Discover Italy

Currency

Euro

Capital

Rome

Languages Spoken

Italian

Fun Foods

Pizza, Lasagna , Risotto, Focaccia , Gelato

Italy's history dates back to the dawn of civilization. The Italian Peninsula was home to many ancient cultures, including the Etruscans, who established advanced city-states well before the rise of Rome. These early civilizations laid the foundation for Italy's cultural legacy.

Rome, the eternal city, stands as the centerpiece of Italy's history. It emerged as a small settlement on the banks of the Tiber River and grew to become the capital of one of the world's greatest empires. Under the leadership of legendary figures such as Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Trajan, Rome expanded its control across vast territories, from the British Isles to the deserts of North Africa.

The Roman Empire's contributions to art, architecture, law, and governance are unparalleled in human history. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon are enduring testaments to the architectural genius of the Romans. Philosophers like Cicero and Seneca, scholars like Pliny the Elder, and military leaders like Scipio Africanus shaped the course of Western civilization.

The fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century marked a period of upheaval and transformation in Italy. The Italian Peninsula became a battleground for various barbarian invasions and the power struggles of different Germanic tribes. However, Italy remained a center of cultural and intellectual life, with monasteries preserving ancient manuscripts and traditions.

The Italian Renaissance, which blossomed in the 14th century, was a profound cultural and artistic awakening that reshaped the course of European history. This period, marked by luminaries like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, produced masterpieces of art, literature, and science. The Medici family of Florence, with their patronage of the arts, played a pivotal role in fostering this cultural renaissance.

As you travel across the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, you are reminded of the legacy of scholars like Dante Alighieri, whose "Divine Comedy" is a masterpiece of Italian literature, and Petrarch, a pioneer of the humanist movement. These thinkers laid the intellectual groundwork for the Enlightenment and modern Western thought.

The unification of Italy in the 19th century was a historic milestone in the nation's history. Visionaries like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Camillo di Cavour worked tirelessly to bring together the fragmented Italian states and principalities into a single, unified nation. The city of Rome was declared the capital of Italy, and the nation started a new journey of political and social transformation.

The 20th century brought Italy into the tumultuous currents of two world wars, fascism under Benito Mussolini, and the challenges of post-war reconstruction. Despite the scars of war and political turmoil, Italy emerged as a democratic republic and a founding member of the European Union.

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Appian Way

Known as the "Queen of Roads", this ancient road was built in 312 BC to move military supplies.

Arch of Trajan

A 15-meter tall arch built in honor of Emperor Trajan.

Arco della Pace

This arch was built in the 19th century to celebrate peace between European nations.

Basilica di San Lorenzo

Visit the burial place for the Medici family, a rich and powerful family of rulers in Italy.

Castello Sforzesco

This castle was built in 1450. It was converted to a fortress in 1526 before being restored to its current state today.

Cattedrale di Pisa

This breathtaking Roman Catholic cathedral was constructed in the 11th century.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Enjoy panoramic views of Florence from the top of the third largest church in the world.

Colosseum

Explore the ancient amphitheater where gladiator battles entertained crowds of up to 80,000 people.

Doge's Palace

Built in 1340, the palace remains one of the main landmarks of Venice.

Duomo di Milano

The magnificent basilica took 6 centuries to complete.

Ercolano

Discover the well-preserved ruins of this ancient Roman town destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted.

Forum of Nerva

An imperial forum completed under Emperor Nerva around AD 97.

Forum of Trajan

A grand Roman imperial forum built by Emperor Trajan.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Climb to the top of the leaning tower that draws over 1 million visitors a year.

Palazzo Vecchio

Overlooking the gallery of statues, the town hall houses many famous paintings and works of art.

Pantheon

This well preserved temple from ancient Rome was built to "honor all Gods".

Pompeii

Buried under ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted, the city wasn't discovered again until 1748.

Ponte Vecchio

Once the only bridge over the Arno River, the bridge has become a lively spot for visitors to explore.

Rialto Bridge

The oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal, shops were added in the 15th century to pay for its maintenance.

Roman Forum

An open-air location where important political, religious, and other social events took place in ancient Rome.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Home to Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting called "The Last Supper".

Spanish Steps

Built in 1732, climb the 135 steps for picturesque views of the surrounding piazza.

St. Mark's Basilica

Visit this impressive Roman Catholic church that dates back to the 11th century.

Trajan's Market

An early shopping mall built over 1900 years ago.

Trevi Fountain

Visit this huge 300 year old fountain and take part in the fun tradition of throwing a coin in over your left shoulder.

Verona Arena

Made of pink and white limestone, the arena was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

Victor Emmanuel II National Monument

Completed in the 1930's, the monument honors Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy.

Villa Adriana

An impressive ancient Roman villa built by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD.