Italy culture, Art and architecture
Italy has given rise to a number of architectural styles, including classical Roman, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. Italy is home to some of the most famous structures in the world, including the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The concept of a basilica — which was originally used to describe an open public court building and evolved to mean a Catholic pilgrimage site. Italy also is home to many castles, such as the Valle d’Aosta Fort Bard, the Verrès Castle and the Ussel Castle.
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Florence, Venice and Rome are home to many museums, but art can be viewed in churches and public buildings. Most notable is the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican, painted by Michelangelo sometime between 1508 and 1512.
Italy is home to a number of world-renowned fashion houses, including Armani, Gucci, Benetton, Versace and Prada.
Top 10 destinations in Italy
Rome
The world’s greatest historic city with fabulous sights ranging from the Colosseum to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, from remarkable Baroque churches to the catacombs, Rome has its appeal at almost any time of year. But winter is an especially good choice. The sights are much quieter, but it’s also a surprisingly cosy: some restaurants even have a roaring open fire in the dining room.
Florence
Florence is, of course, the cradle of the Renaissance, and it’s the city’s remarkable architecture and art which are the main draw for tourists. This means long queues for several of the key museums and churches at most times of the year. But in January you can enjoy the art and the sights – most of which are indoors – entirely free of crowds. There’s great shopping to be had, too – especially during the January sales – and it’s an excellent time to make the most of the best bars and restaurants.
Venice
Always beautiful, always alluring, always romantic and never disappointing: you can’t go wrong with Venice at almost any time of year. But, while it can undoubtedly be chilly, there is a special magic to the city in winter. On clear days, the canals sparkle in the sunlight, and you can see the snow-capped Dolomites on the horizon.
Sicily
It’s the amazing variety which makes Sicily so special – from smouldering Etna, to stunning baroque towns and fabulous Greek and Roman ruins. But the sights are spread all over the island so you need to spend time on the road to link them all together. So March, when the weather is just beginning to warm up, yet the roads are quiet, is a great time to consider a trip. Plan to circumnavigate the island – you’ll need two weeks, but the highlights can be squeezed into a week.
Siena
More compact than Florence, and arguably more beautiful, Siena is one of the most unspoilt towns in Europe – architecturally much still dates from its medieval heyday. And the reason to come in July is because of another survival from that era – the extraordinary and hugely exciting Palio horse race which takes over the main square twice a year (July 2 and also August 16). You don’t have to pay a fortune to watch from a balcony window. Just come to the square a couple of hours before the race, bring plenty of water and enjoy the spectacle.
Verona
Forget Romeo, it’s Rome that makes Verona special. You’ll find it everywhere in this ancient, compact and sophisticated city – poking out of the corner of a street, or incorporated into a Renaissance church. But the most spectacular relic of its Roman past is, of course, the amphi theatre or Arena which hosts the open-air opera festival every summer. It’s one of Europe’s great cultural institutions and a key reason to plan your visit in July.
Amalfi Coast
There is nothing complicated about what the Amalfi Coast has to offer. Quite simply it is one long sunny, south-facing balcony overlooking the warm Tyrrhenian Sea, and is ideal for an ultra-relaxing seaside holiday, especially in spring or autumn. The roads are slow and winding, but there are plenty of boat trips along the coast. Choose between the chic hotels stacked up on the cliffs above the beach at Positano or Ravello; the livelier atmosphere of Amalfi, or one of the smaller villages such as Praiano.
Tuscany
Tuscany encapsulates everything that is most seductive about Italy – glorious landscapes, perfect climate, great art and architecture and a matchless cuisine. For the best of that cuisine, go in the autumn, when the light turns golden, the days are still warm, the rich harvest of figs, grapes, chestnuts, olives, apples, pears and pumpkins is at its peak, and fresh funghi are being gathered in the woods. A succession of local village festivals pays homage to the harvest – you’ll never enjoy a better feast.
Sorrento
Amalfi is on the south, Sorrento on the north side of the peninsula that edges the great Bay of Naples. Don’t go to this historic resort for a beach holiday, however. While there is a small town beach, most of the rest is clustered along the top of the cliffs above. This is a place to enjoy the autumn sunshine, strolling between outdoor cafés or relaxing in hotel gardens. It’s also the ideal for day trips to Naples or Capri (by ferry) or Pompeii and Herculaneum (by rail).
Milan
In many minds Milan is defined by its famous fashion brands, and, perhaps, La Scala opera house. But it is also a great destination for a cultural trip. As well as the opera, there are several excellent art museums, including the Brera, which holds one of the best collections of Renaissance art in Italy, and the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci – notably his Last Supper and his notebooks, some of which are on display in the Ambrosiana Library. Milanese cuisine – based as much on risottos as on pasta – is a highlight.
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