - the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, on the left - the Episcopal Palace, on the right - Palazzo Piccolomini © Shutterstock.com

Pienza is located in the magnificent Val d'Orcia. The city appeared in 1405 at the behest of Pope Pius II (before that there was a small borgo of Corsignano), who wanted to create an ideal city, contrasting with another city that also belonged to his family, Siena. He assembled a team of the best artists and architects and asked them to create a project that took into account the philosophy of a new, promising era - the Italian Renaissance. In just three years, from 1459 to 1462, Pienza - the Ideal City, the Utopian City, was built. The city appeared as the fruit of “a thought of love and a dream of beauty,” as Giovanni Pascoli wrote.

Towers of San Gimignano

The towers of San Gimignano still tower proudly above its palaces and churches. This city is an exceptional embodiment of medieval culture, where art, architecture and history are fused into an elegant and solemn image, preserving for us many masterpieces of Italian art from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Panoramic view of the city of San Gimignano © Shutterstock.com

This is a real pearl of the Val d'Elsa: here, wherever you are, you will see ancient towers reaching into the sky, giving San Gimignano a unique flavor. Only in this place has the appearance of the Tuscan city of the 13th-14th centuries been preserved. While walking along these streets, you get the impression that you really are in the Middle Ages.

The streets of the city are located on the green slopes of the hill. Everything here breathes with the traditions of the past. Walking through the historical center, you will see 13 preserved tower houses. At their peak, there were 72 of them. Towers were a symbol of power, and wealthy families sought to surpass the height of their rivals' towers.

Cathedral Square of San Gimignano © Shutterstock.com

San Gimignano is also famous for its white vernaccia wine, one of the most prestigious in Italy. It has been produced here since the 13th century. Another traditional and ancient product is saffron, which made a significant contribution to the economy of San Gimignano during the Middle Ages.

"Piazza of Miracles" in Pisa

Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles, is one of the most perfect examples of the Romanesque architectural style, which organically combines classical, early Christian, Lombard and oriental motifs. The ensemble of the square includes the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Campo Santo cemetery and, of course, the famous Leaning Tower.

Cathedral and Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles in Pisa © ELEPHOTOS / Shutterstock.com

Construction of the Baptistery began in 1152 and took 200 years to complete. The pulpit of the baptistery was made by the great sculptor Nicola Pisano. It is noteworthy that the echo inside the baptistery changes tone if you make sounds while standing on one side of the baptismal font. Also on the square is the Campo Santo cemetery, which is 130 meters long. It faces the square with a side with 43 blind arches. To the right of Campo Santo stands the Pisa Cathedral, a perfect example of Romanesque architecture. Its construction began in 1063. The huge building is completely covered with marble. Behind the cathedral is the famous Leaning Tower, which is 56 meters high.

Cultural landscape of the Val d'Orcia: art and landscapes

The edge of the hills where harmony reigns - this is exactly what Val d’Orcia looks like if you leisurely ride along it on a bicycle. These views, with soaring cypress trees and roads winding along unpredictable paths, have traditionally inspired poets, writers and artists. At dawn and dusk, the tops of the cypress trees seem like tassels that paint the horizon.

Sunrise in the San Quirico d'Orcia Valley © Shaiith / Shutterstock.com

Clay, ravines, white limestone, hillside vineyards, olive groves and fields balance the urban beauty of Pienza and Montalcino. Architectural masterpieces such as the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, the collegiate church of San Quirico, the fortresses of Radicofani and d'Orcia, the medieval baths of Bagno Vignoli and the Ospedaletto farm form a complete image of rare beauty.

Medici Villas and Gardens

We are talking about 14 villas and gardens belonging to the Medici family, monuments of secular architecture, designed by the best architects in the 15th-18th centuries.

Villa Medici in Poggio a Caiano © Shutterstock.com

The first two villas are in Trebbio and Cafagiolo al Mugello, where the Medici family came from. In Poggio a Caiano is the Villa Medici, built by Giuliano da Sangallo at the end of the 15th century on the site of an earlier villa of the Strozzi family. It belonged to Lorenzo the Magnificent and hosted many historical figures, including King Victor Emmanuel II. This villa is distinguished by a simple and noble architecture, with accents including a strict portico on the terrace on the ground floor: a two-flight staircase leads to a harmonious central loggia, located on this terrace, built according to classical canons. Inside, the villa is like a small museum: its walls are decorated with frescoes from the 16th century, and outside it is surrounded by a magnificent park.

Villa Artimino, also known as “La Ferdinanda” or the Villa of a Hundred Fireplaces, and the surrounding park. Top view © immaginefoto.com

Not far from Comeana is La Ferdinanda, also known as Villa Artimino, built by the architect Bernardo Buontalenti for Ferdinando I de' Medici at the end of the 16th century.

Villa Medicea di Castella, built in the style of Renaissance architecture, is located in the village of the same name. Its restoration was carried out by Vasari, and the surrounding garden was designed by Tribolo. Today this villa is the seat of the Accademia della Crusca, an expert council in the field of linguistics and philology of the Italian language.

Villa Medici in Petraia is considered one of the most beautiful residences in the area. It received its current appearance as a result of reconstruction according to the Buontalenti project (in the second half of the 16th century), carried out on behalf of Ferdinando I. Another Medici villa is located near Fiesole. It is called "Bel Canto", or "Palagio di Fiesole". Its construction was ordered by Cosimo the Elder, and the design was developed by Michelozzo (1458-1461).

Villa Medici in Petraia. Top view of the villa and surrounding garden © footage.framepool.com

Villa Medicea di Carreggi is located on the outskirts of Florence. It was acquired by the Medici family in the first half of the 15th century and rebuilt according to Michelozzi's design. The customer was Cosimo the Elder. The villa is surrounded by a magnificent park and became Cosimo's favorite residence, where he died in 1464.

Villa Medici in Fiesole. Parterre on the lower terrace of the garden © Cecil Pinset / Wikimedia Commons

The "Lorraine" Villa Medici is located in Poggio Imperiale, a kilometer from Porta Romana. On one side it rises above the Ema Valley, and on the other - above the whole of Florence. It was built in 1427 and belonged to the Baroncelli, Pondolfini and Salviati families until it was purchased by the Medici family. Its reconstruction was carried out in 1622 - 1625 under the leadership of the architect Giulio Parigi, and then again at the end of the 18th century by the architect Gaspare Maria Paoletti, who remodeled the summer residence. It acquired its current neoclassical appearance in the 19th century, the author of the project was Pasquale Poccianti. In 1864, King Victor Emmanuel opened the Collegio Santissima Annunziata, a women's boarding house, in the villa.

Villa Medici "La Maggia di Quarrata" © viaggiointorno.it

Villa Medici "La Maggia di Quarrata" is located on the northern slopes of the Montalbano mountain range. A massive square-shaped fortification rises above the gentle hills of the foothills. The villa was purchased in 1583 by Grand Duke Francesco I de' Medici, who also began its reconstruction. Probably, the architect Bernardo Buontalenti took part in the project of relaying utility lines.

Italy is famous for the richest cultural traditions in the world. The achievements of Italians in art, architecture, literature, music and science had a great influence on the development of culture in many other countries.

Long before the emergence of the civilization of Ancient Rome, the cultures of the Etruscans in Tuscany and the Greeks in southern Italy developed. After the fall of the Roman Empire in Italy, culture fell into decline, and only in the 11th century. the first signs of its revival appeared. It reached its new peak in the 14th century. During the Renaissance, Italians played a leading role in European science and art. At that time such outstanding artists and sculptors as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo, writers Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio worked.

The culture of Italy is, first of all, artists and paintings. It’s not scary to say again that if you live in Italy, then you live in an “art gallery”; Italy has concentrated more cultural heritage than you can imagine. In fact, it is fair to say that if something was painted, acted, eaten, sung, molded or written, then it was done in an uplifting mood, and the result is presented in the highest artistic form. The world has a lot to thank the Italians for.

Writers ranging from Virgil, Ovid, Horak, Livy and Cicero, and ending with Dante and Petrarch. Boccaccio, Ficino, Mirandolo and Vasari were all Italians and all born in this blessed land. Italy's modern literature emerged in the 13th and 14th centuries, developing from its Latin heritage written in the country's many dialects and the works of Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio, who wrote mostly in the Florentine dialect.

Italian cuisine has absorbed the traditions and tastes of many regions of Italy, while maintaining the distinctive characteristics of each area even after being subjected to pan-Italian influence in the hands of chefs and evolving into a unique cuisine that is known throughout the world. Changes in cuisine can be traced from the rich and creamy dishes of the north to the hot and spicy dishes of the south. Northern Emilia - Romagna, produced the best known dishes - spaghetti bolognese, lasagne and tortellini, as well as homemade prosciutto and mortadella. Liguria is the home of pesto, the stronghold of all cafes in the world, not counting Hochzeitsauto Dortmund in Germany. Exciting vegetable and pasta dishes are served with seafood and exotic frog rissotto, donkey steak or pudding. Desserts - cassata, cannoli, zabaglione, granita and marzipan - originate from the diet of Sicily, while Sardinia is famous for its mouth-watering roast suckling pig. Coffee, beer and wine taste great throughout the country without exception.

Italian culture greatly influences world culture. Cinema would not be what it is today if it were not for that same Italian Marcello Mastroianni, Anna Magnani, Gina Lolobrigida, Sophia Loren and producers Lucino Visconti, Roberto Rossellini, Frederico Fellini, Michelangelo Anthony and Bernardo Bertolucci.

The Italians also contributed much to the musical culture of Italy, they invented the piano and the modern system of musical notation, Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Scarlatti, Bellini and Rossini also contributed.